Welcome

The likelihood of a natural disaster occurring in Alabama is high. Hurricanes, floods, droughts, and winter storms are possible. In addition to what we see from nature, we also can expect some man-made disasters in Alabama. Among the list of potential man-made disasters are wildfires and accidents involving hazardous materials and chemical stockpiles.

Disasters come in many forms and may happen when we least expect them. But you can be prepared. This site has many resources intended to help you prepare for disasters such as those listed above. Spending a few hours in preparation for a disaster can make recovery easier and may even save lives – your own and those of loved ones – not to mention companion animals and possessions.

January 2009 Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak

Peanut Butter Product Recalls -- U.S. Food and Drug Administration Site is updated as new information is received.

New Disaster Relief Web Site

DisasterAsisstance.gov was launched December 31, 2008 with links to 17 U.S. Government agencies providing disaster assistance.  You can apply for assistance with a single, online application. This website is intended to speed the application process and allow you to check the progress of your application online.

Disaster Kits are for all seasons. What does it take to build a kit?

Be prepared for WINTER STORMS AND POWER OUTAGES

Ready Tip

Hazardous Chemicals and You

Do you work around a lot of chemicals? If so, you should be familiar with the chemicals and know what dangers are associated with handling them. Brief hazard information is located on package labels. More detailed information about the risks and handling procedures for chemicals are provided on bulletins from chemical manufactures or importers. These bulletins are also called material safety data sheets (MSDSs).

Information on MSDSs is usually very specific and technical because it is intended for safety and health professionals. The U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety, and Health Administration provides a summary of the hazard communication standard under which MSDSs fall.

MSDSs are used worldwide to provide information about a chemical, how it should be used, its effects, how to protect against those effects, what regulations apply to a chemical, and other information. In addition to alternate chemical comparisons, MSDSs are also used to explain protective measures for handling a chemical. MSDSs are not intended for consumers. These sheets reflect the occupational hazards of working with chemicals. More information about MSDSs is available at MSDS FAQ.

Hazardous chemicals are routinely used in a variety of settings from industrial to agricultural. If your enterprise uses hazardous materials, maintain an inventory of chemicals used on site, provide training to workers on safe handling and storage of those chemicals, and provide access to the MSDS. MSDS online includes links to MSDSs online sites (general, government, chemical manufacturer, and others).

Even if you don’t work with hazardous chemicals every day, you should be aware that you probably have products around your home that, if not properly handled and stored, can be hazardous to people and pets. You can find health and safety information on household products by visiting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Household Product Database.

More Ready Tips

Learning Opportunities

EDEN Offers Pandemic Preparedness for Businesses

and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness for Faith-Based Organizations