Curated OER
Is FEMA a Natural Disaster?
Students develop an understanding of FEMA and reflect about the consequences of a natural disaster. In this natural disaster lesson, students are asked specific questions after reading several stories. After class discussion on the...
Curated OER
When Disaster Strikes
Students examine the ways major industries are affected by and respond to natural disaster. They interview local representatives of these industries on how they prepare for and manage such disasters.
Tramline
Hurricane Virtual Field Trip
What conditions are necessary to create a hurricane? Where do hurricanes occur? When is hurricane season? What is the difference between a tropical cyclone and a hurricane? How is the strength of a hurricane measured? Where do hurricanes...
CNN
Cnn: New Orleans Disaster Plan: Get Out of Town
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and Homeland Security announces the new evacuation plan for New Orleans in case of disaster. This interesting article also recaps evacuation problems that plagued New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, as well...
CNN
Cnn: People: Evacues Across the Nation
Interactive map that shows the displacement of people across the United States, which was caused by Hurricane Katrina. In particular, interactive maps of the number of people applying for FEMA aid, number of evacuees enrolled in schools,...
BBC
Bbc: Timeline: How the Hurricane Crisis Unfolded
Detailed timeline of Hurricane Katrina from August 28-September 9, 2005. Links to other stories, video, and pictures accompany this excellent timeline.
BBC
Bbc: Homes Pledge for Katrina Victims
BBC News reports on the Hurricane Katrina response as well as the continued search and rescue of New Orleans that continues. Report also includes a report of the discovery of victims found in a hospital. Photographic essay and a video...
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: Newsmaker: Fema's Mike Brown
The director of FEMA, Mike Brown, who is in charge of the Hurricane Katrina disaster relief effort, discusses the conditions of the areas hit, the evacuation effort, and the government's response. Audio, video, and a transcript of this...
Other
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Tremor Troop: Earthquakes [Pdf]
A 260-page unit of activities on earthquakes. Covers what they are, their cause, why and where they occur, their impact on the Earth, how they are measured, and safety and survival. Includes worksheets and has a glossary at the end.
Other
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Earthquake Safety Activities [Pdf]
A 74-page booklet of activities that teach about earthquakes and what to expect when one strikes, what one can do to prepare for them, and ways to stay safe during an earthquake and afterwards.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: The Storm
Explore the impact of communication system failures on victims of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster. Evaluate how governmental agencies in the U.S. help citizens in times of crisis and how this storm impacted their procedures.
NBC
Msnbc: In Receding Floodwaters, More Damage Found
September, 2005, report of the aftermath of Hurricane Rita including damage, fatalities, impact on the oil industry, and rescue missions.
FOX News
Fox News: Cat 5 Hurricane Rita Heads for Gulf
September, 2005, article discussing Hurricane Rita, its intensity, the evacuation of the Gulf Coast areas, and the possible impact. Along with the article are links to other resources, video, pictures, interactive map, and information on...
Ready
Ready: Make a Plan
Thorough resource that covers preparing for natural and man-made disasters and hazards.
Other
National Center for Law and Economic Justice
A wealth of information on economic justice in the United States.
CNN
Cnn: Life Inside a Fema Trailer
Captivating audio slide show that details a family's experience in a FEMA trailer after they were displaced from their home by Hurricane Katrina.
CNN
Cnn: Criticism of Fema's Katrina Response Deserved
The Department of Homeland Security acknowledges problems with FEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina. This article also has a link to the 218-page report that also offers recommendations that would improve FEMA's emergency response.
CNN
Cnn: Homeland Security Chief Defends Katrina Response
Michael Chertoff, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, defended the department's response to Hurricane Katrina as he testified in the Senate. Article is from February, 2006.
CNN
Cnn: Bush: 'I Take Responsibility'
As criticism of the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina mounted, President George W. Bush took responsibility for the government's failures. Report from September, 2005.
CNN
Cnn: 'People Making Decisions Hesitated'
Report that explores the reaction of local, state, and federal government officials to Hurricane Katrina. Report is from September, 2005.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Hurricane Katrina
Complete coverage of Hurricane Katrina is given including societal repercussions and political fallout.
BBC
Bbc News: Hurricane Rita Lashes Gulf Coast
In this September, 2005, report, the Gulf Coast is hit by Hurricane Rita. Along with report, is a photographic slideshow, satellite images, and links to other articles.
BBC
Bbc: Trailer Towns' Uncertain Future
November 2005 report on life in the FEMA trailer parks that emerged in the Gulf Coast regions that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
BBC
Bbc: 'We Knew It Was Bound to Happen'
September 2005 report that chronicles the experiences of three New Orleans evacuees displaced by Hurricane Katrina.