Disasters and Emergencies

News

HHS Announces New Steps in Anthrax Preparedness
October 1, 2008 — HHS announced two new actions to bolster the nation’s preparedness for a potential outdoor anthrax attack. DHS and HHS have given FDA the authority to consider issuing an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow eligible letter carriers to receive kits containing small quantities of antibiotics for future use by them and other members of their households during an anthrax emergency. Secretary Leavitt also issued a declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) that provides liability protection for activities related to developing, manufacturing, distributing, prescribing, dispensing, administering and using anthrax countermeasures in preparation for, and in response to, a potential anthrax attack.

• News Release
• Declaration of Emergency Pursuant To Section 564 Of The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 360bbb-3(b)
• Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act

Newsroom

Disasters and Emergencies Newsroom

• Operations and Training
• Medical Planning & Countermeasures
• Preparedness and Response Video Briefings
• Communicating in Crisis
• Public Service Announcements
• Media Guides
• News in Pictures

Natural Disasters

• Earthquake
• Fire or Wildfire
• Flood & Dam Failure
• Hurricane & High Wind
• Landslide
• Thunderstorm
• Tornadoes
• Tsunami
• Volcano
• Extreme Cold
• Extreme Heat

Learn More >>

Man-made Disasters

• Bioterrorism
• Chemical Agents
• Pandemic Influenza and Diseases
• Radiation Emergencies
• Terrorism

Learn More >>

Traumatic Events & Mental Health

Traumatic events affect survivors, rescue workers, and the friends and relatives of victims who have been involved.

Learn how you can find help or assist others >>

News in Pictures

HHS Participates in the Pinnacle Exercise to test continuity of operations plans.

News in Pictures >>