Great Central U.S. Shakeout
You don’t have to live in California to get a fair shake at escaping an earthquake alive any more—the Great Shakeout is now taking its show on the road. The mammoth quake preparedness drill that put 6.9 million Californians at the ready last fall is expanding to the Central United States. The corresponding website has many of the same games and preparedness techniques, but with information and resources aimed at getting residents in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama in shape for their own drill on April 28, 2011.
The Flood Observatory
The Dartmouth Flood Observatory now has a shorter name and a new home at the University of Colorado, but the site still has its finger on the pulse of flooding worldwide. Get maps of current and historical floods, find information on drought, and learn more about the space-based imaging and remote sensing that supports the site.
All Hazards Blog
From fires to earthquakes to how to pick the right weather radio, the All Hazards Blog has a wide range of entries that will come in handy to anyone interested to keeping up with hazards—or out of their way. Created by Indiana University Informatics Professor and EMT David Wild, the blog taps his interest in how to best use technology and information in disasters, while pointing to preparedness tactics useful for everyday folks.
National Weather Service: A Weather Ready Nation
The National Weather Service is among the latest agencies to give the public a voice in strategic planning using the new federal IdeaScale format. The format allows users to submit thoughts and suggestions, comment on and discuss ideas, and—hopefully, in the long run—give NWS a wealth of fodder to craft its 2020 strategic goals.
Blowout prevention: Analysis of the Deepwater Horizon Explosion, Fire, and Oil Spill
Those following the National Academy of Engineering/National Research Council study of the Deepwater Horizon disaster will find a wealth of information at this website. Visitors can examine the scope of the study and schedule for completion, track meetings, view study documents, and submit their own comments for committee consideration.
Public Health Emergency
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has aggregated a vast array resources that apply to public health emergencies and preparedness—chances are if you’re an emergency responder, medical worker, government official, nonprofit organizer, emergency manager, or anyone else who might be working for the public during a health emergency, you’ll find a treasure trove of information for your particular niche.