Preparedness and safety messaging for hurricanes, flooding, and similar disasters

The right message at the right time from the right person can save lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Joint Information Center (JIC), as part of CDC\u2019s Incident Management System (IMS), developed a key messages document while activated for the 2017 hurricane season response. The 2017 Hurricane Response Key Messages served as a tool to communicate critical health messages and response updates to partners. The JIC worked with CDC subject matter experts to develop key messages that addressed emerging challenges, including food safety, carbon monoxide poisoning, waterborne diseases, and mold. Having an accessible, online document provided jurisdictions with the most up-to-date science to communicate accurately and effectively about exposure and health risks\u2014as well as protective measures\u2014associated with hurricanes and flooding. After the hurricane response, CDC expanded the scope of the key messages document to include messages on preparedness, safety, and recovery. The purpose of the Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters is to provide a preparedness and response resource for all jurisdictions. Jurisdictions can add the preparedness and safety messaging document as a resource to their communication plans that address hazards expected from extreme weather involving strong wind and high water, like hurricanes and floods.Suggested citation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2018). Preparedness and safety messaging for hurricanes, flooding, and similar disasters. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.For more informationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Environmental Health Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response Web: https://www.emergency.cdc.gov/ Email: preparedness@cdc.govCDC-InfoWeb: https://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/Telephone: 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636); TTY: 1-888-232-6348 Email Form: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/dcs/ContactUs/FormCS 293348-A June 2018CDC_Hurricanes_PreparednessSafetyMessaging_June2018_508.pdfBackground -- Prepare before a hurricane or severe flooding -- Prevent illness after a hurricane or severe storm -- Returning home -- Mosquitoes and hurricanes -- Prevent injury after a disaster -- At-risk populations -- Pet safety -- Additional web and multimedia resources -- Acknowledgements -- For more information --201