The COVID-19 pandemic was a stark reminder that biological threats can disrupt society as profoundly as any natural disaster. But pandemics are not unprecedented — throughout history, novel pathogens have emerged and spread globally, killing millions and disrupting...

Landslides and debris flows are among the most geographically widespread natural hazards in the United States, occurring in all 50 states and causing billions of dollars in damage and dozens of deaths each year. While California, the Pacific Northwest, and Appalachia...

Hurricanes are among the most powerful and destructive forces on Earth. These massive tropical cyclones bring sustained winds of 74 mph or greater, torrential rainfall, life-threatening storm surge, and the potential for inland flooding hundreds of miles from the...

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. FEMA estimates floods affect every state, and even areas that have historically not flooded are increasingly at risk due to changing weather patterns and increased urban development....

Not all disasters are natural. Financial emergencies — job loss, sudden major medical expenses, economic recessions, identity theft, or major unexpected expenses — can strike any household with little warning. Ready.gov’s Financial Emergency Hazard Information...

Extreme heat kills more Americans every year than any other weather-related hazard — including floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined. The CDC and NOAA estimate extreme heat events claim an average of more than 1,300 American lives annually — a number widely...

Earthquakes strike without warning, often lasting only seconds but leaving behind catastrophic destruction. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that several million earthquakes occur globally each year. In the United States, earthquake risk extends...

Cyberattacks are among the fastest-growing threats to public safety in the modern world. From ransomware targeting hospitals to phishing emails stealing financial data from individuals, cybercrime costs the global economy trillions of dollars each year. Ready.gov now...

Avalanches are one of nature’s most powerful and deadly winter hazards. Every year, avalanches kill more than 150 people worldwide, and in the United States, they claim an average of 27 lives annually — the vast majority of them backcountry recreationalists who...

An active shooter situation is one of the most terrifying emergencies any person can face — whether at work, school, a house of worship, or a public event. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Ready.gov, the number of active shooter incidents in...