Preparing for Natural Disasters

Some natural disasters are easily predicted; others happen without warning. Preparing for natural disasters in advance is an important part of family survival planning.

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making an emergency supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency.

In preparing for natural disasters, it's a good idea to find out which kinds are most common in your area. For instance, I live in earthquake country (not California!) - in Utah, although there have been only a few small ones in my lifetime. We are expecting the "big one" some day though. What natural disasters might be prevalent in your area?

Floods

Historically, flooding is the single most common natural disaster in the U. S. However, not all floods are alike. A river flooding can take days, whereas a flash flood can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes, without any visible signs of rain.

• What to do and know before a flood.
• What to do during a flood.
• What to do after a flood.

Wildland/Forest Fires

If you live on a remote hillside or in a valley, prairie, or forest where vegetation is plentiful, your residence could be vulnerable to wildland fire. These fires are usually triggered by lightning or accident, and hopefully, NOT by people who are careless with cigarettes or camp fires.

• Adequate wild fire protection for your home.
• Tips from the Red Cross Disaster Preparedness.
• Tips for making your property fire resistant.
• Tips to protect your home.
• What to do if a wild fire threatens your home.

Hurricanes

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, the generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The ingredients for a hurricane include a preexisting weather disturbance, warm tropical oceans, moisture, and relatively light winds aloft. A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms, and in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface. All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical storms.

Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rains. Floods are the deadly and destructive result. Excessive rain can also trigger landslides or mud slides, especially in mountainous regions. Flash flooding can occur due to the intense rainfall. The speed of the storm and the geography beneath the storm are the primary factors regarding the amount of rain produced.

• What to do before a hurricane.
• What to do during a hurricane.
• What to do after a hurricane.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. Originating from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can uproot trees, destroy buildings, and turn harmless objects into deadly missiles. They can devastate a neighborhood in seconds.

A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends to the ground, with whirling winds that can reach three-hundred miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and fifty miles long. Every state is at some risk from this natural disaster.

• What to do before tornados threaten.
• What to do during a tornado watch.
• What to do during a tornado warning.
• Wind safe room and shelter.
• What to do after a tornado.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes with their sudden shaking can cause buildings and bridges to collapse, telephone and power lines to fall, and result in fires, explosions, and landslides. Earthquakes can also cause huge ocean waves called tsunamis, which travel long distances over water until they crash into coastal areas.

• What to do before an earthquake.
• What to do during an earthquake.
• What to do after an earthquake.

Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm, ice storm, or extreme cold. The impacts include closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.

You can protect yourself and your family from the many hazards of winter by planning ahead.

• What to do before winter storms threaten.
• What to do during winter storms.
• Driving in winter storms.

Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion from Extreme Heat

Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond it limits. Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over exercised for his age and physical condition. The elderly, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat.

• What to do before an extreme heat emergency.
• What to do during extreme heat or a heat wave emergency.
• First aid for heat-induced illnesses.

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Preparing for natural disasters is all we can do. They will and do happen all over the world. We just need to prepare as best we can.