Emergencies & Natural Disasters

These resources help you respond to unexpected events that can threaten the air quality in your community and your home. If you are impacted by an emergency or natural disaster listen to the information and direction from your local Emergency Management Agency.

• Wildfires
  Forest fires and other wildfires are an ongoing concern where there is dry, hot weather. The smoke they produce can spread for hundreds of miles.
• Flooding
  Flood waters and water damage pose special problems for people whose homes and communities are disrupted.
• Hurricanes
  Hurricanes or flooding may threaten your family or your home. While cleaning up, you'll want to protect your family, especially if someone has lung disease, from the many indoor and outdoor air pollutants and other health threats that can appear.
• Tornadoes
  Tornadoes and the accompanying rainfall and flooding may threaten your family or your home. While cleaning up you'll want to protect your family, especially if someone has lung disease, from the many indoor and outdoor air pollutants and other health threats that can appear.
• Power Outages
  While power outages can happen unexpectedly, preparation is key. A power outage could last a few hours to a few days, or longer.
• Volcanic Ash
  Volcanoes can spew ash, a type of air pollution, into the air for miles downwind of the eruption.
• Vog (Volcanic Smog)
  Volcanic gases can react with oxygen and moisture to form this dangerous kind of air pollution.
• Chemical Releases
  Sometimes harmful chemicals escape into the air when industrial buildings catch fire or other emergency events happen. Those gases can spread far into communities nearby.
• Winter Weather
  Extreme cold, major snowstorms or other winter weather events can be dangerous for those living with lung disease. See how to prepare.
• Returning Home: Staying Safe and Healthy
  There is so much to do when you first return home after a disaster, it can be overwhelming. But if you make a plan, work carefully, and keep yourself safe and healthy, you will make progress.
• Climate Change
  The changing climate is fueling extreme weather that impacts lung health. Learn more about the links between climate change and natural disasters.