Emergency Response Resources

Natural Disasters

Protecting Emergency Responders, Volume 3:  Safety Management in Disaster and Terrorism Response
This report provides background and recommendations for improving safety management at large-scale disaster sites. It covers natural and manmade disasters, including terrorism. This report builds on systems and practices currently in use and was developed primarily for use by local emergency responders and those individuals and organizations that have been tasked with disaster site safety and health responsibilities.

NIOSH Suggested Guidance for Supervisors at Disaster Rescue Sites
This web page has work plan essentials, site safety and team leader checklists, potential hazards and recommendations for supervisors at disaster rescue sites.

NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Carbon Monoxide Hazards from Small Gasoline Powered Engines
Small gasoline-powered engines, such as generators, can pose a serious health hazard following natural disasters. They produce high concentrations of CO--a poisonous gas that can cause illness, permanent neurological damage, and death. This web page provides recommendations for employers, equipment users, tool rental agencies, and tool manufacturers for preventing CO poisoning.

CDC Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Topic Page
This web page contains reports detailing the problems associated with carbon monoxide from portable generators, motorboats, fires, and other emission sources.

CDC Natural Disaster and Severe Weather Topic Page
This web page contains information on various disasters and weather emergencies, including earthquakes, extreme heat, floods, hurricanes, landslides and mudslides, tornados, tsunamis, volcanoes, wildfires, and winter weather.

Natural Disasters and Weather Emergencies
External Link: http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/
This webpage from the Environmental Protection Agency contains information on planning and preparing, as well as response and recovery, after hurricanes, flooding, drought, extreme heat, tornados, snow and ice, volcanoes, and wildfires.

Fighting Wildfires & Fire Cleanup

NIOSH Fighting Wildfires Topic Page
This web page contains information on hazards firefighters and other workers may encounter during wildland fire operations.

Information for Wildfire Responders
This CDC fact Sheet details types of hazards that workers may face during fire clean up efforts, including electrical hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, hazardous materials, & confined spaces.

NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Heat Stress
Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. This topic page explains the types of heat stress and the effects each has on workers and provides recommendations for employers and for workers on how to prevent heat stress.

Fire Safety: Hazards and Possible Solutions
External Link: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/firesafety/recognition.html
This web page from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides general information on fire safety. It contains links to resources on hazards and possible solutions (such as employer safety training) related to fire safety.

Flood and Hurricane Response

NIOSH Storm and Flood Topic Page
This web page contains information on electrical hazards, carbon monoxide, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, motor vehicles, hazardous materials, fire, confined spaces and falls.

Personal Protective Equipment

Emergency Response Personal Protective Equipment Page,
Personal protective equipment is very important for any emergency responder. There are five main types of PPE that are covered on this page: respirators and protective clothing (selection, proper use, etc.), skin exposures and eye and hearing protection.

Personal Protective Equipment

Emergency Preparedness for Business