Natural Disasters and Schools
Learn about the actions schools can take to stay open during, or reopen quickly and safely after, natural disasters and extreme weather events.
On this page:
- Natural Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Schools
- Air Quality, Wildfires, and Extreme Heat
- Floods and Winds
Natural Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Schools
EPA Resources:
Partner Resources:
- Emergency Planning: Resources and guides for comprehensive Emergency Operations Plans to prepare for, respond to, and recover from various emergencies, ensuring the safety of students and staff.
- FEMA Safer, Stronger, Smarter: A Guide to Improving School Natural Hazard Safety: Guidance on school operations (i.e., what to do before, during, and after an event) and on the physical protection of school facilities (i.e., what can be done to the structure and facility to improve safety). The training also includes some discussion of the FEMA supplements, which provide guidance specific to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and tsunamis.
- FEMA Design Guide for Improving School Safety in Earthquakes, Floods, and High Winds(pdf): Protection of school buildings and their occupants against natural hazards, with an emphasis on the design of new K-12 schools, while also addressing the repair, renovation, and extension of existing school buildings.
- Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center(pdf): Compilation of resources aimed at helping schools enhance their mitigation and resilience efforts against various hazards.
- National Weather Service: Severe Weather Preparedness Guide for Schools: Weather education and resources tailored for schools.
Air Quality, Wildfires, and Extreme Heat
EPA Resources:
- Disasters, Emergencies and Schools
- Protecting Air in Schools
- Schools as Cleaner Air-Cooling Centers
- Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality in Schools and Commercial Buildings
Partner Resources:
- Arizona Department of Heat Health Safety – School Toolkit: Heat safety guidelines and resources specifically tailored for schools, aiming to ensure the well-being of students and staff during periods of extreme heat
- California Department of Public Health Guidance for Schools on Sports and Strenuous Activities During Extreme Heat: Guidance and emergency action plans for adverse weather and heat emergencies.
Floods and Winds
EPA Resources:
- EPA Storm Smart Schools: A guide to integrate green stormwater infrastructure to meet regulatory compliance and promote environmental literacy.
- EPA Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide
Partner Resources:
- NOAA Tornado Preparedness Tips for School Administrators: Frequently asked questions regarding tornado safety procedures for schools, offering guidance on how to prepare and respond to tornado threats in educational settings.