Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene-related Emergencies & and Outbreaks

Emergencies related to water can cause community-wide disruption and illness if water is contaminated with germs, chemicals, or toxins. Water-related emergencies can be created by natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts; man-made disasters, such as chemical spills; or waterborne disease outbreaks. Many diseases can be prevented by creating and storing an emergency water supply, knowing how to make water safe, learning about drinking water advisories, and following hygiene practices during an emergency.

Communication Materials
Make Water Safe During an Emergency

Use CDC materials to raise awareness and prevent illness:

  • Buttons and Badges
  • Fact Sheets
  • Posters
email_03Get Email Updates

To receive email updates about this topic, enter your email address: