The right message, delivered at the right time by the right person, can be life-saving. Since each natural disaster presents unique challenges, emergency responders must quickly adjust to the evolving nature of a crisis. To improve the speed and efficiency of communicating critical information before, during, and after an emergency, many key messages can be prepared in advance. The CDC has developed a reference guide containing essential messages related to health risks from hurricanes and floods.
The Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters resource helps local responders rapidly create and modify health communication materials for impacted communities. It covers a wide range of topics, such as food safety, carbon monoxide poisoning, waterborne illnesses, and mold. Additionally, the Hurricane Key Messages: COVID-19 Annex provides public messaging to guide people in safely preparing for, evacuating, and sheltering during severe storms while protecting against COVID-19.
How to Use This Guide
Public health and emergency management organizations can incorporate this key messages guide into their communication strategies for extreme weather events involving high winds and heavy flooding. The messages can also be adapted to create materials with safety information for various audiences before, during, and after disasters like hurricanes or floods.
On-demand Virtual Workshop Training
The CDC offers an eLearning version of the “Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Floods, and Similar Disasters” virtual workshop. This training supports health departments in crafting public health messages for natural disasters.
The free, on-demand virtual training teaches participants how to leverage the CDC’s messaging tools to create content for different communication channels and products. The workshop also includes guidance on incorporating COVID-19 safety messages into storm communications. Participants can earn continuing education credits through this interactive, one-hour workshop, which includes knowledge checks, case studies, and practical exercises.