Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of some extreme weather and climate events, with different effects in different regions of the United States. While specific Federal agencies are tasked with addressing the various components of disaster response, all agencies have the potential to be affected by extreme events like floods, droughts, heat waves, wildfires, and severe storms. The resources below can help Federal agencies and others assess their vulnerability to and plan for natural disasters. 

• Learn more about changes in climate and extreme events from the 2014 National Climate Assessment

Methodology for Estimating Potential Losses from Disasters – Hazus

Hazus, managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is a nationally applicable, standardized methodology for estimating potential losses from earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. Hazus uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to visualize and estimate the physical, economic, and social impacts of disasters. Go >

Readiness & Emergency Management for Schools Program

logo_REMS.png

This Department of Education program provides grant funding to support efforts by local educational agencies to create, strengthen, and improve emergency management plans at the district and school-building levels. Grant funds may go toward emergency plan development, staff training, drills and simulations, infectious disease planning, and food defense planning, among other uses. Go >

Guide to School Vulnerability Assessments

This guide is intended to assist schools with implementing effective vulnerability assessments as part of the emergency management planning process. The guide describes key elements to be considered when selecting an assessment tool appropriate for school environments and provides guidance for conducting an assessment that will inform school emergency management activities. Go >

National Center for Food Protection & Defense

national-center-food-defense-logo.jpg

Through research and education, this Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence aims to reduce the potential for contamination on the food supply chain and to mitigate public health and economic effects. The interdisciplinary research program takes comprehensive, farm-to-table view of the food system, from primary production through retail and food service. Go >

DHS Federal Preparedness Resource Guide

Developed by the Department of Homeland Security, this guide is designed to introduce Federal public health and medical preparedness resources, and includes training modules for grant writing, preparedness education, and preparedness standards. Go >

Back to top >