Crisis Managementwww.fema.govThe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, deals specifically with disasters, be they acts of nature, large-scale accidents (e.g., a hazardous waste spill), or terrorism. The site offers a daily "National Situation Update" that includes information on events around the country such as severe weather and building collapses, as well as damage assessments and the current Homeland Security Threat Level. Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness, a FEMA guide available for download from the site, offers detailed information on how best to deal with crises before, during, and after, including what to have on hand in case of a disaster or emergency.
In The Knowwww.emergencyemail.orgThe beauty of the Emergency Email Network is that in addition to offering an information site, the Network will push information to you via computer, Blackberry, cell phone, digital pager, or fax. Users choose the region for which they would like to receive notifications, then select what alerts they are interested in (severe weather, Homeland Security, Red Cross, Amber Alerts, etc.). Users can also select times during which they would prefer not to receive alerts. The site offers interactive weather maps and substantial airport information, including delay details to the minute; portions of the site change your mouse cursor to a clock, which is alternately fascinating and distracting.
Your Government at Workwww.ds-osac.orgThe Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC): Global Security News & Reports provides extensive resources such as foreign entry requirements, as well as business-specific information including emergency planning guidelines for American businesses abroad; a model contingency/evacuation plan; an emergency planning handbook; security guidelines for American enterprises abroad; and guidelines for protecting U.S. business information overseas. The site also offers a daily e-newsletter, reports, news, and links to external sources, as well as a section on known terrorist groups around the world. OSAC is a federal advisory committee, with a mission to promote cooperation between the government and the private sector regarding security concerns and issues.