Tribal IAQ Resource Directory: Disaster Preparedness & Mitigation

Overview

Preparation and response to weather-related and man-made emergencies is particularly important when it comes to indoor environments, since humans spend most of their time indoors, and rely on indoor spaces for shelter.

Between 2000-2025, FEMA declared 61 major disasters for Tribal Nations.

As of 2025, 223 Tribal governments had a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan.

Good preparations today can decrease fear, reduce losses and speed recovery in a time of disaster or emergency.

Resources

Emergency Preparedness Handbook for Tribes
A resource to help Tribes develop and implement an emergency preparedness plan for responding to natural and man-made disasters if and when they occur.

 Tribal Adaptation Resources
From the University of Oregon, this guide hosts Tribal funding opportunities, resources, and examples of Tribal adaptation plans.

 EPA’s Tribal Resilience Webinar
Introduces the Tribal Climate Adaptation Guidebook and highlights the experiences of two practitioners advancing climate adaptation and resilience within their Tribes.

 EPA’s Air Quality Flag Program
This program raises public awareness about outdoor air quality. AQFP partners ‘raise a flag’ (a color matching EPA’s Air Quality Index) to inform their communities about current air quality. The program includes readily available outreach, activities, and lesson plans.

   ITEP Tribes Wellbeing for Seven Generations Program
From the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, this program has videos, webinars, and information about ongoing projects related to environmental change.

FEMA Tribal Affairs
FEMA’s Tribal website that includes more information and links to FEMA Tribal consultation information and policies, disaster declarations and guidance and mitigation information.

 EPA’s Emergencies and IAQ
Learn how to prepare indoor environments for emergencies and disasters to protect healthy IAQ. This page includes information on power outages and portable generators, flood cleanup, preparing for winter weather and extreme heat, and how to create a clean room indoors during wildfires.

Barriers to Tribal Mitigation Planning
An article about the impact of natural disasters and vulnerabilities unique to Tribes.

 FEMA's Are You Ready? Guide
A guide for a general audience with information about how to prepare and plan for different disasters. There is also general information about recovery.

 Did you know...

EPA’s AirNow website and the AirNow Mobile App provide an easy way to check for current and forecast air quality information in your area? Check it out to plan your daily activities and protect your health.

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