No matter where you live, extreme weather can hit and change your life. That’s why Grist created a comprehensive toolkit called Disaster 101: Your guide to preparing for extreme weather, finding resources and relief, and navigating the recovery process.
Because the Disaster 101 guide was made to help people quickly access and sift through urgent information, many of the resources are in plain text in case of internet or power outages. They are also available for download as PDFs for offline reading. These resources were made with the input of community organizations, disaster relief groups, local government officials, researchers, and residents.
The guide covers all types of disasters: hurricanes, winter storms, flash floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and heat waves. We offer comprehensive information on disaster preparation, response, and recovery, as well as specific guides on housing, food access, and public health, guides for undocumented immigrants, and more.
“In my work around disasters, what consistently comes up is a need for basic, accessible information that can help people feel confident in what they’re asking for during a time of crisis,” said Lyndsey Gilpin, Grist’s senior manager of community engagement. “People may feel intense grief from losing people and places they love; have to navigate conflicting and confusing information; and struggle with finances, housing, and mental health. We hope this validates those experiences and helps people navigate a chaotic time.”
Everything in this guide is available for republication and translation. Unlike our usual republication guidelines that do not allow for changing or adding copy, this guide is available to adapt for your region. You can localize the toolkit by adding specific instructions, contact information, and updates for your town, state, or tribal nation, or to use whatever is relevant for your geographic region or audience.
Please be sure to properly credit Grist and the author, as well as to clearly credit your reporters and writers if you add information. (Need an example of a localized resource? Check out our guide for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.)
Download our media kit, which has suggested social posts for sharing. Contact us if you’d like to collaborate on a disaster-related community engagement project.
