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 Disasters 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 Annex 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.

On-demand Virtual Workshop Training

CDC is offering an eLearning version of the “Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Floods, and Similar Disasters Virtual Workshopexternal icon.” This training will help health departments with natural disaster public health messaging.

The free, on-demand virtual training teaches participants how to use CDC’s messaging resources to develop content for various communication products and channels. The workshop includes information about how to integrate COVID-19 safety messages into storm communications. Continuing education credits are offered for the one-hour interactive workshop, which engages learners through knowledge checks, case studies, and applied exercises.