Amid LA fires, neighbors helped each other survive – 60 years of research shows local heroes are crucial to disaster response

In emergencies, when every minute counts, research shows family, friends and neighbors are often saving lives. These local efforts go uncounted, yet they’re crucial.

James Kendra, Director, Disaster Research Center and Professor, Public Policy & Administration, University of Delaware • conversation
Jan. 20, 2025 • ~8 min

Neighbors and strangers pulled together to help LA fire survivors – 60 years of research shows these unsung heroes are crucial to disaster response

In emergencies, when every minute counts, research shows family, friends and neighbors are often saving lives. These local efforts go uncounted, yet they’re crucial.

James Kendra, Director, Disaster Research Center and Professor, Public Policy & Administration, University of Delaware • conversation
Jan. 20, 2025 • ~8 min

A national, nonpartisan study of the Los Angeles fires could improve planning for future disasters

The Los Angeles fires may be the most costly natural disaster in US history. An expert on safety, risk reduction and complex systems calls for a blue-ribbon commission to analyze their causes.

Najmedin Meshkati, Professor of Engineering and International Relations, University of Southern California • conversation
Jan. 15, 2025 • ~12 min

Wildfire smoke inside homes can create health risks that linger for months − tips for cleaning and staying safe

The chemicals emitted when buildings and vehicles burn can find their way into nearby homes. Studies show the health risks can stick around.

Colleen E. Reid, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Jan. 9, 2025 • ~7 min

Boxing Day tsunami: here’s what we have learned in the 20 years since the deadliest natural disaster in modern history

We need early warnings, stronger seawalls, and people who know the risks.

Tomoya Shibayama, Emeritus Professor of Coastal Engineering, Waseda University • conversation
Dec. 24, 2024 • ~8 min

Wildfire smoke’s health risks can linger in homes that escape burning − as Colorado’s Marshall Fire survivors discovered

A series of surveys in the months and years after the devastating blaze near Boulder revealed continuing health concerns in surviving buildings, and tips for how to clean up smoke-damaged homes.

Colleen E. Reid, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Dec. 23, 2024 • ~8 min

3 years after the Marshall Fire: Wildfire smoke’s health risks can linger long-term in homes that escape burning

The fire burned more than 1,000 homes outside Boulder, Colorado, in 2021. A series of surveys shows residents’ continuing health concerns, and tips for how to deal with smoke-damaged homes.

Colleen E. Reid, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Dec. 23, 2024 • ~8 min

15% of global population lives within a few miles of a coast − and the number is growing rapidly

Nearly 10% of the planet’s human inhabitants live within 3.1 miles of the coast − where the risk of climate disasters is often highest.

Viswadeep Lebakula, Research Scientist in Human Geography, Oak Ridge National Laboratory • conversation
Dec. 12, 2024 • ~6 min

New AI tool generates realistic satellite images of future flooding

The method could help communities visualize and prepare for approaching storms.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
Nov. 25, 2024 • ~8 min

Saltwater flooding is a serious fire threat for EVs and other devices with lithium-ion batteries

If you live in a flood-prone area, especially near the ocean, it’s important to know the risks if your EV is flooded. Or your golf cart, e-bike or other device with lithium-ion batteries.

Xinyu Huang, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Carolina • conversation
Nov. 15, 2024 • ~8 min

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