Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters
The right message at the right time from the right person can save lives. Every natural disaster is unique and emergency responders have to quickly adapt to the ever-changing nature of a crisis. To be able to more quickly and effectively disseminate messages before, during, and after an emergency, many key messages can be written in the preparedness phase. CDC developed a reference document that contains key messages on hurricane and flood related health threats.
The Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasterspdf icon (Spanishpdf icon) can help local responders quickly create and adapt health communication products for affected communities. The document contains messages on various topics including food safety, carbon monoxide poisoning, waterborne diseases, and mold. The Hurricane Key Messages: COVID-19 Annexpdf icon (Spanish)pdf icon includes public messaging to help people safely prepare, evacuate, and shelter for severe storms while protecting themselves and others from COVID-19.
How to Use this Document
Public health and emergency management partners can add the key messages document as a resource to their communication plans that address hazards expected from extreme weather involving strong wind and high water. Partners can also use these messages to develop products with protective information for diverse audiences before, during, and after a hurricane, flood, or similar disaster.
Contents
- Hurricanes and other tropical storms
- Hurricanes multimedia toolkit
- Be ready for hurricane season
- Flood safety
- Tips on how to protect yourself from floods
- Educational materials by topic
- Educational materials by language
- Preparedness infographics
- State and local emergency preparedness
- Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, and COVID-19
- Hurricanes and COVID-19
