00 Disaster Preparedness and Resilience

Disaster Preparedness and Resilience
Resource Pack
2018
Overview
This resource pack was curated by the Global Health Education and Learning Incubator at Harvard University
(GHELI) to support an upcoming Forum at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, “Extreme Hurricanes:
The Challenges for Puerto Rico and Beyond.” The multidisciplinary materials are suitable for educators,
students, and policy makers wanting to learn about U.S. progress and roadblocks to disaster preparedness and
resilience, contextualized in a broader global landscape of climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction
efforts. In addition to sharing information specific to Puerto Rico and Hurricane Maria, this resource pack also
includes resources reflecting on lessons learned from Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina.
The Forum’s “Extreme Hurricanes: The Challenges for Puerto Rico and Beyond” event is described as follows:
Six months after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, a panel of experts will assess persistent public
health challenges on the island and the outlook for long-term recovery. Power restoration, health care
coordination, and medical services delivery on the island are just some of the pressing issues the panelists
will explore. They also will discuss the potential threats of extreme hurricanes more broadly, noting that
2017 was one of the most destructive seasons on record. What can be done to better prepare and respond
to killer storms, and to build resiliency to combat such disasters? How can the public and private sectors
work together? And what have we learned generally from past hurricanes — and specifically from
ongoing efforts in Puerto Rico — to meet the many challenges ahead?
The Forum at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a live webcasting series that provides decision-
makers with a global platform to discuss policy choices and scientific controversies across the world.
This resource pack includes:
• Reports and Books

• Articles and Briefs
• Data Publications, Portals, and Interactives
• Fact Sheets and Profiles
• Topic Portals
• Organizations
• Multimedia and News
• Teaching Material
This resource pack was originally developed by the Global Health Education and Learning Incubator at Harvard University. It is used and
distributed with permission by the Global Health Education and Learning Incubator at Harvard University. The Incubator’s educational
materials are not intended to serve as endorsements or sources of primary data, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Harvard University.
This resource is licensed Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-NoDerivs3.0Unported

gheli@harvard.edu
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Disaster Preparedness and Resilience: Resource Pack
Selected Resources – At a Glance

REPORTS AND BOOKS
* Report. Examining Challenges and Possible Strategies to Strengthen U.S. Health Security: Proceedings of
a Workshop. The National Academies Press 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/24856.
* Report. A Framework for Healthcare Disaster Resilience: A View to the Future. Johns Hopkins Center for
Health Security 2018. http://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/about-the-
center/pressroom/press_releases/2018-02-22_framework-healthcare-disaster-resilience.html.
Report. Weather, Climate & Catastrophe Insight: 2017 Annual Report. Aon plc 2018.
http://ir.aon.com/about-aon/investor-relations/investor-news/news-release-details/2018/Costliest-year-
on-record-for-weather-disasters-with-USD344-billion-global-economic-loss-in-2017---Aon-catastrophe-
report/default.aspx.
* Report. Goodwin-Gill GS, McAdam J. UNHCR and Climate Change, Disasters, and Displacement. Office of
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 2017.
http://www.refworld.org/topic,50ffbce4132,50ffbce413e,59413c7115,0,,,.html.
* Book. Hallegatte S. Unbreakable: Building the Resilience of the Poor in the Face of Natural Disasters. The
World Bank Group 2017. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/25335.
Report. The Long Road Home: Understanding Sandy Recovery and Lessons for Future Storms Five Years
Later. New Jersey Research Project 2017. http://www.newjerseyrp.org/sandy-recovery.html.
Report. Moser SC, Coffee J, Seville A. Rising to the Challenge, Together: A Review and Critical
Assessment of the State of the US Climate Adaptation Field. The Kresge Foundation 2017.
https://kresge.org/library/rising-challenge-together-0.
* Report. No Place to Call Home: Protecting Children’s Rights When Changing Climate Forces Them to
Flee. United Nations Children’s Fund UK 2017. https://www.unicef.org.uk/publications/no-place-to-call-
home.
* Report. Perreria K et al. Puerto Rico Health Care Infrastructure Assessment: Site Visit Report. Urban
Institute 2017. https://www.urban.org/research/publication/puerto-rico-health-care-infrastructure-
assessment-site-visit-report.
Report. Petkova EP et al. The American Preparedness Project: Where the US Public Stands in 2015.
National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University’s Earth Institute 2016. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7916/D84Q7TZN.
* Report. World Cities Report 2016 – Urbanization and Development: Emerging Futures. United Nations
Human Settlements Programme 2016. http://wcr.unhabitat.org.
* Report. Gender Responsive Risk Reduction and Rehabilitation. United Nations Human Settlements
Programme 2015. http://unhabitat.org/books/gender-responsive-risk-reduction-and-rehabilitation.
* Report. Abramson DM et al. The Hurricane Sandy Person Report: Disaster Exposure, Health Impacts,
Economic Burden, and Social Well-Being. National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia
University’s Earth Institute 2015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7916/D8ST7P3Q.
Report. Hamel L, Firth J, Brodie M. New Orleans Ten Years After the Storm: The Kaiser Family
Foundation Katrina Survey Project. Kaiser Family Foundation 2015.
https://www.kff.org/other/report/new-orleans-ten-years-after-the-storm-the-kaiser-family-foundation-
katrina-survey-project.
* Report. Healthy, Resilient, and Sustainable Communities After Disasters: Strategies, Opportunities, and
Planning for Recovery. Institute of Medicine 2015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/18996.
Report. Building Regulation for Resilience: Managing Risks for Safer Cities. The World Bank Group,
Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery 2015.
https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/24438.
* Report. Disaster Resilience: A National Imperative. The National Academies Press 2015. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/13457.
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Report. Early Warning as a Human Right: Building Resilience to Climate Related Hazards. United Nations
Environment Programme 2015.
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/7429/Early_Warning_as_a_Human_Right_1.pdf.
ARTICLES AND BRIEFS
Article. Acosta JD et al. How Community and Public Health Partnerships Contribute to Disaster Recovery
and Resilience. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 2018. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2017.130.
Article. Blake N, Fry-Bowers EK. Disaster Preparedness: Meeting the Needs of Children. Journal of
Pediatric Health Care 2018; 32(20): 207-210. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2017.12.003.
* Brief. Wilkinson E, Twigg J, Few R. Building Back Better: A Resilient Caribbean After the 2017 Hurricanes.
Overseas Development Institute 2018. https://www.odi.org/publications/11037-building-back-better-
resilient-caribbean-after-2017-hurricanes.
Brief. Artiga S, Lyons B. Voices from Puerto Rico: Reflections Two Months After Maria. Kaiser Family
Foundation 2017. https://www.kff.org/report-section/voices-from-puerto-rico-reflections-two-months-
after-maria-report-issue-brief.
* Article Series. The Evolution of Public Health Emergency Management: From Preparedness to Recovery.
American Journal of Public Health 2017; 107(S2). http://ajph.aphapublications.org/toc/ajph/107/S2.
Brief. Michaud J, Kates J. Public Health in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Kaiser Family Foundation
2017. https://www.kff.org/other/issue-brief/public-health-in-puerto-rico-after-hurricane-maria.
Brief. Seervai S. How Hurricane Maria Worsened Puerto Rico’s Health Care Crisis. The Commonwealth
Fund 2017. http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/features/2017/puerto-rico-health-care-crisis.
Brief. Shin P et al. Puerto Rico’s Community Health Centers: Struggling to Recover in the Wake of
Hurricane Maria. Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative 2017.
https://www.rchnfoundation.org/?p=6156.
Article. Shultz JM, Galea S. Preparing for the Next Harvey, Irma, or Maria—Addressing Research Gaps.
New England Journal of Medicine 2017; 377: 1804-1806. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp1712854.
Article. Tuckson RV, Dzau VJ, Lurie N. Creating Healthy Communities After Disasters. New England
Journal of Medicine 2017; 377: 1806-1808. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp1711834.
* Article Collection. Superstorm Sandy. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 2016; 10(3).
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/disaster-medicine-and-public-health-
preparedness/issue/57B8876AD0994C4AD1874CEC99E153FA.
DATA PORTALS, PUBLICATIONS, AND INFOGRAPHICS
* Data Portal. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters. National Centers for Environmental
Information 2018. https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/overview.
Data Publication. Global Disaster Displacement Risk: A Baseline for Future Work. Internal Displacement
Monitoring Centre 2017. http://www.internal-displacement.org/library/publications/2017/global-disaster-
displacement-risk-a-baseline-for-future-work.
Data Interactive. Infrastructure Super Map. American Society of Civil Engineers 2018.
https://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/infrastructure-super-map.
* Data Portal. 2017 Infrastructure Report Card. American Society of Civil Engineers 2018.
https://www.infrastructurereportcard.org.
Data Interactive. National Health Security Preparedness Index. National Health Security Preparedness
Index 2017. https://nhspi.org.
Data Publication. World Humanitarian Data and Trends. United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs 2017. http://interactive.unocha.org/publication/datatrends2017.
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FACT SHEETS AND PROFILES

* Fact Sheet. Health Centers in Puerto Rico: Operational Status After Hurricane Maria. Kaiser Family
Foundation 2018. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/fact-sheet/health-centers-in-puerto-rico-operational-
status-after-hurricane-maria.
Profile. Health System Scorecards. The Commonwealth Fund 2017.
http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/health-system-scorecards.
* Profile. Puerto Rico: Fast Facts. Kaiser Family Foundation 2017. https://www.kff.org/disparities-
policy/fact-sheet/puerto-rico-fast-facts.
Fact Sheet. Puerto Rico Health Center Fact Sheet. National Association of Community Health Centers
2018. http://www.nachc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PR_18.pdf.
Profile. U.S. Virgin Islands: Fast Facts. Kaiser Family Foundation 2017. https://www.kff.org/disparities-
policy/fact-sheet/u-s-virgin-islands-fast-facts.
TOPIC PORTALS
Topic Portal. Emergency Preparedness and Response. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://emergency.cdc.gov.
Topic Portal. Natural Disasters and Severe Weather. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/index.html.
Topic Portal. Risk and Resilience. Overseas Development Institute. https://www.odi.org/our-
work/programmes/risk-and-resilience.
Topic Portal. United Nations Development Programme Climate Change Adaptation.
http://www.adaptation-undp.org.
Topic Portal. U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit. https://toolkit.climate.gov.
ORGANIZATIONS
Organization. Agenda for Humanity. https://www.agendaforhumanity.org.
Organization. Federal Emergency Management Agency. https://www.fema.gov.
Organization. Hurricane Resilience Research Institute. http://www.uh.edu/hurri.
Organization. National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov.
Organization. 100 Resilient Cities. https://www.100resilientcities.org.
Organization. Platform on Disaster Displacement. https://disasterdisplacement.org.
* Organization. ReliefWeb. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
https://reliefweb.int.
* Organization. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
https://www.unocha.org.
* Organization. United Nations Human Settlements Programme. http://unhabitat.org.
Organization. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. https://www.unisdr.org.
MULTIMEDIA AND NEWS
News. CityLab. https://www.citylab.com.
* News. Campbell AF. Calls to Puerto Rico’s Suicide Hotline Have Skyrocketed Since Hurricane Maria. Vox
2018; Feb 21. https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/2/21/17032168/puerto-rico-suicide-hotline-
hurricane-maria.
News. Sutter JD, Hernandez S. ‘Exodus’ from Puerto Rico: A Visual Guide. CNN 2018; Feb 21.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/21/us/puerto-rico-migration-data-invs/index.html.
News. Kaufman J. Thousands of Puerto Ricans Coming to New England May Have Trouble Finding
Housing. New England Public Radio 2018; Feb 5. http://www.wbur.org/news/2018/02/05/puerto-ricans-
new-england-housing.
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Newsletter. Spotlight on Resources for Helping Students from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I. Cope. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention 2018; Jan 26.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCDC/bulletins/1b6d5f2.
News. Alvarez L, Santora M. After Andrew, Florida Changed Its Approach to Hurricanes. The New York
Times 2017; Sep 6. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/us/hurricane-andrew-miami.html.
Blog. DeSalvo K, Petrin C. From Katrina to Wildfires: Leveraging Technology in Disaster Response. Health
Affairs Blog 2017; Nov 17. https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20171113.545312/full.
News. Revkin A. Rethinking the ‘Infrastructure’ Discussion Amid a Blitz of Hurricanes. ProPublica 2017;
Sep 13. https://www.propublica.org/article/rethinking-the-infrastructure-discussion-amid-a-blitz-of-
hurricanes.
News. Robles F. Puerto Rico’s Health Care is in Dire Condition, Three Weeks After Maria. The New York
Times 2017; Oct 10. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/10/us/puerto-rico-power-hospitals.html.
News. Miller TR, Chester M. 6 Rules for Rebuilding Infrastructure in an Era of ‘Unprecedented’ Weather
Events. The Conversation 2017; Sep 7. https://theconversation.com/6-rules-for-rebuilding-infrastructure-
in-an-era-of-unprecedented-weather-events-83129.
News. Milman O. Hurricane Sandy, Five Years Later: ‘No One Was Ready for What Happened After.’ The
Guardian 2017; Oct 28. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/27/hurricane-sandy-five-years-
later-climate-change.
Video. Building Regulation for Resilience. Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery 2016.
https://youtu.be/cFEJJFsDpvI.
News. Fink S. Whose Lives Should Be Saved? Researchers Ask the Public. The New York Times 2016; Aug
21. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/22/us/whose-lives-should-be-saved-to-help-shape-policy-
researchers-in-maryland-ask-the-public.html.
Podcast. Playing God. Radiolab 2016. http://www.radiolab.org/story/playing-god.
TEACHING MATERIAL
Case Studies. Case Studies. U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit. https://toolkit.climate.gov/#case-studies.
Game. Stop Disasters! United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.
http://www.stopdisastersgame.org/en/home.html.
* Resource Pack. Resource Pack: Climate, Migration, and Health. Global Health Education and Learning
Incubator at Harvard University 2018. http://repository.gheli.harvard.edu/repository/collection/resource-
pack-climate-migration-and-health.
Game. Extreme Event Game. Koshland Science Museum. National Academy of Science 2018.
https://www.koshland-science-museum.org/extreme-event.
* Online Learning. Extreme Hurricanes: The Challenges for Puerto Rico and Beyond. The Forum. Harvard
T.H. Chan School of Public Health 2018; Mar 9. https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/events/extreme-
hurricanes.
Online Learning. Archived Webinar: Business and Health Security: The Bottom Line on Preparedness.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 2017. https://nhspi.org/business-health-security-webinar.
Lessons. Gonchar M. Island in Crisis: Teaching About Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria. The New York
Times 2017. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/04/learning/lesson-plans/island-in-crisis-teaching-about-
puerto-rico-after-hurricane-maria.html.
Primer. Hurricane Disaster Research Tools. National Institutes of Health Disaster Research Response
Program 2017.
https://disasterlit.nlm.nih.gov/resources/content/public/files/Hurricane_Tools_Sept2017.pdf.
Lesson. Lesson Plan: Climate Change and the 2017 Hurricane Season. PBS NewsHour Extra 2017.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/lessons-plans/lesson-plan-climate-change-and-the-2017-hurricane-
season.
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* Lesson. Puerto Rico’s Recovery After Hurricane Maria: Who is Responsible? The Choices Program. Brown
University 2017. http://www.choices.edu/teaching-news-lesson/puerto-ricos-recovery-hurricane-maria-
responsible.
Toolkit. Healthy, Resilient, and Sustainable Communities After Disasters: A Discussion Toolkit. National
Academy of Sciences 2015. https://www.nap.edu/resource/18996/PDRtoolkit.pdf.
* Teaching Case. Lippmann J, Janzen Le Ber M. Hospitals Don’t Burn: Caribbean Island Regional Hospital.
Western Public Health Casebook. Public Health Casebook Publishing 2015.
https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/publichealth/cases/Casebook2015.html.
* Teaching Case. Giles D. Moving People Out of Danger: Special Needs Evacuations From Gulf Coast
Hurricanes (B). HKS Case No. 1961.0. Harvard Kennedy School Case Program 2012.
http://case.hks.harvard.edu/moving-people-out-of-danger-special-needs-evacuations-from-gulf-coast-
hurricanes-b.
* Teaching Case. Giles D. Moving People Out of Danger: Special Needs Evacuations From Gulf Coast
Hurricanes (A). HKS Case No. 1943.0. Harvard Kennedy School Case Program 2011.
http://case.hks.harvard.edu/moving-people-out-of-danger-special-needs-evacuations-from-gulf-coast-
hurricanes-a.
* indicates resource listed in GHELI’s online resource repository
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Annotated Bibliography
REPORTS AND BOOKS
Examining Challenges and Possible Strategies to Strengthen U.S. Health Security: Proceedings of a Workshop
Report. Examining Challenges and Possible Strategies to Strengthen U.S. Health Security: Proceedings of a
Workshop. The National Academies Press 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/24856.
GHELI repository link: http://repository.gheli.harvard.edu/repository/12261
This report from the National Academies Press focuses on how health care and public health professionals can
prepare for and respond to threats to U.S. health security. In this context, health security refers to efforts to
prevent, mitigate, respond to, and recover from health consequences of disasters—natural, man-made, or
technological. This report provides an overview of potential threats to U.S. health security and the
stakeholders involved in protecting it. Underlying challenges include complex systems, competing priorities,
challenges in defining goals and progress, a lack of resources, lack of understanding among influential
stakeholders, poor institutional memory, and an overreliance on response. In addition to highlighting
challenges, potential strategies to strengthen U.S. health security in the face of disasters include promoting
shared learning, practicing strategies, building the evidence base for policy, and developing more rigorous
financing mechanisms.
A Framework for Healthcare Disaster Resilience: A View to the Future

Report. A Framework for Healthcare Disaster Resilience: A View to the Future. Johns Hopkins Center for Health
Security 2018. http://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/about-the-center/pressroom/press_releases/2018-02-
22_framework-healthcare-disaster-resilience.html.
This report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security identifies policies for making the U.S. health
sector more resilient to major disasters. Although the health sector has reasonable capacity to address small
mass injuries or illness (e.g., tornadoes or small disease outbreaks), it is less prepared for large disasters or
injury events (e.g., hurricanes and bombings), and poorly prepared for catastrophic disasters like pandemics
and bioterrorism. To address these gaps, the authors recommend building a Culture of Resilience to nurture
organizations traditionally uninvolved in public health preparedness; create geographically distributed, disaster
resource hospitals that provide up-to-date training and expertise; support healthcare coalitions in
preparedness work; and appoint a federal coordinator for catastrophic health preparedness.
Weather, Climate & Catastrophe Insight: 2017 Annual Report

Report. Weather, Climate & Catastrophe Insight: 2017 Annual Report. Aon plc 2018. http://ir.aon.com/about-
aon/investor-relations/investor-news/news-release-details/2018/Costliest-year-on-record-for-weather-disasters-
with-USD344-billion-global-economic-loss-in-2017---Aon-catastrophe-report/default.aspx.
This report from global reinsurance intermediary Aon, evaluates the impact of natural disaster events that
occurred in 2017. Of the 330 natural disaster events analyzed from 2017, 97 percent were due to weather-
related events like hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones. Natural disasters generated economic losses of $353
billion, making 2017 the second-costliest year on record. In particular, the report estimates that 62 percent of
the global economic damage from weather disasters came from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria alone. Of
the 31 billion-dollar disasters that occurred in 2017, 16 took place in the United States.
UNHCR and Climate Change, Disasters, and Displacement

Report. Goodwin-Gill GS, McAdam J. UNHCR and Climate Change, Disasters, and Displacement. Office of the
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 2017.
http://www.refworld.org/topic,50ffbce4132,50ffbce413e,59413c7115,0,,,.html.
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This report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) shares
recommendations on its future institutional strategy on displacement in the context of disasters and climate
change. The report examines the organization’s historical involvement addressing disaster displacement and
interrogates questions about how climate change response fits into UNHCR’s primary responsibility to seek
solutions for forcibly displaced individuals. The report outlines specific ways UNHCR can interact with the
increasingly complex intersection of climate change, displacement, and security.
Unbreakable: Building the Resilience of the Poor in the Face of Natural Disasters
Book. Hallegatte S. Unbreakable: Building the Resilience of the Poor in the Face of Natural Disasters. The World
Bank Group 2017. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/25335.
This open-access book argues that the impoverishing effects of disasters mean that disaster risk management
is “inseparable” from poverty reduction policies. It highlights how the focus on aggregate losses during a
catastrophe, which is standard in disaster risk management, restricts analysis to individuals who are wealthy
enough to have assets to lose in the first place. Taking a nuanced examination of poor people’s vulnerabilities
during natural disasters, the author observes that policies emphasizing financial inclusion, insurance, social
protection, contingent finance, and universal access to early warning systems are key to lessening the deep
impacts of natural disaster.
The Long Road Home: Understanding Sandy Recovery and Lessons for Future Storms Five Years Later
Report. The Long Road Home: Understanding Sandy Recovery and Lessons for Future Storms Five Years Later.
New Jersey Research Project 2017. http://www.newjerseyrp.org/sandy-recovery.html.
This report from the New Jersey Research Project, in partnership with Rutgers and Stockton University
researchers, presents the findings of the first community-based participatory research project about Hurricane
Sandy, the most destructive storm of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season which caused immense damage to
communities across the eastern United States. For many New Jersey families, limited and unresponsive state
and federal programming, in tandem with bills and housing issues, have exacerbated the economic and health
impacts of the hurricane. Ninety-eight percent of respondents experienced floodwater damage due to Sandy;
even five years later, 22 percent of respondents indicated that they were still out of their homes. Beyond
housing, the health and economic outcomes underscore need for action: More than 70 percent of respondents
had experienced physical or mental health problems after Sandy, or worsening of a pre-existing condition.
More than half of resident had trouble paying bills or affording food and gas since the storm. The report
documents the events of the 2012 storm, the recovery, and the long-term effects on families and communities
New Jersey, as well as policies and programs based on lessons learned that can help other communities
affected by Sandy or other natural disasters.
Rising to the Challenge, Together: A Review and Critical Assessment of the State of the US Climate
Adaptation Field
Report. Moser SC, Coffee J, Seville A. Rising to the Challenge, Together: A Review and Critical Assessment of
the State of the US Climate Adaptation Field. The Kresge Foundation 2017. https://kresge.org/library/rising-
challenge-together-0.
This report from the Kresge Foundation assesses U.S. climate adaption progress and offers solutions for
improving climate adaptation and resilience moving forward. As climate impacts exacerbate the frequency and
severity of natural disasters, fast-tracking climate mitigation and resilience efforts is integral to ensuring a
livable, equitable, and sustainable future. The report indicates that the U.S. adaptation field currently lacks a
shared vision and that current efforts run the risk of leaving small cities and rural areas behind. Furthermore,
adaptation policy at the federal level is being dismantled and undermined, putting pressure on local efforts
that also bear the burden of inconsistent and inadequate financing. The report authors provide a menu of
policy options to address each of the key findings to collectively rise to the challenge of climate adaptation in
the United States.
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No Place to Call Home: Protecting Children’s Rights When Changing Climate Forces Them to Flee
Report. No Place to Call Home: Protecting Children’s Rights When Changing Climate Forces Them to Flee.
United Nations Children’s Fund UK 2017. https://www.unicef.org.uk/publications/no-place-to-call-home.
This report from the United Nations Children’s Fund UK (UNICEF UK) illustrates the aftermath and impact on
children’s rights, when children are forced to flee home due to climate change. With 1 in 45 children on the
move worldwide, events like extreme weather, rising sea levels, drought, and melting glaciers are some of the
climate-related events increasing the pressure on children and their communities. The report argues that
children’s rights must be centered in international and national climate, humanitarian, disaster risk reduction,
development, and migration strategies.
Puerto Rico Health Care Infrastructure Assessment: Site Visit Report

Report. Perreria K et al. Puerto Rico Health Care Infrastructure Assessment: Site Visit Report. Urban Institute
2017. https://www.urban.org/research/publication/puerto-rico-health-care-infrastructure-assessment-site-visit-
report.
This Urban Institute report analyzes the state of Puerto Rico’s health care infrastructure prior to Hurricane
Maria. Because Puerto Rico was experiencing an economic decline and increased emigration of health
professionals even prior to the hurricane, the report was designed to assess Puerto Ricans’ general access to
health care, quality of care, and patient satisfaction with health care. Findings highlighted three themes for
action: structural challenges, payment environment, and quality of care. Structural challenges included
privatization of the island’s public health care system; the aging population in tandem with high rates of
poverty and chronic conditions; economic instability in Puerto Rico; and the high cost of living on the island.
Regarding the payment environment, interviewees described Medicaid funding in Puerto Rico as inadequate,
and the payment environment often failed to take into account the high cost of living in Puerto Rico while
determining eligibility for programs or coverage. Finally, interviewees noted a health professional shortage
that has contributed to poorly coordinated care and long way times. The highest priority for the experts
interviewed was addressing inequities in financing Puerto Rico’s Medicaid program as well as increasing
Medicare payments in Puerto Rico.
The American Preparedness Project: Where the US Public Stands in 2015

Report. Petkova EP et al. The American Preparedness Project: Where the US Public Stands in 2015. National
Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University’s Earth Institute 2016. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7916/D84Q7TZN.
This report from the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University characterizes trends in
the U.S. public’s perception of disaster preparedness and response, which may be useful for policymakers
seeking to design evidence-based programming around disaster preparedness. More than a decade after 9/11,
83 percent of Americans report concern over future terrorist attacks. 67 percent of Americans express worry
that climate change is contributing to more severe natural disasters, and more than a quarter believe that the
country is not better prepared to handle natural disasters, ten years after Hurricane Katrina. Other report
findings indicate gaps in American knowledge and preparedness of evacuation and emergency plans.
World Cities Report 2016 – Urbanization and Development: Emerging Futures

Report. World Cities Report 2016 – Urbanization and Development: Emerging Futures. United Nations Human
Settlements Programme 2016. http://wcr.unhabitat.org.
This flagship report, published by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), analyzes
twenty years of urban development data and shows how new forms of collaboration, urban planning,
governance, financing, and learning can result in sustained positive changes for cities and those who live in
them. The report identifies how the current urbanization model is failing to address contemporary challenges
such as poverty, climate change, and insecurity, and presents a bold new urban agenda that emphasizes city-
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wide strategies that reinforce the relationship between urbanization and development. Statistical annexes,
which are also available to download as editable spreadsheets, present detailed country- and city-specific data
on numerous indicators over time. Also available are an abridged summary, downloadable chapters, and policy
points and “quick facts” from the report.
Gender Responsive Risk Reduction and Rehabilitation

Report. Gender Responsive Risk Reduction and Rehabilitation. United Nations Human Settlements Programme
2015. http://unhabitat.org/books/gender-responsive-risk-reduction-and-rehabilitation.
This guide from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) discusses the importance of
urban risk reduction through interventions that advance equality and women’s empowerment. Cities
experience large- and small-scale disasters that can pose great challenges to sustainable development. Natural
and human-made disasters have enormous economic, social, and political impacts on human lives. These risks
will increase as urban populations continue to grow. Disasters can present opportunities for transformative
change to begin and advance more quickly because the vulnerabilities that emerge as a result of crisis or
disaster are clearer and consensus may be obtained more quickly to mitigate vulnerabilities. Population
displacements as a result of disasters further create new settlements that present opportunities for planning
how municipalities or cities will be managed and planned to cope, in equitable ways, with population changes.
Related resources include links to other publications in the “Gender Issue Guide” series and links to related
volumes on gender themes.
The Hurricane Sandy Person Report: Disaster Exposure, Health Impacts, Economic Burden, and Social Well-
Being
Report. Abramson DM et al. The Hurricane Sandy Person Report: Disaster Exposure, Health Impacts, Economic
Burden, and Social Well-Being. National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University’s Earth
Institute 2015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7916/D8ST7P3Q.
This report from the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University examines the health,
economic, and social impacts of Hurricane Sandy on New Jersey residents. This “person report” focuses on the
physical and mental health status and wellbeing of residents exposed to Sandy. The report finds that housing
damage can be risk factor for poor health, very similar to the effect of poverty. In addition, New Jersey citizens
exposed to mold were 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with asthma after the storm and report negative
mental health. The analysis also indicates that children living in houses that experienced hurricane damage
were at higher risk for psychological and emotional distress than children from homes that did not experience
damage. The report highlights policy implications and responses to address each key finding as New Jersey
residents continue to recover.
New Orleans Ten Years After the Storm: The Kaiser Family Foundation Katrina Survey Project
Report. Hamel L, Firth J, Brodie M. New Orleans Ten Years After the Storm: The Kaiser Family Foundation
Katrina Survey Project. Kaiser Family Foundation 2015. https://www.kff.org/other/report/new-orleans-ten-years-
after-the-storm-the-kaiser-family-foundation-katrina-survey-project.
This report from the Kaiser Family Foundation, in collaboration with NPR, focuses on findings from the most
recent Katrina Survey Project, ten years after the storm. The report studies how individuals living in New
Orleans feel about the progress the city has made about the last decade, as well as the challenges that still
remain. Findings indicate that the racial gap between New Orleans’ White and African American residents have
continued across economic opportunity, rebuilding efforts, health needs, and safety.
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Healthy, Resilient, and Sustainable Communities After Disasters: Strategies, Opportunities, and Planning for
Recovery
Report. Healthy, Resilient, and Sustainable Communities After Disasters: Strategies, Opportunities, and
Planning for Recovery. Institute of Medicine 2015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/18996.
This report provides guidance on responding and rebuilding the health, resilience, and sustainability of
communities after disasters. The scope of the report is intentionally broad, with the aim of fostering the
integration of health considerations into recovery decision making across a range of disciplines and
stakeholder groups. Disasters often impact fundamental elements of a community—physical infrastructure,
health and social services, social connectedness—that affect the health of its residents. Accordingly, the
recovery period, with its attendant influx of resources and synchronization of planning processes, presents an
important opportunity to redesign physical and social environments in a manner that will improve a
community’s long-term health status while simultaneously reducing its vulnerability to future hazards.
Building Regulation for Resilience: Managing Risks for Safer Cities

Report. Building Regulation for Resilience: Managing Risks for Safer Cities. The World Bank Group, Global
Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery 2015. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/24438.
This report underscores the role of building code regulations to mitigate the impact of disasters. Effective
regulatory systems at the national level can help save lives and reduce destruction during disasters, which
disproportionately impacts the world’s poor and marginalized. Over the last decade, high-income countries
with advanced building code systems experienced 47 percent of disasters globally, but only experienced 7
percent of disaster fatalities. In contrast, more than 80 percent of the total life years lost in disasters over the
last 30 years came from low- and middle-income countries. The report argues, however, that building
regulation alone is not enough to address risks in low- and middle-income countries: Ineffective land use, poor
building code administration and capacity, limited legislation, unaffordable compliance costs for poor, and
corruption remain factors that hinder the potential of building code regulation in disaster risk reduction. The
report offers both programmatic and policy recommendations to effectively leverage building codes to save
lives and mitigate disasters.
Disaster Resilience: A National Imperative

Report. Disaster Resilience: A National Imperative. The National Academies Press 2015. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/13457.
This National Academies Press landmark report addresses the urgency of addressing disaster resilience in the
U.S. by 2030. As communities and the nation grapple with the fiscal, social, cultural, and environmental costs
associated with disasters, it critical to focus on resilience—the capacity to plan for, absorb, recover from, and
adapt to disasters. The report provides goals and performance metrics for national resilience; outlines areas for
future work within policy, regulation, and research; and makes the case for anticipating—rather than reacting
to—future disasters.
Early Warning as a Human Right: Building Resilience to Climate Related Hazards

Report. Early Warning as a Human Right: Building Resilience to Climate Related Hazards. United Nations
Environment Programme 2015.
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/7429/Early_Warning_as_a_Human_Right_1.pdf.
This report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) examines how access to information is a
welfare right, looking at the issue through the case example of early warning systems, which help households
respond to climate-related hazards. The report highlights how the world’s most vulnerable may not be able to
receive or respond to a warning, and as such, meteorological and development practitioners must work
together to improve both the technical and social aspects of early warning systems.
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ARTICLES AND BRIEFS
How Community and Public Health Partnerships Contribute to Disaster Recovery and Resilience
Article. Acosta JD et al. How Community and Public Health Partnerships Contribute to Disaster Recovery and
Resilience. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2017.130.
This article describes the impact of collaboration between community-based organizations (CBOs) and public
health departments to recover from natural disaster. Survey data was used to explore the structure and
strength of these networks, how they were influenced by storm damage, and whether additional network
connections were linked with better outcomes. Results found that CBOs provided public health services in
impacted areas during natural disaster response and recovery, and new partnerships were formed to support
this. The fluid nature of CBO collaboration can be molded to reach the needs of the community during critical
periods of emergency, and aid in overall long-term recovery.
Disaster Preparedness: Meeting the Needs of Children

Article. Blake N, Fry-Bowers EK. Disaster Preparedness: Meeting the Needs of Children. Journal of Pediatric
Health Care 2018; 32(20): 207-210. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2017.12.003.
This short article is about the impact that disasters can have on children under the age of 18 in the United
States. It discusses the current level of preparedness and recommends having a preparedness strategy in place
at both the national and community levels. This strategy would make preparedness an integrated part of the
health care system while better preparing key specialists such as pediatric nurses and first responders at the
community level.
Building Back Better: A Resilient Caribbean After the 2017 Hurricanes

Brief. Wilkinson E, Twigg J, Few R. Building Back Better: A Resilient Caribbean After the 2017 Hurricanes.
Overseas Development Institute 2018. https://www.odi.org/publications/11037-building-back-better-resilient-
caribbean-after-2017-hurricanes.
This brief from the Overseas Development Institute examines how gathered knowledge from previous
disasters and recovery efforts can help with decision making as the Caribbean recovers from Hurricanes Irma
and Maria. It calls for a long-term outlook and more thoughtful reflection when deciding which actions are
needed. It argues that understanding historical and cultural factors is critical to this process of increasing
disaster resilience in the region.
Voices from Puerto Rico: Reflections Two Months After Maria

Brief. Artiga S, Lyons B. Voices from Puerto Rico: Reflections Two Months After Maria. Kaiser Family
Foundation 2017. https://www.kff.org/report-section/voices-from-puerto-rico-reflections-two-months-after-
maria-report-issue-brief.
This brief from the Kaiser Family Foundation documents the experiences and reflections of Puerto Ricans who
lived through Hurricane Maria and now are attempting to rebuild. It features testimonials in both text and
video form from a number of perspectives. The brief chronicles the approach and duration of the storm, the
immediate aftermath, and the lasting effects on physical and mental health.
The Evolution of Public Health Emergency Management: From Preparedness to Recovery

Article Series. The Evolution of Public Health Emergency Management: From Preparedness to Recovery.
American Journal of Public Health 2017; 107(S2). http://ajph.aphapublications.org/toc/ajph/107/S2.
This special issue of the American Journal of Public Health contains 17 articles on the topic of public health
preparedness. Articles come from a variety of sectors, including academia, public health departments, national
agencies, and private organizations, and highlight the key role public health agencies, health care systems, and
communities play in protecting the nation’s public health. The articles span the areas of policy, practice, and
research that relate to a number of public health disasters or outbreaks:
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• From Anthrax to Zika: Fifteen Years of Public Health Emergency Preparedness

• Evolution of Public Health Emergency Management From Preparedness to Response and Recovery:
Introduction and Contents of the Volume
• Public Health Disasters: Be Prepared
• Science in Emergency Response at CDC: Structure and Functions
• The Evolution of Public Health Emergency Management as a Field of Practice
• A Child’s Health Is the Public’s Health: Progress and Gaps in Addressing Pediatric Needs in Public
Health Emergencies
• Project Public Health Ready: History and Evolution of a Best Practice for Public Health Preparedness
Planning
• Applying the 15 Public Health Emergency Preparedness Capabilities to Support Large-Scale
Tuberculosis Investigations in Complex Congregate Settings
• Funding Public Health Emergency Preparedness in the United States
• How Health Department Contextual Factors Affect Public Health Preparedness (PHP) and Perceptions
of the 15 PHP Capabilities
• Promoting Community Preparedness and Resilience: A Latino Immigrant Community–Driven Project
Following Hurricane Sandy
• Public Health Preparedness Funding: Key Programs and Trends From 2001 to 2017
• Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace: The Flulapalooza Model for Mass Vaccination
• 2015 Pandemic Influenza Readiness Assessment Among US Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Awardees
• Progress in Public Health Emergency Preparedness—United States, 2001–2016
• Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER): An Innovative Emergency
Management Tool in the United States
• Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER): An Innovative Emergency
Management Tool in the United States
• Public Health System Research in Public Health Emergency Preparedness in the United States (2009–
2015): Actionable Knowledge Base
• Improvements in State and Local Planning for Mass Dispensing of Medical Countermeasures: The
Technical Assistance Review Program, United States, 2007–2014
• A Conceptual Framework for the Evaluation of Emergency Risk Communications
Public Health in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

Brief. Michaud J, Kates J. Public Health in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Kaiser Family Foundation 2017.
https://www.kff.org/other/issue-brief/public-health-in-puerto-rico-after-hurricane-maria.
This brief from the Kaiser Family Foundation reports on the status of health in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of
Hurricane Maria. Immediate impacts included physical injury or death, while medium and long-term impacts
include limited access to safe food, water, and infrastructure; increased risk of infectious diseases; and
increased risk of mental health issues. The brief elaborates on these and other categories of health outcomes,
even providing data when possible about how the situation evolved rapidly in the weeks after the hurricane.
How Hurricane Maria Worsened Puerto Rico’s Health Care Crisis

Brief. Seervai S. How Hurricane Maria Worsened Puerto Rico’s Health Care Crisis. The Commonwealth Fund
2017. http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/features/2017/puerto-rico-health-care-crisis.
This brief from The Commonwealth Fund addresses the status of health care in Puerto Rico three months after
Hurricane Maria. It points out that one-third of Puerto Rico’s hospitals were still without electricity, leaving
many Puerto Ricans without adequate access to required care. The brief goes on to elaborate on how the
organization of Puerto Rico’s health system and its unique relationship to the United States government
affects its ability to serve all patients.
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Puerto Rico’s Community Health Centers: Struggling to Recover in the Wake of Hurricane Maria
Brief. Shin P et al. Puerto Rico’s Community Health Centers: Struggling to Recover in the Wake of Hurricane
Maria. Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative 2017.
https://www.rchnfoundation.org/?p=6156.
This brief explores how community health centers have worked to meet the health care needs of the Puerto
Rican population since Hurricane Maria in 2017. It recognizes that these health centers serve 10% of Puerto
Rican residents during a time of emergency, when there is limited electricity and clean water. It disaggregates
data on community health centers to highlight their importance in disaster response and the importance of
federal investment in restoring these centers.
Preparing for the Next Harvey, Irma, or Maria—Addressing Research Gaps

Article. Shultz JM, Galea S. Preparing for the Next Harvey, Irma, or Maria—Addressing Research Gaps. New
England Journal of Medicine 2017; 377: 1804-1806. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp1712854.
This article explores disaster preparation and impact of Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and Maria to highlight
differences in preparedness and consequences. It elucidates a wide range of barriers in creating interventions
to address gaps in disaster preparation, including access to resources and sporadic focus of the media. This
article maintains that while we have learned much from Harvey and Irma, more action can be taken to ensure
better protection against natural disasters.
Creating Healthy Communities After Disasters

Article. Tuckson RV, Dzau VJ, Lurie N. Creating Healthy Communities after Disasters. New England Journal of
Medicine 2017; 377: 1806-1808. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJMp1711834.
This article discusses the effect of natural disasters on health and wellness. It asserts that despite the financial
investment in disaster recovery, communities are not as healthy as they should be. The report offers many
recommendations to bridge these gaps in the public health sector: creating clinical and stakeholder
partnerships, assessing the needed resources for a maximally healthy community, and analyzing and delivering
existing community health assessments during disaster response.
Superstorm Sandy
Article Collection. Superstorm Sandy. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 2016; 10(3).
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/disaster-medicine-and-public-health-
preparedness/issue/57B8876AD0994C4AD1874CEC99E153FA.
This comprehensive issue of the journal, Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, explores on the
public health, health care, disaster response impacts of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Selected articles from the
issue include:
• Investigating the Public Health Impact of Hurricane Sandy

• Hurricane Sandy Recovery Science: A Model for Disaster Research
• Superstorm Sandy: Lessons for Optimizing Limited Training Resources for Local Impact
• New York State Public Health System Response to Hurricane Sandy: An Analysis of Emergency Reports
• What Happened to Our Environment and Mental Health as a Results of Hurricane Sandy?
• Hospital Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place: Who is Responsible for Decision-Making?
• Study Design and Results of a Population-Based Study on Perceived Stress Following Hurricane Sandy
• Prehospital Indicators for Disaster Preparedness and Response: New York City Emergency Medical
Services in Hurricane Sandy
• Geographic Distribution of Disaster-Specific Emergency Department Use After Hurricane Sandy in New
York City
• Vulnerable, But Why? Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Older Adults Exposed to Hurricane Sandy
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• Examining Public Health Workers’ Perceptions Toward Participating in Disaster Recovery After
Hurricane Sandy: A Quantitative Assessment
• Observation Services Linked With an Urgent Care Center in the Absence of an Emergency Department:
An Innovative Mechanism to Initiate Efficient Health Care Delivery in the Aftermath of a Natural
Disaster
• Spatial Shift in the Utilization of Mental Health Services After Hurricane Sandy Among New York City
Residents Enrolled in Medicaid
• Perceived Service Needed After Hurricane Sandy in a Representative Sample of Survivors: The Roles of
Community-Level Damage and Individual-Level Stressors
• Crisis Decision-Making During Hurricane Sandy: An Analysis of Established and Emergent Disaster
Response Behaviors in the New York Metro Area
• New York State Public Health System Response to Hurricane Sandy: Lessons From the Field
• Impact on Primary Care Access Post-Disaster: A Case Study From the Rockaway Peninsula
• Freestanding Emergency Critical Care During the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy: Implications for
Disaster Preparedness and Response
• Food and Waterborne Disease in the Greater New York City Area Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012
• Effectiveness of Using Cellular Phones to Transmit Real-Time Shelter Morbidity Surveillance Data After
Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey, October to November, 2012
DATA PUBLICATIONS, PORTALS, AND INTERACTIVES
Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters

Data Portal. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters. National Centers for Environmental Information 2018.
https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/overview.
This data portal from the National Centers for Environmental Information tracks severe weather and climate
events that have had the largest economic impact on the United States over the past four decades. Since 1980,
219 disasters costing over $1 billion dollars have occurred on U.S. soil, with total costs reaching over $1.5 trillion.
Yearly data on disaster frequency and estimates of disaster costs are provided in this portal, both overall and
by state using information from the National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Interagency Fire Center, U.S. Army Corps, individual state
emergency management agencies, state and regional climate centers, media reports, and insurance estimates.
Global Disaster Displacement Risk: A Baseline for Future Work

Data Publication. Global Disaster Displacement Risk: A Baseline for Future Work. Internal Displacement
Monitoring Centre 2017. http://www.internal-displacement.org/library/publications/2017/global-disaster-
displacement-risk-a-baseline-for-future-work.
This report from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre was issued to help decision-makers take actions
to prevent populations' risk of displacement before major disasters take place, rather than relying solely on
traditional response efforts. Using data from 204 countries and territories, the IDMC estimates that disaster
events will displace an average of 13.9 million people per year, with most displacement expected to be due to
flooding. In addition to providing projections on the risk of displacement related to sudden-onset disasters,
relevant policy implications are discussed and recommendations for action are proposed.
Infrastructure Super Map

Data Interactive. Infrastructure Super Map. American Society of Civil Engineers 2018.
https://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/infrastructure-super-map.
This interactive map from the American Society of Civil Engineers graphically describes state-level
infrastructure in the U.S. in relation to 18 domains: aviation, bridges, bridge funding, dams, dams with eaps,
drinking water, energy, hazardous waste, inland waterways, levees, ports, public parks, rail, roads, road costs,
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schools, transit, and wastewater. Within each domain, a grade is provided to indicate whether the nation's
existing infrastructure within each domain is fit for the future, adequate for current needs, mediocre and
requiring more attention, or poor and at risk of failure. For more information on specific domains and grades,
see the full 2017 Infrastructure Report Card.
2017 Infrastructure Report Card

Data Portal. 2017 Infrastructure Report Card. American Society of Civil Engineers 2018.
https://www.infrastructurereportcard.org.
The Infrastructure Report Card is a publication produced by the American Society of Civil Engineers every four
years to rate the quality of the infrastructure in America, including roads, public parks, transportation (e.g.
aviation, rail, ground transit), schools, water, energy, and sanitation. A letter grade is assigned to the U.S.
overall and state by state taking into account various criteria: the physical condition of the nation's existing
infrastructure, the extent to which it meets the population's demands, government funding in relation to
current and future needs, operation and management, public safety, the use of innovative approaches to
improvements, and the degree to which the nation's current systems are able to prevent and respond to large-
scale threats. In 2017, the U.S. received a grade of D+ indicating that the infrastructure is in poor condition with
many areas of the system deteriorating and facing a risk of failure.
National Health Security Preparedness Index

Data Interactive. National Health Security Preparedness Index. National Health Security Preparedness Index
2017. https://nhspi.org.
The National Health Security Preparedness Index uses data from various sources to provide a comprehensive
summary of health protections in the United States, both overall and by state. Yearly data is provided since
2013 and includes information on numerous preparedness domains, including health security surveillance,
community planning and engagement, incident and information management, healthcare delivery,
countermeasure management, and environmental and occupational health.
World Humanitarian Data and Trends

Data Publication. World Humanitarian Data and Trends. United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs 2017. http://interactive.unocha.org/publication/datatrends2017.
This report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) summarizes
global trends in humanitarian crises for World Humanitarian Day 2017. Case studies and supplementary
information are provided on numerous topics including the global impact of natural disasters, development
assistance, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health in emergency settings, and longitudinal trends in armed
conflict. Of particular note, the report depicts global data using creative infographics that may be particularly
useful for educators designing teaching materials for the classroom or compiling information on the impact of
humanitarian crises students of all learner levels.
FACT SHEETS AND PROFILES
Health Centers in Puerto Rico: Operational Status After Hurricane Maria

Fact Sheet. Health Centers in Puerto Rico: Operational Status After Hurricane Maria. Kaiser Family Foundation
2018. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/fact-sheet/health-centers-in-puerto-rico-operational-status-after-hurricane-
maria.
This fact sheet from the Kaiser Family Foundation provides information on the status of 93 health centers in
Puerto Rico, during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The spread of health centers is mapped by operation
status on an interactive map of the country. Data on the patients served at each health center site in 20016,
before the hurricane, is also available. While all health centers are open, there are still significant problems in
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providing optimal care. Some challenges for community health centers include lack of power, communication
barriers, and limited hours of operation.
Health System Scorecards

Profile. Health System Scorecards. The Commonwealth Fund 2017.
http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/health-system-scorecards.
This profile from The Commonwealth Fund provides a series of annual scorecards on local health system
performance in United States communities. It explores performance benchmarks through 40 measures in
health care access, quality, avoidable hospital use and costs, health outcomes, and health care equity. This
data explores trends in variation within communities and across states to provide recommendations in
improving the overall health of the nation.
Puerto Rico: Fast Facts

Profile. Puerto Rico: Fast Facts. Kaiser Family Foundation 2017. https://www.kff.org/disparities-policy/fact-
sheet/puerto-rico-fast-facts.
This profile from the Kaiser Family Foundation provides data on selected indicators on Puerto Rico and
compares it to the 50 States and DC. Indicators include subsets of demographic characteristics, health
coverage, economic statistics, health statistics, and federal Medicaid rules. These indicators suggest that
health is worse in Puerto Rico as compared to the United States. One out of two Puerto Ricans are enrolled in
Medicaid, a program that is facing financial difficulties. Alongside the strain on Medicaid, additional stress has
been placed on the health care system from Hurricane Maria. This profile illustrates a concerning disparity of
health indicators in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico Health Center Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet. Puerto Rico Health Center Fact Sheet. National Association of Community Health Centers 2018.
http://www.nachc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PR_18.pdf.
This fact sheet from the National Association of Community Health Centers explores the role of community
health centers in providing cost-effective health care, providing care to homeless patients and veterans, and
serving during public health crises and natural disasters. Beyond defining the importance of community health
centers, this fact sheet disaggregates data from 2016 to explore demographics, quality and accessibility, types
of full-time employees, and types of patient visits.
U.S. Virgin Islands: Fast Facts

Profile. U.S. Virgin Islands: Fast Facts. Kaiser Family Foundation 2017. https://www.kff.org/disparities-
policy/fact-sheet/u-s-virgin-islands-fast-facts.
This profile from the Kaiser Family Foundation provides data on selected indicators on the U.S. Virgin Islands
and compares it to the 50 States and DC. Indicators include subsets of demographic and economic
characteristics, health access, health status, and federal Medicaid rules. These indicators suggest a significant
strain on the economy and health care systems in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Alongside the strain on Medicaid, a
program with capped funding, additional stress has been placed on the health care system from Hurricane
Irma and Hurricane Maria, which destroyed hospital infrastructures and limited access to electricity and water.
This profile illustrates a concerning disparity of health indicators in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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TOPIC PORTALS
Emergency Preparedness and Response

Topic Portal. Emergency Preparedness and Response. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://emergency.cdc.gov.
This portal from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) helps individuals as well as emergency
health professionals prepare themselves for potential disaster situations. It includes guidelines for sheltering in
place, calling for help in the case of a traumatic event, and helping children cope. There are also resources for
specific types of disasters including disease outbreaks, natural disasters and sever weather, and bioterrorism.
Natural Disasters and Severe Weather

Topic Portal. Natural Disasters and Severe Weather. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/index.html.
This portal from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides resources for preparedness in
natural disaster or sever weather events. It includes guidelines for staying safe in earthquakes, extreme heat,
floods, hurricanes, landslides and mudslides, lightning, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanic events, wildfires, and
winter weather. Information for specific groups of the population including older adults, children, and people
with disabilities are also available.
Risk and Resilience

Topic Portal. Risk and Resilience. Overseas Development Institute. https://www.odi.org/our-
work/programmes/risk-and-resilience.
This portal from the Overseas Development Institute provides access to publications, projects, and events
related to policy-driven research on reducing vulnerability to emerging risks and achieving a sustainable future.
Publications cover a very broad range of topics, including everything from disaster insurance to food insecurity
to forced migration. Ongoing and completed projects largely focus on resilience and recovery after disaster
events.
United Nations Development Programme Climate Change Adaptation

Topic Portal. United Nations Development Programme Climate Change Adaptation. http://www.adaptation-
undp.org.
This portal from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) shares information about climate
change adaptation projects happening around the world, especially six signature programs. These programs
relate to agriculture and food security, water access and safety, disaster risk reduction, and more. The portal
also provides access to training resources, toolkits, and reports related to climate change adaptation.
U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit

Topic Portal. U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit. https://toolkit.climate.gov.
This toolkit provides a number of resources for individuals and communities to achieve climate security. It
features a step by step procedure with the following five components: explore hazards, assess vulnerability
and risks, investigate options, prioritize and plan, and take action. Each step is accompanied by a short video
explanation and elaborated written instructions.
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ORGANIZATIONS
Agenda for Humanity

Organization. Agenda for Humanity. https://www.agendaforhumanity.org.
The Agenda for Humanity, managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(UNOCHA), outlines five action areas to reduce humanitarian need, risk, and vulnerability worldwide: prevent
and end conflicts; respect rules of war; leave no one behind; work differently to end need; and invest in
humanity. Initiatives related to the core responsibilities of the Agenda and disaster preparedness include the
Global Partnership for Preparedness and the Global Alliance for Urban Crises.
Federal Emergency Management Agency

Organization. Federal Emergency Management Agency. https://www.fema.gov.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security, tasked with coordinating the response to disasters that have occurred in the U.S. and have
overwhelmed local and state authorities. The agency provides on-the-ground support for disaster recovery, as
well as funding for rebuilding efforts, relief funds for infrastructure, and preparedness training for future
disasters.
Hurricane Resilience Research Institute

Organization. Hurricane Resilience Research Institute. http://www.uh.edu/hurri.
The Hurricane Resilience Research Institute (HuRRI) is a multi-state, multi-organization national center of
excellence in resilience that is dedicated to advancing U.S. capacity to mitigate, assess, predict, educate, and
recover from hurricanes and severe storms. Emerging in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, HuRRI aims to
advance hurricane resilience culture, knowledge, solutions, and tools.
National Hurricane Center

Organization. National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov.
The National Hurricane Center—a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—aims to save
lives, reduce property loss, and improve economic efficiency through high-equality warnings, forecasts, and
analyses of hazardous tropical weather. In addition to timely data and forecasting, the National Hurricane
Center also shares hurricane-related educational resources for the public and students,
100 Resilient Cities

Organization. 100 Resilient Cities. https://www.100resilientcities.org.
100 Resilient Cities, pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation, helps cities worldwide become more resilient to
emerging physical, social, and economic challenges. The organization focuses on resilience related to not only
to natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, but also the stresses that impact city wellbeing, from
unemployment and poor public transit, to endemic violence or chronic food shortages. The organization helps
member cities with financial and logistical guidance for establishing a
Platform on Disaster Displacement

Organization. Platform on Disaster Displacement. https://disasterdisplacement.org.
The Platform on Disaster Displacement is a state-led institution charged with the protection needs of people
displaced in the context of disasters and climate change. The Platform offers states a toolbox to prevent and
prepare for displacement before a disaster, as well as better approaches to navigate and respond to situations
when disaster displacement does occur. The Platform on Disaster Displacement’s strategic priorities include
addressing knowledge and data gaps, expanding use of effective practices, mainstreaming human mobility
challenges, and promote policy in gap areas.
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ReliefWeb
Organization. ReliefWeb. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
https://reliefweb.int.
This portal of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) provides the
latest information on disasters and global crises to help humanitarian workers plan effective, informed
responses. The portal includes reports, maps, infographics, and is also a resource for training programs and job
listings in the humanitarian field. Information can be searched by individual country, type of disaster,
organizations, or related topics. Focused topics include health; safety and security; humanitarian financing;
gender; refugees/migrant emergencies in Europe and Southeast Asia; humanitarian crises in Southern, Central,
and Eastern Africa; and famine. The portal also hosts ReliefWeb Labs, with projects about emerging
opportunities to improve humanitarian information delivery, the ReliefWeb Blog, with short stories on specific
ideas and projects, and headline news from around the world.
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Organization. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. https://www.unocha.org.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is the part of the United Nations Secretariat
responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA's
mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national
and international actors in order to alleviate suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of
people in need; promote preparedness and prevention; facilitate sustainable solutions. OCHA’s Strategic
Plan presents their overarching goals and strategic objectives. You can find additional information in the media
resources, including statements, speeches, key messages, and reports.
United Nations Human Settlements Programme

Organization. United Nations Human Settlements Programme. http://unhabitat.org.
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was mandated by the U.N. General Assembly
in 1978 to address the issues of urban growth and is currently active in over 70 countries around the world. It is
the United Nations program to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements
development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all, and has been working in human settlements
throughout the world, including villages, towns, and cities of all sizes. UN-Habitat manages its work through its
headquarters (the UN-Habitat Secretariat) in Nairobi, Kenya, four regional offices, one for Latin America and
the Caribbean in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, one for Asia and the Pacific in Fukuoka, Japan, one for the Arab States in
Cairo, Egypt, and one for Africa also based in Nairobi, Kenya. UN-Habitat also has several liaison and
information offices around the world (New York, Geneva, Brussels, Beijing) whose task is to create and
maintain links with key governments and other multilateral organizations or development agencies.
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

Organization. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. https://www.unisdr.org.
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) is the central point in the United Nations
system for coordinating disaster reduction activities. It is the dedicated secretariat that facilitates
implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Disaster risk reduction aims to
reduce disaster risks through efforts to analyze and reduce the causal factors of disasters, like reducing hazard
exposure, decreasing vulnerability of people and land, managing the environment wisely, and improving
preparedness. UNISDR coordinates global and regional platforms for risk reduction, campaigns for resilient
and safe communities, advocates for climate change adaptation and gender-sensitive programming, and
expands the evidence base associated with disaster risk reduction and resilience.
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MULTIMEDIA AND NEWS
CityLab
News. CityLab. https://www.citylab.com.
CityLab explores current issues in major cities through analyses, reporting, and visual storytelling. It focus on
five areas: design, transportation, environment, equity, and life. The site also includes a repository of resources
on best ideas and stories in urbanization. Overall, this site aims to share ideas on how to collaboratively combat
pressing issues in urban areas.
Calls to Puerto Rico’s Suicide Hotline Have Skyrocketed Since Hurricane Maria
News. Campbell AF. Calls to Puerto Rico’s Suicide Hotline Have Skyrocketed Since Hurricane Maria. Vox 2018;
Feb 21. https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/2/21/17032168/puerto-rico-suicide-hotline-hurricane-maria.
This news article in Vox discusses the mental health crisis in Puerto Rico, and explores its relationship to the
aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Suicide rates and reports of suicidal thoughts have risen significantly since the
hurricane. These rates are especially high in rural areas, where there are still power outages and jobs are
difficult to find.
‘Exodus’ from Puerto Rico: A Visual Guide

News. Sutter JD, Hernandez S. ‘Exodus’ from Puerto Rico: A Visual Guide. CNN 2018; Feb 21.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/21/us/puerto-rico-migration-data-invs/index.html.
This news article from CNN illustrates where Puerto Ricans migrated after Hurricane Maria. In an attempt to
quantify the number of people that left Puerto Rico after Maria, the authors examined reports showing that
179,000 airline passengers left Puerto Rico for the United States; that 10,600 applications for FEMA aid were
filed; that there were 11,500 new Puerto Rican enrollments in Florida schools; and that 6,600 address changes
had been made to U.S. locations. This news article also notes that while Florida was the top destination,
migrants have moved to every state in the U.S. Through infographics and visuals, this article aims to quantify
the exodus of migrants from Puerto Rico.
Thousands of Puerto Ricans Coming to New England May Have Trouble Finding Housing
News. Kaufman J. Thousands of Puerto Ricans Coming to New England May Have Trouble Finding Housing.
New England Public Radio 2018; Feb 5. http://www.wbur.org/news/2018/02/05/puerto-ricans-new-england-
housing.
This news article discusses housing challenges for Puerto Ricans displaced by hurricane damage who have
come to New England. While federal housing was provided, this temporary housing is running out and families
are finding it hard to find permanent housing. Many Puerto Ricans have come to Massachusetts, especially to
cities like Holyoke, which has a large Puerto Rican population. As the temporary lodging deadline approaches,
families are struggling to find adequate and affordable housing.
Spotlight on Resources for Helping Students from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I. Cope
Newsletter. Spotlight on Resources for Helping Students from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I. Cope. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention 2018; Jan 26.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCDC/bulletins/1b6d5f2.
This newsletter from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides resources for youth in
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin islands displaced by the 2017 hurricanes. This is important because the
aftermath of hurricanes is challenging for children who must adjust to loss of family and friends, new schools,
new houses, and new cultures. These materials are intended to reduce emotional trauma for youth and include
resources for schools, helping children cope, handouts for children and students, and bullying prevention.
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After Andrew, Florida Changed Its Approach to Hurricanes

News. Alvarez L, Santora M. After Andrew, Florida Changed Its Approach to Hurricanes. The New York Times
2017; Sep 6. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/us/hurricane-andrew-miami.html.
This news article explores changes in storm response after Hurricane Andrew. These changes included passing
laws that required many public spaces to have generators, and approving building codes to create buildings
better able to withstand high winds. Beyond this, individual residents bought hurricane-impactwindows,
hurricane shutters, and hurricane resistant roofs. Hurricane Andrew also catalyzed changes in the emergency
response system, such as expanding resources in rescue vehicles and team trainings. These public health
emergency response changes have helped to prepare Floridians for hurricanes such as Hurricane Irma.
From Katrina to Wildfires: Leveraging Technology in Disaster Response

Blog. DeSalvo K, Petrin C. From Katrina to Wildfires: Leveraging Technology in Disaster Response. Health
Affairs Blog 2017; Nov 17. https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20171113.545312/full.
This blog post in Health Affairs explores how data and technology can be used to help vulnerable populations
during natural disasters. The authors highlight the role of the 2015 Health Information Technology for
Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act in spurring use of electronic data use and access. These
technological advancements include patient portals, health information exchanges, and geomapping
technology. One technology, emPOWER, was piloted in New Orleans in 2013 by the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS), and designed to use Medicare claims data to respond to people with electricity-
dependent medical equipment during emergency. While there has been significant progress in data and
information technology to disaster response, this blog explores five recommendations to strengthen
preparedness and response: protecting consumers, supporting consumer access to data, expanding
emPOWER, incorporating patient values into digital supports, and supporting local public health infrastructure.
Rethinking the ‘Infrastructure’ Discussion Amid a Blitz of Hurricanes

News. Revkin A. Rethinking the ‘Infrastructure’ Discussion Amid a Blitz of Hurricanes. ProPublica 2017; Sep 13.
https://www.propublica.org/article/rethinking-the-infrastructure-discussion-amid-a-blitz-of-hurricanes.
This news article in ProPublica explores the role of the government in preventing hurricane damage and
promoting resilience. This involves investing in infrastructure and redesigning institutions. While
acknowledging the challenges of federal guidance, this article highlights the importance of government
intervention in decision-making for disaster preparation.
Puerto Rico’s Health Care is in Dire Condition, Three Weeks After Maria
News. Robles F. Puerto Rico’s Health Care is in Dire Condition, Three Weeks After Maria. The New York Times
2017; Oct 10. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/10/us/puerto-rico-power-hospitals.html.
This article in The New York Times illustrates the dire effects of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Ricans who relied on
electricity-dependent medical equipment. This article emphasizes the urgency of quality government
interventions to help patients and provide resources to medical professionals in the face of natural disaster.
6 Rules for Rebuilding Infrastructure in an Era of ‘Unprecedented’ Weather Events.

News. Miller TR, Chester M. 6 Rules for Rebuilding Infrastructure in an Era of ‘Unprecedented’ Weather Events.
The Conversation 2017; Sep 7. https://theconversation.com/6-rules-for-rebuilding-infrastructure-in-an-era-of-
unprecedented-weather-events-83129.
This news article, published in The Conversation, conveys six rules for to rebuilding after a natural disaster:
proactive maintenance, investment in institutions, designing for climate change, managing infrastructure and
interconnected and interdependent, creating flexible infrastructure, and designing infrastructure for everyone.
These guidelines can aid policy makers in meeting the needs of communities by changing the perspective on
how infrastructure is operated and designed.
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Hurricane Sandy, Five Years Later: ‘No One Was Ready for What Happened After.’
News. Milman O. Hurricane Sandy, Five Years Later: ‘No One Was Ready for What Happened After.’ The
Guardian 2017; Oct 28. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/27/hurricane-sandy-five-years-later-
climate-change.
This news article in The Guardian discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. It focuses on the damage
to homes and the slow progress in recovery. The article illustrates the struggles to get back to a normal life,
from dealing with loss of family and friends to rebuilding a home.
Building Regulation for Resilience

Video. Building Regulation for Resilience. Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery 2016.
https://youtu.be/cFEJJFsDpvI.
This video shares methods for improving building regulation implementation and compliance in countries that
are vulnerable to natural disasters. It suggests that building codes and last use planning can help to improve
health and safety.
Whose Lives Should Be Saved? Researches Ask the Public

News. Fink S. Whose Lives Should Be Saved? Researches Ask the Public. The New York Times 2016; Aug 21.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/22/us/whose-lives-should-be-saved-to-help-shape-policy-researchers-in-
maryland-ask-the-public.html.
This news article from The New York Times explores important topics in public health response during natural
disasters. With the overarching theme of decision-making during difficult times, these topics include who
should be saved first and how rations should be shared. Overall, this article explores the ethical dilemmas that
become reality during natural disasters.
Playing God
Podcast. Playing God. Radiolab 2016. http://www.radiolab.org/story/playing-god.
This podcast by Radiolab discusses public health decisions that happen during natural disasters. New York
Times reporter, Sheri Fink, explores the ethical dilemmas that occur when humans must play god during both
wars and natural disasters.
TEACHING MATERIAL
Case Studies: U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit

Case Studies. Case Studies. U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit. https://toolkit.climate.gov/#case-studies.
This portal from the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit gives users access to over 100 case studies on building
climate resilience in the United States. Users can view the geographic distribution of cases on an interactive
map, get more information about each case in a pop-up display, and access the full text of each case. The
topics of the cases span everything from water and built environment to energy and transportation and relate
to schools, farmers, wildlife conservation efforts, and many more areas.
Stop Disasters!
Game. Stop Disasters! United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.
http://www.stopdisastersgame.org/en/home.html.
This game, produced by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, aims to teach
children how to build safer villages and cities against disaster. Children have to “prepare” a virtual community
from an impending natural disaster by experimenting with the location and construction of buildings in this
virtual world. Through the game, children will see how house materials make a difference during disaster, learn
about the role of early warning systems, and understand the importance of evacuation plans. Several
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resources accompany the game, including fact sheets and teacher guides focused on specific types of natural
hazards.
Resource Pack: Climate, Migration, and Health

Resource Pack. Resource Pack: Climate, Migration, and Health. Global Health Education and Learning Incubator
at Harvard University 2018. http://repository.gheli.harvard.edu/repository/collection/resource-pack-climate-
migration-and-health.
GHELI repository link: http://repository.gheli.harvard.edu/repository/collection/resource-pack-climate-
migration-and-health
This resource pack on climate, migration, and health was curated by the Global Health Education and Learning
Incubator. Materials cover key concepts about the complex nexus of climate change, migration, and health, as
well as information about populations disproportionately affected by climate change and migration, like
women, children, and the poor. This pack also includes resources that describe how climate and environmental
changes exacerbate geopolitical tensions, food insecurity and undernutrition, internal displacement, and the
spread of infectious disease.
Extreme Event Game

Game. Extreme Event Game. Koshland Science Museum. National Academy of Science 2018.
https://www.koshland-science-museum.org/extreme-event.
This in-person role-playing game from the National Academy of Science helps simulate what is needed to build
community resilience in the face of disaster. In the collaborative game, which is made for 12 to 48 players,
participants will make quick decisions and solve problems associated with natural disasters. Groups can play
the earthquake, flood, or hurricane game kits; across all games, players will need to work together to keep
their neighbors safe, find shelter, and respond to time-sensitive challenges. The game draws on evidence from
a seminal National Research Council Report on disaster resilience, and has been tested with diverse
communities over a 2-year period.
Archived Webinar: Business and Health Security: The Bottom Line on Preparedness
Online Learning. Archived Webinar: Business and Health Security: The Bottom Line on Preparedness. Robert
Wood Johnson Foundation 2017. https://nhspi.org/business-health-security-webinar.
This one-hour webinar from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation features multiple speakers from a variety of
sectors who discuss how health security issues impact the American economy and can relate to important
business strategy and decisions. Speakers in this webinar addressed questions related to natural disasters, the
health security index, and why businesses should be concerned about health security.
Extreme Hurricanes: The Challenges for Puerto Rico and Beyond

Online Learning. Extreme Hurricanes: The Challenges for Puerto Rico and Beyond. The Forum. Harvard T.H.
Chan School of Public Health 2018; Mar 9. https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/events/extreme-hurricanes.
This webcast seminar from The Forum at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health examines the persistent public
health challenges that continue to affect Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, and the outlook for
long-term recovery. Expert panelists discuss power restoration, health care coordination, medical services
delivery, and more. They also explore the threats posed by extreme hurricanes more broadly, asking what can
be done to better prepare and respond to such storms, how to build resiliency within affected communities,
and how to apply the lessons learned from past hurricanes to meet the challenges ahead. This event was
presented jointly with PRI’s The World and WGBH as part the Forum’s “Policy Controversies” series. Also see:
• Resource Pack: Disaster Preparedness and Resilience, Global Health Education and Learning Incubator
at Harvard University
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Island in Crisis: Teaching About Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria

Lessons. Gonchar M. Island in Crisis: Teaching About Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria. The New York Times
2017. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/04/learning/lesson-plans/island-in-crisis-teaching-about-puerto-rico-
after-hurricane-maria.html.
This compilation of lessons from The New York Times examines the situation of Puerto Rico after being
devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, not only focusing on the consequences of the disaster, but also
giving attention to Puerto Rico’s economic climate from before the disasters. The lesson begins with a warm-
up activity and short quiz to familiarize students with the situation at hand. It then provides a number of
possible activities through which students can learn about more specific aspects of the situation, including
humanitarian aid, political responses in disaster situations, and Puerto Rico’s economic debt.
Lesson Plan: Climate Change and the 2017 Hurricane Season

Lesson. Lesson Plan: Climate Change and the 2017 Hurricane Season. PBS NewsHour Extra 2017.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/lessons-plans/lesson-plan-climate-change-and-the-2017-hurricane-season.
This lesson plan from PBS NewsHour Extra explores the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season and delves into how
climate change may be affecting the storms. It asks students to address the question: “What might extreme
storms during the 2017 hurricane season tell scientists about the role of climate change?” After providing a
quick overview and warm-up activity, the lesson calls for students to collaboratively read and interpret an
article on hurricanes hitting the United States and watch a video about the relationship between global
warming and extreme weather across the world.
Puerto Rico’s Recovery After Hurricane Maria: Who is Responsible?

Lesson. Puerto Rico’s Recovery After Hurricane Maria: Who is Responsible? The Choices Program. Brown
University 2017. http://www.choices.edu/teaching-news-lesson/puerto-ricos-recovery-hurricane-maria-
responsible.
This lesson plan from The Choices Program teaches students about the status of Puerto Rico after being hit by
hurricanes in 2017, relations between the United States and Puerto Rico as they pertain to disaster response,
and the perspectives of multiple actors on the entire situation. After discussing background information,
students are exposed to eight different sources of information about post-hurricane Puerto Rico. They then
compare the information from these sources using a detailed worksheet.
Healthy, Resilient, and Sustainable Communities After Disasters: A Discussion Toolkit

Toolkit. Healthy, Resilient, and Sustainable Communities After Disasters: A Discussion Toolkit. National
Academy of Sciences 2015. https://www.nap.edu/resource/18996/PDRtoolkit.pdf.
This toolkit from the National Academy of Sciences includes a number of resources that can be used for
facilitating discussions or even more complex events related to disaster recovery planning and community
health. Its resources include meeting agendas, detailed instructions, checklists, and meeting planning
instructions to help a community recover from a disaster and become more resilient in case of another. These
materials are divided into modules that apply to planning for, executing, and following up after a community
meeting.
Hospitals Don’t Burn: Caribbean Island Regional Hospital

Teaching Case. Lippmann J, Janzen Le Ber M. Hospitals Don’t Burn: Caribbean Island Regional Hospital.
Western Public Health Casebook. Public Health Casebook Publishing 2015.
https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/publichealth/cases/Casebook2015.html.
This case study explores the fire evacuation procedures at the Caribbean Island Regional Hospital in Barbados
as well as the recommendations by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) to improve the hospital’s
disaster management plan. The case describes PAHO’s Safe Hospitals Initiative, developed to help health care
centers in Latin America and the Eastern Caribbean function effectively during emergencies, and in particular
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discusses the importance of comprehensive disaster response plans. This case includes guidance for
instructors, including learning objectives and discussion questions. This case is part of a 13-case collection
written by students in the inaugural MPH class of the Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health at Western
University, Canada. The cases may be copied and used free of charge without permission for any educational
uses by an accredited educational institution.
Moving People Out of Danger: Special Needs Evacuations From Gulf Coast Hurricanes (B)
Teaching Case. Giles D. Moving People Out of Danger: Special Needs Evacuations From Gulf Coast Hurricanes
(B). HKS Case No. 1961.0. Harvard Kennedy School Case Program 2012. http://case.hks.harvard.edu/moving-
people-out-of-danger-special-needs-evacuations-from-gulf-coast-hurricanes-b.
This case study from the Harvard Kennedy School examines how leaders and officials in Louisiana and Texas
implemented an evacuation process for citizens with special needs following catastrophic natural disasters. It
considers evacuation shortcomings that affected those with disabilities and medical conditions, the elderly, the
institutionalized, the homebound, and people without direct access to their own means of transportation. Part
A describes the planning and implementation of evacuation, sheltering, and repatriation efforts during
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005; Part B explores how states revisited their plans to respond to Hurricanes
Gustav and Ike in 2008. This case may be purchased for a nominal fee; registered educators may obtain a free
review copy. Online supplemental resources include short free documents and videos on how to teach with
the case method, as well as downloadable related tip sheets and questions for class discussion.
Moving People Out of Danger: Special Needs Evacuations From Gulf Coast Hurricanes (A)
Teaching Case. Giles D. Moving People Out of Danger: Special Needs Evacuations From Gulf Coast Hurricanes
(A). HKS Case No. 1943.0. Harvard Kennedy School Case Program 2011. http://case.hks.harvard.edu/moving-
people-out-of-danger-special-needs-evacuations-from-gulf-coast-hurricanes-a.
This case study from the Harvard Kennedy School examines how leaders and officials in Louisiana and Texas
implemented an evacuation process for citizens with special needs following catastrophic natural disasters. It
considers evacuation shortcomings that affected those with disabilities and medical conditions, the elderly, the
institutionalized, the homebound, and people without direct access to their own means of transportation. Part
A describes the planning and implementation of evacuation, sheltering, and repatriation efforts during
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005; Part B explores how states revisited their plans to respond to Hurricanes
Gustav and Ike in 2008. This case may be purchased for a nominal fee; registered educators may obtain a free
review copy. Online supplemental resources include short free documents and videos on how to teach with
the case method, as well as downloadable related tip sheets and questions for class discussion.
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This resource pack includes:

• Reports and Books

This resource is licensed Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-NoDerivs3.0Unported

Selected Resources – At a Glance

FACT SHEETS AND PROFILES

* indicates resource listed in GHELI’s online resource repository

A Framework for Healthcare Disaster Resilience: A View to the Future

Weather, Climate & Catastrophe Insight: 2017 Annual Report

UNHCR and Climate Change, Disasters, and Displacement

Puerto Rico Health Care Infrastructure Assessment: Site Visit Report

The American Preparedness Project: Where the US Public Stands in 2015

World Cities Report 2016 – Urbanization and Development: Emerging Futures

Gender Responsive Risk Reduction and Rehabilitation

Building Regulation for Resilience: Managing Risks for Safer Cities

Disaster Resilience: A National Imperative

Early Warning as a Human Right: Building Resilience to Climate Related Hazards

ARTICLES AND BRIEFS

Disaster Preparedness: Meeting the Needs of Children

Building Back Better: A Resilient Caribbean After the 2017 Hurricanes

Voices from Puerto Rico: Reflections Two Months After Maria

The Evolution of Public Health Emergency Management: From Preparedness to Recovery

• From Anthrax to Zika: Fifteen Years of Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Public Health in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

How Hurricane Maria Worsened Puerto Rico’s Health Care Crisis

Preparing for the Next Harvey, Irma, or Maria—Addressing Research Gaps

Creating Healthy Communities After Disasters

• Investigating the Public Health Impact of Hurricane Sandy

DATA PUBLICATIONS, PORTALS, AND INTERACTIVES

Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters

Global Disaster Displacement Risk: A Baseline for Future Work

Infrastructure Super Map

2017 Infrastructure Report Card

National Health Security Preparedness Index

World Humanitarian Data and Trends

FACT SHEETS AND PROFILES

Health Centers in Puerto Rico: Operational Status After Hurricane Maria

Health System Scorecards

Puerto Rico: Fast Facts

Puerto Rico Health Center Fact Sheet

U.S. Virgin Islands: Fast Facts

Emergency Preparedness and Response

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather

Risk and Resilience

United Nations Development Programme Climate Change Adaptation

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit

Agenda for Humanity

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Hurricane Resilience Research Institute

National Hurricane Center

100 Resilient Cities

Platform on Disaster Displacement

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

United Nations Human Settlements Programme

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

MULTIMEDIA AND NEWS

‘Exodus’ from Puerto Rico: A Visual Guide

After Andrew, Florida Changed Its Approach to Hurricanes

From Katrina to Wildfires: Leveraging Technology in Disaster Response

Rethinking the ‘Infrastructure’ Discussion Amid a Blitz of Hurricanes

6 Rules for Rebuilding Infrastructure in an Era of ‘Unprecedented’ Weather Events.

Building Regulation for Resilience

Whose Lives Should Be Saved? Researches Ask the Public

Case Studies: U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit