Disaster Preparedness Center

En Español (Spanish Version)

Read here for information on common health risks, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family in the event of a natural disaster. Also, follow our external links to several national authorities for additional information.

Column 1 | Column 2

Column 1

High Risk Groups

People at highest risk for health complications following a natural disaster are those with pre-existing health problems. These individuals may suffer considerably due to lack of available medical care during this time.

Anyone displaced or otherwise traumatized is understandably susceptible to compromised mental health. In particular, people with pre-existing mental illness and addiction disorders are at high risk of exacerbation and relapse.

Health Risks

Common ailments of concern in the wake of a disaster include:

• Contact dermatitis
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Food poisoning
• Fracture

Other possible concerns include:

• Anxiety
• Animal bites
• Anthrax
• Amoebic dysentery
• Cholera
• Depression
• Ebola hemorrhagic fever
• E. coli infection
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Hepatitis A
• Insect bites and stings
• Polio
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Rabies
• Rotavirus
• Salmonella
• Smallpox
• Staph infection
• Trauma
• Typhoid fever
• West Nile virus

Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures

• Debridement of a wound, infection, or burn

Prevention

Vaccines

• Anthrax vaccine
• Hepatitis A vaccine
• Rabies vaccine
• Smallpox vaccine
• Typhoid vaccine

How to wash your hands properly

Chances are, you have been washing your own hands for quite a while. All it takes is a little soap and some water, right? Actually, there is a bit more to handwashing. Below, find out how to wash your hands correctly, and why it matters so much.

Preparing for an emergency: a disaster supply kit

What would you do if a disaster struck close to your home, and you were instructed to evacuate or “shelter in place”? Are you prepared to meet your family’s needs until help arrives?

Column 2

Special Topics

Key facts about infectious disease

Although infectious diseases are a frightening prospect, widespread outbreaks of infectious disease after natural disasters are not common in the US. Rare and deadly exotic diseases do not suddenly break out in areas where such diseases do not naturally occur.

Vibrio vulnificus

Vibrio vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat contaminated seafood or have an open wound that is exposed to seawater. Among healthy people, ingestion of V. vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Learn more about this disease and ways you can prevent it.

Coping

How to cope with disaster: tips for adults

After experiencing a tragic event, it can be hard to understand and cope with the range of emotions that you may be feeling. Learn about the common responses to disaster and strategies to help yourself heal.

How to choose a therapist or counselor

Before you jump into therapy, there are important issues that you need to consider.

Group therapy: can it help you?

Although many people can't imagine sharing their problems with a group, group therapy is a way for individuals to work on their problems in a protected and confidential atmosphere.

Mental resilience: bouncing back from adversity

It is far healthier to develop the ability to bounce back from adversity than it is to remain mired in misfortune. Learn more about the power of being resilient.

Mental health practitioners: who’s who?

If you or someone you love needs therapy, it helps to know the difference between the types of mental health professionals.