Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters

The right message at the right time from the right person can save lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Joint Information Center (JIC), as part of CDC’s Incident Management System (IMS), developed a key messages document while activated for the 2017 hurricane season response. The 2017 Hurricane Response Key Messages served as a tool to communicate critical health messages and response updates to partners. The JIC worked with CDC subject matter experts to develop key messages that addressed emerging challenges, including food safety, carbon monoxide poisoning, waterborne diseases, and mold. Having an accessible, online document provided jurisdictions with the most up-to-date science to communicate accurately and effectively about exposure and health risks—as well as protective measures—associated with hurricanes and flooding. After the hurricane response, CDC expanded the scope of the key messages document to include messages on preparedness, safety, and recovery. The purpose of the Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters is to provide a preparedness and response resource for all jurisdictions. Jurisdictions can add the preparedness and safety messaging document as a resource to their communication plans that address hazards expected from extreme weather involving strong wind and high water, like hurricanes and floods.