After four months of reporting, ProPublica found that the warnings about Helene were eerily accurate. Yet, local residents remained largely unaware of the enormity of danger approaching as the storm closed in.
Local Officials Don’t Always Send IPAWS Emergency Alerts Before Disasters — ProPublica
ProPublica has identified at least 15 major disasters since 2016 in which officials in the most-harmed communities failed to use a federal system to send emergency alerts to residents — or waited until it was too late.
How to safely evacuate a wildfire
Evacuating a wildfire area can be scary, but experts say people can significantly improve their own safety with a little preparation and situational awareness.
Offices of Emergency Management
While individual preparedness is vital, no one can prepare alone. Just as Ready Houston urges everyone to Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Stay Informed, and Know Your Neighbors, we would like to introduce you to our neighbors and partners in regional preparedness.
Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
Not all emergency agencies use the same language. Here’s your rundown on how evacuation orders work
What to do — and not do — when you get home after a fire evacuation
Even after evacuation orders are lifted, there are still precautions you should take to keep yourself safe.
Why Crisis Resilience Depends on Epistemic Security
If we want to prevent tomorrow’s crises from spiraling out of control, we must recognize epistemic systems as critical infrastructure, writes Elizabeth Seger.
California fire evacuations: How to prepare, what to pack and what to do if you're trapped
If you’ve been told to evacuate, officials advise you do so immediately — don’t wait.
Cheat sheet: A short guide to giving your home a fighting chance if you need to evacuate
If you’ve been ordered to leave because of fire, here’s some CalFire tips for protecting your property and making it easier for firefighters.
No Abandonment, No Bunkers: Preparing for Disaster Together
“Preparedness isn’t just about having stuff,” says Kelly Hayes.
Urban America Reconsidered by David L. Imbroscio | Paperback | Cornell University Press
The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina laid bare the tragedy of American cities. What the storm revealed about the social conditions in New Orleans shocked many Americans. Even more shocking is how widespread these conditions are throughout much of urban...
We asked our climate reporters to highlight one idea for positive change. We got a chronicle of global transformation
There are countless initiatives around the world that can inspire people and spur them into action. Amid the devastation of the climate crisis, our journalists strive to highlight these stories of hope
Drones, GIS and Cameras Are Transforming Disaster Assessment
In the Carolinas, ICF drones have conducted rapid damage assessments in a 100-mile zone following Hurricane Helene as part of a geospatial initiative to speed up federal recovery funding requests.
Every day is now fire season. Let's get you ready for the next wildfire burning near you
We all need to be concerned — and prepared.
NERV Disaster Prevention App
The NERV Disaster Prevention app delivers real-time alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, severe weather risks like landslides and floods, and more.
Europe is BURNING - why are politicians not acting?
Disaster preparedness in the US
Starting with some articles I saved during/after the January 2025 wildfires in Southern California
Cheat Sheet: These are the steps fire victims need to take to make an insurance claim
What to do — and not do — when you get home after a fire evacuation
High winds and fires mean power outages. Here's how to prep
Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
Every day is now fire season. Let's get you ready for the next wildfire burning near you
Cheat sheet: A quick roundup of SoCal fire coverage and safety resources