Emergency Response Resources

Natural Disaters (General)

Protecting Emergency Responders, Volume 3:  Safety Management in Disaster and Terrorism Response
Background and recommendations for improving safety management at large-scale disaster sites.  Covers natural and manmade disasters, including terrorism.

Suggested Guidance for Supervisors at Disaster Rescue Sites
Work plan essentials, site safety and team leader checklists, potential hazards and recommendations.

NIOSH Alert: Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Small Gasoline Powered Engines and Tools
DHHS (NIOSH) Pub. No. 96-118
En Español
Guidance for prevention of carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings resulting from widespread use of small gasoline-powered engines and tools in enclosed or confined spaces.

Fighting Wildfires & Fire Cleanup

NIOSH Fighting Wildfires Topic Page
Information on hazards firefighters and other workers may encounter during wildland fire operations.

Worker Safety During Fire Cleanup
CDC Fact Sheet details types of hazards that workers may face during fire clean up efforts, including electrical hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, hazardous materials, & confined spaces.

Working in Hot Environments
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 86-112 (April 1986)
Reprinted 1992, with Minor Changes
En Español
This publication discusses the safety and health consequences of heat stress.

Fire Safety - CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response Web Site

Flood and Hurricane Response

NIOSH Update: NIOSH Warns of Hazards of Flood Cleanup Work
En Español
An overview of hazards present in cleanup operations and ways to prevent illnesses and injuries.

NIOSH Storm and Flood Topic Page
Information on electrical hazards, Carbon Monoxide, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, motor vehicles, Hhazardous materials, fire, confined spaces and falls.

Preventing Chain Saw Injuries During Tree Removal After a Hurricane
Chain saws are widely used to remove fallen trees and tree branches after hurricanes and other natural disasters. This CDC fact sheet provides information on chain saw safety and tips on avoiding injury from the release of bent trees or branches.

Preventing Falls and Electrocutions During Tree Trimming,
DHHS (NIOSH) Pub. No. 92-106
Many tree trimmers and their employers may lack training and knowledge of OSHA standards and/or may be unaware of the risk posed by inadequate or improper safety procedures and equipment. This Alert describes eight incidents involving five electrocutions and three fatal falls of tree trimmers.

Personal Protective Equipment

Eye Safety - Emergency Response & Disaster Recovery
En Español
Overview of eye hazards and injuries, types of eye protection, safety for prescription lens wearers, first aid.

Suggested Respirator Cleaning and Sanitation Procedures
Guidance for selecting cleaning equipment and supplies, procedures for respirator maintenance.

Personal Protective Equipment

Chemical Agent Information