Tag Archives: Natural Disaster

Focuses of the threats that nature sometimes hurl at humanity, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, fires, floods, volcanic eruptions and other phenomena that tends to kill people, and how to best protect yourself from them.

Emergency Plans for a Tsunami Strike

Posted by on September 26, 2011 Comments Off
tsunami wave

Here are some important facts to keep in mind when coping with the event of a tsunami:

  • Once the tsunami has struck, your primary goal is to rescue and attend to the injured.
  • Your next concern is securing clean drinking water, shelter, food and medical supplies for the injured.
  • The loss of shelter leaves folks vulnerable to insect exposure, heat, and other environmental hazards, so survivors must be vigilant in protecting against there.
  • Most deaths associated with tsunamis are related to drownings, but traumatic injuries are also a possibility. Injuries like broken limbs and head injuries can easily be caused by the physical impact of people being washed into debris such as houses, trees, cars, really any other stationary items.
  • As the water recedes, the water and with it the debris can be pulled back into large populated areas and cause another round of injuries and further undermine buildings and services.

Featured Photo by Coco et Jo 
 Read more »

Emergency Plans for Volcanic Eruptions

Posted by on September 24, 2011 Comments Off
volcano blowing up

Background info: A volcano is an opening somewhere on the surface of the planet, from which hot magma, volcanic ash and gases are freed from below the surface.  Volcanoes are usually found where tectonic plates are colliding or pulling away from each other. The Pacific Ring of Fire has more than its fair share of volcanoes caused by colliding tectonic plates.

Most people are fortunate to not live near any active volcanoes. But if you do -

  • Before a volcanic eruption even occurs, pack a pair of goggles and add disposable breathing mask for yourself and each member of your family to your emergency kit/bug-out bag.
  • During a volcanic eruption, you must evacuate the area of the volcano in order to avoid potential flying chunks of burning debris, toxic gasses, and lava flows, none of which are good for your health.
  • Avoid low-lying areas, such as river valleys, where toxic gasses can settle.
  • Protect yourself from falling ash.  Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes.  The goggles you should have packed will protect your eyes.  Your breathing mask or a damp cloth can be held over your mouth to help breath.  Staying away from areas downwind of the volcano can help you avoid ash.

Why is volcanic ash something to be avoided? Well, it’s made of tiny, jagged pieces of rock and glass.  Furthermore, it’s abrasive, mildly corrosive, can conduct electricity when wet, and doesn’t dissolve in water.  Falling ash can turn daylight into darkness.

Featured Photo by fridgeirsson

Read more »

Emergency Plans: Landslides

Posted by on September 23, 2011 Comments Off
mudslide

1.  A landslide occurs when large amounts of of rock, earth, or other debris slide down a slope.  Mudslides (also known as debris flows), are a specific type of quick-moving landslide that has a tendency to flow in channels.

2. Natural events such as heavy rains, droughts, and volcanic eruptions can wreck havoc on the natural stability of the slope.

3.  A mudslides develops when water (such as from rain) quickly saturates the ground, causing a surge of water-saturated rock, earth, and debris to make their way down the slope.

4. Heavy human modifications made to the land as well as forest fires can destroy an areas vegetation, and along with it the plant and tree roots that help hold soil together and making it easier for for landslides to occur after heavy rains.  For your own safety, always assume that steep slopes and areas burned by fires are especially vulnerable to landslides.

5. Landslides can lead to broken electrical, water, gas, and sewage lines, which in turn can result in injury or illness.

6.  Disrupted roadways and railways that can also endanger motorists and disrupt transportation/access to health care.  Contact your local authorities about emergency and evacuation plans in the event of such a disaster.  Develop your own emergency and evacuation plans for you and your family.  Be alert when driving. Roads may become blocked or closed due to collapsed pavement or debris.

7.  During particularly intense storms and rainfall, Listen to the radio, watch TV, or check online for warnings about extreme rainfall or for information and instructions from your local officials.

8.  If you find yourself in imminent danger of a landslide or debris flow, move away as fast as you can from the incoming path of the slide.  Find and move to the nearest high ground directed away from the incoming slide.  If debris and rocks are quickly approaching, move quickly to a nearby shelter and take cover inside and preferably under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a table or desk.

9.  After a landslide or debris flow occurs, you should stay away from the site since more slides or possibly flooding may occur soon after. Read more »

Emergency Plans for a Flood

Posted by on September 22, 2011 Comments Off
flood

 

A flood in Kansas, USA

1.  Know the most frequent causes of flooding.  These include tropical storms, hurricanes, the annual spring thaw, and heavy rains depending on your location.  Flooding is actually one of the most common natural disasters in the world.

2.  Find out if your home is at risk of flooding.  Go to www.floodsmart.gov for resources provided by The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to determine the flood risks particular to your local area.  For example, this site could help you determine if your home is built on a floodplain.

3.  In particular, be aware of your areas potential for flash flooding, which is the top weather-related killer in the U.S.  A flash flood occurs when flooding is rapid and in low-lying areas in six hours or less.

4.  Install “check valves” in your home to prevent flood water from backing up into your homes drains.

5.  If you live in a particularly flood-prone area, have your furnace, water heater, and electric panel elevated.

6.  Seal the walls in your basement with a waterproofing compound.

7.  Put together an emergency kit which includes a first-aid kit, bottled water, food rations, a flashlight, any medication you or your family will need, blankets and clothing, and copies of important documents such as your Social Security card, your drivers license, your insurance policy, a list of important contact phone numbers, etc.  Consider keeping this ready to go in your car.

8.  Create a family emergency plan so that everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of flooding.  Choose 2 meet-up spots, one close to home and outside your neighborhood.

9.  Make plans for your pets.

10.  Keep in mind that most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.  Check with your insurance provider to see what is covered and consider buying a flood insurance policy.

Featured Photo by Kansas City District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Read more »

Emergency Plans for a Tornado

Posted by on September 21, 2011 Comments Off
tornado warning

A tornado is a dangerous, deadly, raging, spinning column of air that’s in contact with the surface of the earth and one of two different types of clouds (cumulonimbus or rarely a cumulus cloud).

1.  When you first hear about thunderstorms in your area, turn to your local news on the radio/internet/television to get the latest emergency information from your local authorities.  Pay attention for announcements of a tornado watch or tornado warning.

2.  Read up on the tornado warning system of your county or locality.

3.  Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning:

  • A tornado watch will be issued when weather conditions favor the formation of tornadoes, such as during a major thunderstorm.
  • A tornado warning will be issued when a tornado funnel is sighted and/or when indicated by weather radar.

4.  Tornadoes are frequently accompanied by lightning storms, which can disrupt electrical power in your area.  Keep a battery-powered radio and fresh batteries at home so that you can receive updates even if your power goes out.

5.  Develop a tornado emergency plan with your family so that everyone knows where they can take shelter in the event of a tornado strike.

6.  If there is a tornado siren warning system in your area, make sure everyone in your home understands what it is and how it works.

7.  Make sure everyone in your family knows how to administer first aid, use a fire extinguisher, when and how to turn off  the water, gas, and electricity in your home.

8.  Store your families important documents (Examples – birth certificates, social security cards, insurance policies, your will, etc.)

Featured Photo by Donald Lee Pardue

Read more »

Emergency Plans for a Wildfire

Posted by on September 21, 2011 Comments Off
fireman and fire

A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire in an area with flammable/dried out plants that strikes in a countryside or wilderness area.  Wildfires are different from other fires due to their expansive size, the rapid rate at which they can grow out from their original sources, their occasional tendency to randomly change directions, and their habit of jumping the gaps over roads, rivers and fire breaks.  Wildfires are known to cause massive damage to property and human life, but ironically it is this destructive force that can have beneficial effects in wilderness areas. Wildfires strike on every continent except icy Antarctica due to all the ice and a general lack of trees.

Wildfire safety tips before the fire hits:

  • Ensure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Make sure you mark any driveway entrances and that your home address is displayed clearly.
  • Report any potentially hazardous conditions you see that could cause a wildfire.
  • Teach kids about fire safety. Keep matches and lighters out of their reach.
  • Post fire emergency telephone numbers.
  • Ensure adequate accessibility by large fire vehicles to your property.
  • Plan several escape routes away from your home – both by car and by foot.
  • Work with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood should work together in response to a wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors’ skills such as medical experience and first-aid training or technical skills. Assess your plans for helping  any neighbors who have special needs, such as the elderly and disabled folks. Also coordinate on how to take care of any children who could be on their own if their parents can’t get home in time.
  • Design your homes landscape with fire safety in mind and keep it maintained to avoid fire hazards, such as dried out plant growth.  Keep leaves and rubbish clear.
  • Request that your local power company clear away tree branches near power lines.
  • Have your chimneys inspected and cleaned regularly.

When the fire strikes:

  • If you are advised to evacuate by the fire department or law enforcement, do so immediately.
  • Always tell someone the time you left and where you are headed.
  • Lock up your home.
  • Pick a route away from the fire hazards.
  • Wear protective clothing such as sturdy, comfortable shoes, pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a handkerchief to protect your face.
  • If you have time, wet shrubs within 10-15 feet of your home, turn off any propane tanks, bring particularly combustible objects inside.

Featured Photo by Brett Holt
 Read more »

Emergency Plans for a Hurricane

Posted by on September 20, 2011 Comments Off
hurricane florida

Hurricane Irene

Hurricanes, otherwise known as tropical cyclones, are characterized by large, low-pressure centers and several thunderstorms that produce fierce winds, torrential rains, high waves, and tornadoes. They are created over larger bodies of warm water, which is why coastal regions can take heavy damage from a tropical cyclone, while inland regions are generally safer from the high winds, if not necessarily from heavy rains.  Ironically, their devastating effects on human populations can also relieve drought conditions in the area.

Before a hurricane strikes:

  • Plan out how to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters are the best way to protect windows. Another idea is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape will not prevent windows from shattering.
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure in order to reduce damage to the roof.
  • Check that trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
  • Clear any loose or clogged rain gutters/downspouts.
  • If you own a boat, determine where and how to secure it.
  • Consider building a reinforced and protected safe room in your home.

Hurricane Rick

  • Listen to the radio or TV for up-to-date safety information.
  • Secure your home, close your storm shutters, and secure any outdoor objects or bring them inside to keep them safe.
  • Turn off your utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn your refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting.
  • Turn off any propane tanks.
  • Moor your boat if you have the time.
  • Ensure a supply of water for purposes of sanitation, such as cleaning and flushing your toilets. Fill the bathtub, sink, and other large containers with water for future use.

Evacuate the area under these conditions:

  • If you are directed by local authorities. Make sure to follow their instructions.
  • If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure since these shelters are especially hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened they are to the ground.
  • If you live in a high-rise building. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
  • If you live on the coast, a floodplain, by a river  or on an inland waterway.
  • If you think you are in danger.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your designated safe room. If you don’t have one, do the following:

  • Stay inside your home during the hurricane and away from any windows or glass doors.
  • Close any interior doors and secure and brace any external doors.
  • Keep the curtains and blinds closed.
  • Do not be fooled if there is a lull in the winds. You could be inside the eye of the storm which is usually calm, but the winds will pick up again if this is the case.
  • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level of your home.
  • Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

Image of Hurricane Rick by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Image of Hurricane Rick by Ani Carrington
Read more »

Emergency Plans for an Earthquake

Posted by on September 19, 2011 Comments Off
earthquake damage

An example of earthquake damage

Background Info: Earthquakes occur with an abrupt release of thermal energy from the Earth’s crust.  These events create seismic waves.  The most frequent earthquakes are smaller than magnitude 5.  Magnitude 3 or lower earthquakes are rarely felt. Magnitude 7 and over have the potential to cause major damage over extensive areas.  The most recent earthquake of magnitude 9 or larger was very in Japan in 2011 was fairly recent as of this posting,March 2011. Generally, the shallower an earthquake, the more damage to structures it will cause.

Here are some helpful tips for taking care of yourself and your family in the event of an earthquake:

1.  Make sure family members know what to do no matter where they are when an earthquake strikes:

  • Establish a meeting place where you can reunite afterward
  • Find out about the earthquake plans developed by your children’s school/day care
  • Store some emergency supplies such as food and drinking water at work

2.  Know where your homes gas, electric and water main shutoffs are at and how to turn them off in the event of a leak or electrical short.  Make sure the older members of your family can shut off the utilities as well.

3.  Know where your nearest fire station, police station, and emergency medical facility/hospital are located.

4.  Take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR Training Course  Take it with a family member so that you aren’t the only one who knows these skills.

5.  Here is a list of supplies you should have handy around the home:

  • Fire extinguisher
  • At least a few weeks worth of any medications that you or your family members are currently taking
  • Crescent and pipe wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies
  • First-aid kit and handbook of first-aid techniques
  • Flashlights with some extra bulbs/batteries and/or glow-sticks
  • Portable radio with extra batteries
  • Water for each person for at least two weeks (allow at least 1 gallon per person per day) along with some purification tablets or chlorine bleach to purify water from other sources for drinking/washing.
  • Canned and package foods (beef jerky, emergency food rations, candy – enough for several days) and a hand-operated can opener.
  • Waterproof, heavy-duty plastic bags for the disposal/containing of waste/garbage.

6.  During an earthquake:

  • If you are indoors, stay there.  Hide under a desk or table and hang on to it, or move into a hallway or get against an inside wall. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, heavy furniture, and appliances. If you are in the kitchen, get out quickly as it is a very dangerous place since things can fall on you. Do not run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or when there is a danger of falling and hurting yourself or being hit by falling objects or broken glass.
  • If you are outside, get into the open and away from buildings, power lines, and anything else that could fall on you.
  • If you happen to be driving, stop carefully.  Move your car as far out of traffic as possible. Never stop on or under a bridge or overpass or under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs.  Stay in your car until the shaking stops. When you start driving again, look out for breaks in the pavement, fallen objects/rocks, and bumps in the road at bridge approaches.
  • If you are in a mountainous area, look out for falling rocks, landslides, trees, and other debris that could be loosened by an earthquake.

7.  After an earthquake:

  • Put on some sturdy shoes or boots to avoid injury from any broken glass and debris you encounter.
  • Expect aftershocks.
  • Check others for injuries.  If a person is bleeding, you should put direct pressure on the wound, use clean gauze or cloth if it’s available.  If a person is not breathing, you should administer CPR. Don’t try to move a seriously injured person unless they are in further danger of injury in their current location.  Cover injured people with blankets to keep them warm.  Look for medical help for serious injuries.
  • Check for immediate hazards.  Put out fires in your home or neighborhood as soon as possible and call for help.  Shut off the main gas valve if you think there is a leak either because of broken pipes or a suspicious odor.  Shut off the power at the control box if there is a danger to home wiring.  Do not touch any downed power lines or any objects touching them
  • Check your emergency food and water rations.  Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass.  If you have no power and thus no working refrigerator, plan your meals so that you use up foods that will spoil quickly.  Food in the freezer should be good for at least a few of days.  Don’t light your kitchen stove if you think there’s a gas leak.  Use a barbeque or a camp stove outdoors only for emergency cooking.  If your water is off, you can drink water found in water heaters, melted ice cubes or canned vegetables.  Don’t drink water from a swimming pool or a hot tub since it may have too many chemicals in it to be safe to drinking.

Featured Image by Martin Luff
Read more »