Prepare for Natural Hazards Homeowner's and Resident's Handbooks from Sea Grant provide vital preparedness information

In 2007, Dennis Hwang and Darren K. Okimoto of the University of Hawai'i Sea Grant co-authored a community specific Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards.

The handbook targets the average homeowner with easy to read information on risks in their area and step-by-step instructions for how to mitigate these risks.

Offering homeowners relevant, reasonable and cost effective options to prepare for natural hazards, the handbook provides suggestions that can be completed by homeowners themselves or in consultation with a licensed professional.

Since 2007, the handbook has been adapted by 11 Sea Grant programs. These handbooks expanded considerations to include not just homeowners but all residents.

The handbook covers hazards such as:

HURRICANES, NOR'EASTERS, TORNADOES, EARTHQUAKES, wildfire, drought, TSUNAMIS, FLOODING, WIND, and climate change.

They educate on these hazards through sharing common myths and reasons to prepare.

Find out about:

  • Where to obtain hazard warnings
  • Essential emergency supplies
  • Making an evacuation plan
  • Creating an evacuation kit
  • Securing your property - such as your roof, windows and doors
  • Alternate power sources
  • Types of insurance - including flood insurance
  • Recovery resources

Learn how to protect yourself, your family and your property. Check out all of the available hazards handbooks below.

Alabama - Alaska - Delaware - Florida - Georgia - Guam/Mariana IslandsHawai'i

Louisiana - Marshall IslandsMassachusetts - Mississippi - Texas - Virginia

Covers of Sea Grant's hazard preparedness handbooks.

Spark created by Hallee Meltzer, National Sea Grant Office

Photos from Aileen Devlin | Virginia Sea Grant; Delaware Sea Grant; New Jersey Sea Grant

Last updated: May 9, 2024