Disasters in Disrupted Communities: The Role of Nurses in Promoting Disaster Readiness

As natural hazards increase and intensify, nurses can support patient, family, and community well-being by promoting disaster readiness. Brief, tailored, and timely patient education during minor and routine visits is one avenue to do so. A more prepared community can decrease illness and injury, lessen health care system burden, and increase resilience to disasters. This article provides accessible disaster readiness messages that nurses can model and utilize in health care interactions. The all-hazards approach and common hazards preparedness are addressed. Several case studies are presented. Small actions can make a difference when hazards disrupt communities.