Disaster-Specific Resources
Disaster-Specific Resources
Disasters come in all forms, but FAACT has focused on the ones that have been on the rise and most prevalent in recent years. The information provided in Navigating Food Allergies in a Disaster will help guide you through the stages of preparation, response, and recovery. The following are resources and tips specific to the type of disaster you may be facing, based on where you live. The disasters have been categorized as dry-land and water-based. Persons who live in rural areas may need to prepare for loss of power and delayed access to food for an extended time. In urban areas, allergen-safe foods may be accessible after a shorter time.
Here are resources with information on safe water and food supply management:
- FDA Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods
- USDA Consumer Guide to Food Safety During Water Disasters and Power Outages
It is important to consider your location and access when navigating through the various types of disasters.
For those with multilingual households, the Red Cross has also created safety checklists in the following languages:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Arabic
- Burmese
- Hakha Chin
- Polish
- Simplified Chinese
- Traditional Chinese
Links to these resources have been provided based upon the disaster type.
Dry-Land Disasters
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are sudden and occur at all times of the day and night. Be sure that your Go-Bag is ready and that you have a 2-week supply of bottled water for your family, should access to clean water become difficult.
If your family is apart during an earthquake, FEMA recommends that during the first 24 hours afterwards, all non-emergency communication should be handled through text messaging, email, or social media instead of making phone calls.
The U.S. Geological Survey is continuing to pursue research in early earthquake warning systems to develop resources nationwide. The state of California has also created a resource to assist residents in earthquake preparedness.
Here are important earthquake resources and tools to consider:
Volcanos
Although volcanic eruptions are less frequent than other disasters, there are potentially active volcanoes in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and the Pacific Islands. If you live in these areas, sign up for the USGS Volcano Notification System.
For additional resources, visit:
Wildfires
If you live in an area with an increased risk of wildfire, have N95 masks for your entire family in your Go-Bag (Create link to Go-Bag list). In areas where wildfires are more common, have at least 3 days’ worth of food for your food allergic family members. If you have to evacuate, it may be hard to find safe food.
For Go/Stay-Bag ideas and wildfire safety and air quality guides, visit:
Water-Based Disasters
The next three disaster types are centered around water and water safety. This is a good time to make sure that your Go-Bag and Stay-Bag (link to lists) are ready and that you have all your important items in a waterproof container in case you have to evacuate. The FDA has created a guide for food management during power outages and floods that can help you and your family keep your food safe.
Here are some resources to help you understand how to best protect your family’s food, protect food packages exposed to flood water, and understand foodborne illness:
Floods
Flood water can transport waste and contaminate drinking water. Understanding the difference between a flood watch and flood warning is helpful so you know how to prepare and respond.
- A flood watch means that flooding is possible, and it is time to make sure that you have safe food available.
- A flood warning means that the flooding may be occurring and it’s time to get ready to go!
When you re-enter your home once it is safe, remember that mold can start to grow after 24-48 hours so be cautious about any potential water, food or airborne problems.
For additional resources, visit:
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are highly complex and dynamic weather systems that pose significant risks to many communities, especially coastal ones, and can cause widespread devastation if proper precautions and preparations are not taken. Be prepared for high winds and flooding, have a safe evacuation site identified, and be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
Additional Resources:
Tornados
For tornado safety, it is important to understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
- A tornado watch means that a tornado may touch down in your area.
- A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar—and it’s time to get your family to a safe place.
The Red Cross offers information on how to prepare your home for a tornado, drills to practice, how to stay connected, and emergency checklists in multiple languages.
Additional resources:
