The All Hazards Approach
Prepare for any emergency with a unified strategy
What is the All-Hazards Approach?
The all-hazards approach to emergency management is based on the principle that many of the same basic preparation and response actions apply to a wide range of emergencies. Rather than preparing for each specific type of disaster separately, this approach focuses on building capabilities that work across multiple scenarios.
Natural Hazards
Disasters caused by forces of nature
- Earthquakes and aftershocks
- Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones
- Tornadoes and severe storms
- Floods and flash floods
- Wildfires and brush fires
- Winter storms and blizzards
- Heat waves and droughts
- Landslides and avalanches
- Tsunamis and storm surge
- Volcanic eruptions
Technological Hazards
Emergencies involving human systems and infrastructure
- Hazardous materials spills
- Nuclear power plant incidents
- Industrial accidents
- Transportation accidents
- Structural failures and collapses
- Power grid failures
- Water system contamination
- Dam or levee failures
- Chemical plant accidents
- Pipeline ruptures
Human-Caused Emergencies
Deliberate acts and security threats
- Terrorism and violent attacks
- Active shooter situations
- Cyber attacks on infrastructure
- Biological attacks or pandemics
- Chemical weapons incidents
- Radiological dispersal devices
- Civil unrest and riots
- Arson and intentional fires
- Food or water contamination
- Mass casualty events
FEMA's Are You Ready? Guide
A comprehensive resource for citizen preparedness
Basic Preparedness Principles
The FEMA Are You Ready? guide provides foundational information for individuals and families to prepare for all types of emergencies:
- Create a family emergency plan with communication strategies
- Assemble emergency supply kits for home, work, and vehicles
- Identify evacuation routes and shelter locations
- Know how to shut off utilities in an emergency
- Understand warning systems and alert notifications
- Prepare for special needs of children, elderly, and pets
- Practice drills and exercises regularly
Hazard-Specific Information
While the all-hazards approach emphasizes common preparedness, understanding specific hazards helps you take targeted precautions:
- Know the hazards most likely in your geographic area
- Learn the warning signs for each type of disaster
- Understand protective actions for different scenarios
- Identify safe rooms or shelter areas for each hazard type
- Prepare specific supplies for likely emergencies
- Know when to shelter in place versus evacuate
Recovery Planning
Preparing for recovery is as important as preparing for the emergency itself:
- Document property and possessions with photos
- Store important documents in waterproof containers
- Review insurance coverage and update policies
- Keep copies of vital records in secure offsite location
- Know how to apply for disaster assistance
- Plan for temporary housing if needed
- Understand emotional and mental health recovery
- Establish financial reserves for unexpected expenses
Implementing the All-Hazards Approach
Identify Your Risks
Research the natural, technological, and human-caused hazards that could affect your area. Contact your local emergency management office for a hazard assessment.
Develop Core Capabilities
Build universal skills and resources that apply to multiple scenarios: communication plans, emergency supplies, first aid training, and evacuation procedures.
Add Hazard-Specific Preparations
Layer in specialized preparations for your most likely hazards, such as earthquake safety kits, hurricane shutters, or pandemic supplies.
Practice and Maintain
Conduct regular drills, update your plans annually, rotate emergency supplies, and stay informed about new threats and recommendations.