Every year, natural hazards that occur in the United States can result in hundreds of lives lost and cost billions of dollars in the form of disaster aid, disrupted commerce and destroyed public and private properties.

To help educate the public about the threat of natural hazards, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has launched a new Web site and seven easy-to-understand fact sheets on earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes and wildfires. The hazards Web site highlights resources and information available from the USGS and provides links to the individual hazards Web pages for more detailed information. The Web site and fact sheets can be accessed at www.usgs.gov/hazards/.

“At the USGS, it is our goal to provide scientific research and analysis that help the public make informed decisions on where natural hazards occur, how severe they may be, how to react to each hazard and how to safeguard people and communities,” said USGS Acting Director P. Patrick Leahy. “If we can use our science to help save lives and minimize the damage caused by natural hazards, we have achieved an enormous goal—helping to prevent natural hazards from becoming disasters.”

The USGS has the lead federal responsibility to provide notifications to the public about earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides. These notifications enhance public safety and reduce losses through effective forecasts and warnings based on the best possible scientific information. The USGS plays a supportive role to other federal agencies for flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, tsunamis and coastal storms.

The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.