Communicating in the First Hours
First Hours Resources: Key Websites and Online Resources

En español

The following list includes additional online resources and documents to help public health officials prepare for emergencies, including terrorism incidents.

  • USDHHS
    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides a comprehensive collection of online resources ranging from bioterrorism and emergency preparedness to mental health and traumatic events. This Web site also features HHS news and links to other highlights.
  • CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response
    The emergency preparedness and response Web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on agents, diseases, and other threats. Available in English and Spanish, this site provides useful links to additional topics and resources as well as the latest CDC news.
  • Emergency Preparedness and You
    The American Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have teamed up to provide guidance on preparing for a terrorism incident. On this site, one will find guidance on what kinds of emergency supplies to have on hand and advice on how to store supplies, from food and water to disaster supplies kits.
  • DHS Ready Site
    Ready, the preparedness Web site from the Department of Homeland Security, provides information on preparing, planning, and staying informed. Information is tailored for the general public, business, and children. On this site, one will find information for special populations, such as senior citizens and pet owners, in addition to downloadable tools such as checklists, brochures, and plans.
  • HHS/Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: A Reference Guide for the Media
    Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: A Reference Guide for Media is the media’s guide on how to quickly and clearly communicate terrorism and public health emergency messages to the public. In PDF format, the guide can be viewed and printed in its entirety or by chapter.
  • HHS/Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: A Field Guide
    This Media Field Guide is a compact companion to the broader Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: A Reference Guide for Media. This PDF version was designed to be printed and used in the field to quickly and clearly communicate terrorism and public health emergency messages to the public.
  • HHS/Public Health Emergency Response: A Guide for Leaders and Responders
    Website Coming Fall 2006
    This guide is designed to provide information on the public health response to emergencies; it is specifically tailored for public officials (e.g., mayors, governors, county executives, emergency managers) and first responders (e.g., police, fire, EMS). Included is comprehensive information on topics ranging from how federal health agencies function in an emergency to legal issues and recovery after the crisis is over.
  • CDCynergy:  Emergency Risk Communication (ERC CDCynergy)
    This website provides a framework for public health communicators to plan for, respond to, and evaluate communication efforts during a terrorist event. It includes a downloadable version of Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication: Be First, Be Right, Be Credible. The application of crisis and emergency risk communication principles is detailed throughout this book and the Web Site
  • Crisis + Emergency Risk Communication
    Crisis + Emergency Risk Communication is a course designed to introduce communication principles and tools for emergency risk communication. It addresses a number of topics critical to successful public, partner, and stakeholder communication during an emergency situation. Available online are a PDF version of the textbook and accompanying PowerPoint instructor slides for those who are training others in emergency risk communication.
  • CDC/Public Health Workbook to Define, Locate and Reach Special, Vulnerable and At-Risk Populations in an Emergency
    CDC’s “Public Health Workbook to Define, Locate, and Reach Special, Vulnerable, and At-Risk Populations in an Emergency,” which is available for download, provides a process that can support state, local, and tribal planners as they advance in their efforts to reach all populations—and specifically, special populations—in day-to-day communication and during crisis or emergency situations.

Current State Preparedness Efforts

Contact Us • Visit CDC's Emergency Preparedness and Response site