When catastrophic flooding swept through central Texas in July, NIEHS mobilized to address public health threats posed by rising waters, debris, and health system disruptions. Institute leaders quickly activated the Disaster Research Response (DR2) Program and the Worker Training Program (WTP) to aid in recovery and planning efforts.

The fast response to the flooding builds on longstanding efforts to reduce health risks and bolster preparedness in disaster-prone regions across the nation. 

“NIEHS leads disaster research efforts through programs that provide critical support to improve response, recovery, and preparedness for future disasters,” said Aubrey Miller, M.D., Senior Medical Advisor and Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Disaster Research Response Program.

He added that such programs disseminate research tools to support robust data collection in the aftermath of disasters, in addition to providing health and safety training for response workers.

Coordinating a rapid response

NIEHS leaders quickly convened a call with disaster health experts across the nation within days of the July 4 flooding to identify pressing concerns and facilitate research activities that would capture how the flooding is affecting the health of communities.

As part of this outreach, NIEHS shared resources to help support scientists’ efforts to collect data rapidly and consistently for flood-related health research.

Researchers — many of whom are supported in part by NIEHS — identified safety issues, water quality monitoring, hazardous environmental exposures, and adverse socio-behavioral and mental health impacts as areas of particular concern warranting further investigations and long-term follow-up.

Protecting health and safety

Floodwaters can result in mold, physical hazards, sewage, bacteria, and contaminated debris, which pose significant health risks to responders and returning residents. The NIEHS Worker Training Program (WTP) offers free educational tools and mobile apps for safe cleanup and recovery.

“Our tools are designed to be practical and accessible for the people on the ground, from first responders and volunteers to residents returning to their homes,” said Sharon Beard, who directs the WTP. She added that these resources aim to equip everyone with the critical information they need to protect themselves as they prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Click on the links below to explore Hurricanes and Floods Training Tools from WTP.

All materials are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese and are accessible via the WTP Disaster Preparedness App, which works offline for use in field research.