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Emergency Response

Sierra Waver gathers her belongings in Trotwood, Ohio, near Dayton, on May 28th, 2019, after powerful tornadoes ripped through the state overnight, causing at least one fatality, widespread damage, and power outages.
Viewfinder

Viewfinder: Multiple Tornadoes Cause Widespread Damage Around Dayton, Ohio

Sierra Waver gathers her belongings in Trotwood, Ohio, near Dayton, on May 28th, 2019, after powerful tornadoes ripped through the state overnight.

By Pacific Standard Staff
Two migrants lean against a rail next to the U.S.-Mexico border fence in Tijuana, Mexico, on August 10th, 2018.
Shelf Help

Emergency Responders on the U.S.-Mexico Border

Ieva Jusionyte explores the spirit of first response in an area where dangers don't care about boundaries.

By Peter C. Baker
Federal Bureau of Investigation agents monitor the scene near the Borderline Bar & Grill, where a mass shooting occurred, on November 8th, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, California. At least 12 people have died, including a Ventura County Sheriff's Department sergeant. The gunman is also thought to have shot himself.
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Viewfinder: FBI Agents Respond to a Mass Shooting

Federal Bureau of Investigation agents monitor the scene near the Borderline Bar & Grill, where a mass shooting occurred, on November 8th, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, California.

By Pacific Standard Staff
A man waters his home as firefighters battle the Thomas fire along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5th, 2017.
Environment

Following Wildfires, California to Reconsider Alert Systems

The proposed system would increase emergency alert outreach by communicating through cell phones and landlines, as well as by radio, television, and state-controlled billboards on highways.

By Candace Butera
People take shelter at the George R. Brown Convention Center after floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey inundated the city on August 29th, 2017, in Houston, Texas. The evacuation center, which is overcapacity, has already received more than 9,000 evacuees, with more arriving.
Environment

What Hurricane Harvey Tells Us About How We Assess and Prepare for Catastrophe

A catastrophe like Hurricane Harvey was long predicted for Houston. But to live next to a dam and never fathom a breach is not a uniquely Texan brand of magical thinking.

By Laura Bliss
Social Justice

Evacuation Lessons From Hurricane Irene

Safety officials may have overreacted in preparing for Hurricane Irene, but that's the best course of action, says evacuation expert Micah Brachman.

By Jai Ranganathan