Oikos Risk Management Game
This interactive, online game aims to raise public awareness of disaster risk and preparedness issues. As mayor of Oikos city, players learn about disaster impacts and how simple preventative measures and sustainable development can save lives. The fun—and challenges—begin when players develop a new city district in the face of six hazards, while addressing development, financial, and social issues. Be sure to read the game guide before getting started or you might miss out on the game’s more sophisticated elements.
Animal Disaster Preparedness
When it comes to disaster preparedness, pets don’t plan—and neither do many of their owners. That’s why the Humane Society of the United States has put together a series of disaster plans, evacuation tips, and information for preparing household pets, horses, and livestock for a disaster. These useful guides let people know what steps to take before, during, and after an emergency so animals stay safe.
Building a Safe Port in a Storm
Recent hurricanes—including 2004-2005 season which boasted seven of the nine costliest hurricanes ever, which occurring in 2004-2005—have brought the impacts of hurricane damage to the public eye. As a series of storms lined up to take aim at the United States, the Mercatus Center released Building a Safe Port in a Storm: Private vs. Public Choices in Hurricane Mitigation. Part of the center’s policy comment series, the report examines the relationship between insurance and hurricane mitigation and how government subsidies could be undermining mitigation efforts. Suggestions for a more effective hurricane mitigation policy are also discussed.
Wireless Foundation VITA Advisories
VITA advisories can turn an everyday cell phone into a tool that saves lives. VITA—Latin for life—is part of the Wireless Foundation responsible for wireless AMBER Alerts and Text 2HELP. VITA advisories provide information about how to effectively use your cell phone in an emergency. Tips range from knowing your cell phone’s many features to preparing for emergencies to knowing how to communicate after disasters.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Disasters are stressful for all involved, but children are especially vulnerable to the psychological trauma of large-scale events. The National Child Traumatic Stress network has aggregated a wealth of information in various languages for helping kids who fall victim to terrorist threats and natural disasters, including earthquakes, fires, tsunamis, floods, and others. A handy compilation of hurricane resources on the home page makes timely advice easy to access.