What is a disaster? Definition, types, impact, and how to prepare

Understanding what a disaster is is the first step to preparing. Natural disasters can strike at any time and transform our lives in seconds. Understanding what a disaster is, the different types that exist, and how they affect us is the first step to being prepared. In this article, we explain in simple terms what a disaster means, what its impact is on communities, and what actions you can take to protect your family before, during, and after one.

This information is especially helpful if you live in North Carolina, where hurricanes, storms, and flooding are becoming more frequent.

Definition of Disasters

The International Red Cross considers a disaster on the table:

“a calamitous event, sudden or foreseeable, that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community and causes human, material, economic or environmental losses that exceed the capacity of the affected community to cope with the situation through its own resources.”

For this reason, it is understood that a hazard, combined with vulnerability and inability to cope with its potential negative consequences, gives rise to a disaster.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also defines what a disaster is.

“Events that result in a large number of deaths and injuries; cause extensive damage or destruction of facilities that serve human needs; place overwhelming demands on state and local resources and response mechanisms; have a severe long-term impact on general economic activity; and severely impair the ability of the state, local, and private sectors to initiate and sustain response activities.”

Although they are often caused by nature, disasters can also be due to human activity.

What types of weather events or phenomena can cause a natural disaster?

Natural disasters can be caused by various meteorological and geological phenomena. Understanding these events helps us understand the risk they pose to our communities and learn how we can prepare to minimize their impact.

Below we explain the main types of phenomena that can cause a natural disaster.

Hurricanes

The Hurricanes They are massive storm systems that form over warm ocean waters and move toward land. The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30.

Hurricanes can affect areas more than 100 miles inland.

As defined by the International Red Cross, a hurricane consists of large, closed systems of air circulation in the atmosphere, combining low pressure and strong winds. Its effects are large-scale and often highly destructive: first, in a sudden and brief onslaught, strong winds cause significant damage to infrastructure and homes, particularly to less solid structures. This is often followed by heavy rains and flooding, and in flat coastal regions, storm surges.

If you are under a hurricane warning, seek safe shelter immediately.

Determine the best way to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
Evacuate if instructed to do so.
Move to a designated storm shelter or interior room to protect yourself from the winds.
Hear information and emergency alerts.
Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
Turn around, don't drown! Don't walk, swim, or drive through rising water. Heed flood warning signs in flood-prone areas.

Hurricane risks include:

Strong winds (downed trees and power lines)
Heavy rains
Floods
Tornadoes
Avalanches
Storm surge (only in coastal areas)

Floods

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States and consist of temporary overflows of water onto normally dry land.

Not all floods are caused by the same things, and some floods develop slowly or gradually, while others occur quickly and without warning.

Some floods They occur as a result of rain, but others are triggered by snow, storm surges, or overflowing dams or other water systems.

As indicated by the national government campaign Ready, which is intended to prepare people for different types of disasters, failure to evacuate flooded areas, entering floodwaters, or staying after a flood has passed can result in injury or death.

If you are under a flood warning, seek safe shelter immediately.

Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn around, don't drown!
It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you over, and one foot of water for the vehicle to be swept away by the torrent.
Stay away from bridges over fast-moving water.
Determine how to best protect yourself based on the type of flood.
Evacuate if told to do so.
Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
Stay where you are.

Tornadoes

The tornadoes Thunderstorms are violently rotating columns of air that travel at speeds of over 200 miles per hour and extend from the thunderstorm to the ground. Their consequences can be very severe, destroying buildings, sweeping away cars, or even creating deadly flying debris.

If you are under a tornado threat, seek safe shelter immediately.

If you can safely get to a solid building, do so immediately.
Go to a safe room, a basement or refuge for storm.
If you are in a building without a basement, then go to a small, interior room on the lowest level.
Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls.
Don't enter under an overpass or bridge. You'll be safer in a low, level area.
Beware of flying debris that can cause injury or death.
Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

Snow storms

The Snow storms create an increased risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, poisoning or carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion. Snowstorms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and strong winds.

This type of adverse weather event can disrupt heating, electricity, and communications services, as well as put older adults, young children, and the sick at greater risk.

If you are under a blizzard warning, seek shelter immediately.

Stay off the roads.
Stay indoors and dress warmly.
Prepare for blackouts.
Use generators outside the house only and away from windows.
Listen to official information from emergency authorities and be alert for alerts.
Check yourself for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Check on your neighbors.

Fires

The nationwide government campaign Ready.gov distinguishes two types of fires: home fires and forest fires.

home fires

Home fires can become deadly in just two minutes, and within five minutes a residence can be engulfed in flames. But what few consider is that the heat produced by the fire is even more dangerous than the flames. In fact, in a fire, the temperature can be 100°F (37°C) at floor level and rise to 600°F (315°C) at eye level. Inhaling this extremely hot air can burn your lungs and melt clothing on your skin.

It's also important to know that smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames. Fire produces poisonous gases that disorient and dizzy people. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, outnumbering burns by three to one.

Paradoxically, fires are dark: the fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness that prevents vision.

Create and practice a home fire escape plan

In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts; therefore, you and your family should always be prepared. Escape plans will help you get out of your home quickly.

Practice your home fire escape plan twice a year. Some tips to keep in mind when preparing this plan include:

Find two ways out of each room.
The secondary escape route can be a window to a neighboring roof or a folding escape ladder from the windows of the upper floors.
Make sure windows are not jammed, that screens can be removed quickly, and that safety bars can be opened properly.
Practice leaving your home by feeling your way in the dark or with your eyes closed.
Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

Forest fires

Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas—that is, in forests, grasslands, or prairies. These dangerous fires can spread rapidly and devastate not only natural and forested areas, but also communities. Wildfires can be caused by humans or lightning, and they can occur anywhere and at any time. They can also cause flooding or disruptions to transportation, fuel, electric power, and communication services.

Stay safe during a wildfire

Evacuate the area immediately if ordered to do so by authorities!
If possible, when evacuating, take items with you that will allow you and others to protect yourself from COVID-19 while in a shelter.
If you are trapped, call 911 and provide your location, but be aware that emergency response may be delayed or impossible. Turn on the lights in your home to help rescuers find you.
Be alert to your health symptoms if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a heart condition, or are pregnant. If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for medical care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Pay attention to emergency alerts and notifications for information and instructions.
Wear N95 masks to protect yourself from smoke inhalation.
If you have not been ordered to evacuate, but smoky conditions exist, stay indoors safely or go to a building in the community where smoke levels are lower.

Pandemics

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a pandemic such as the global spread of a new disease that spreads across several countries and affects a large number of people.

Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can be easily transmitted from person to person.

A new virus, like COVID-19, can emerge anywhere and spread rapidly throughout the world. It's difficult to predict when or where the next new pandemic will emerge.

For this reason, it is important to keep in mind that a virus can be transmitted from person to person, but also indirectly, that is, from a non-living object to a person, as well as by infected people who do not show any symptoms.

It can be transmitted by infected people who do not show any symptoms.

During a pandemic, limit the transmission of germs and prevent infections

Avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick, keep your distance from others to prevent them from getting sick too.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This can prevent people around you from getting sick.
Washing your hands frequently will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice other good health habits: get plenty of sleep, stay physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.

Specifically regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO recommends:

Maintain at least 1 meter of distance between yourself and other people to reduce your risk of infection when others cough, sneeze, or talk.
Maintain an even greater distance between yourself and other people indoors. The greater the distance, the better.
Make wearing a mask a normal part of your interactions with others. To be as effective as possible, it's essential to use, store, clean, and dispose of masks correctly.
Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with hydroalcoholic gel or soap and water.

extreme heat

In most of the United States, the extreme heat It is defined as a prolonged period (two to three days) of intense heat and humidity with temperatures above 2 degrees. In extreme heat conditions, evaporation slows, and the body has to work harder to maintain a normal temperature. For this reason, extreme heat typically results in the highest death rate among weather-related hazards.

Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning, and older adults, children, and people who are ill or overweight are at greater risk from high temperatures.

If You Are Under an Extreme Heat Warning

Go to an air-conditioned place.
Avoid strenuous activities.
Be alert for heat illnesses.
Wear light clothing.
Check on your family and neighbors.
Drink a lot of water.
Be alert to the possibility of heat cramps, exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

Droughts

Droughts are common in the United States because almost the entire country experiences periods of lower rainfall. However, if we plan ahead and prepare for drought, we can enjoy the benefits of normal rainy years and avoid being caught unprepared by drought years.

Strategies used to prepare for droughts focus primarily on water conservation.

Always comply with local and state restrictions on water use during a drought. If use must be restricted, for example, do not water your lawn, clean your car, or use water for other non-essential purposes, to ensure there is enough water for essential uses. Contact your local or state government for up-to-date information and suggestions.

Tips for conserving water indoors before a drought

Never pour water down the drain when it could be used for another purpose. For example, use it to water indoor plants or your garden.
Replace the seals on leaky faucets. One drip per second means the loss of 2.700 gallons (10.220 liters) of water per year.
Check your pipes for leaks and have a plumber repair any leaks.
Upgrade all your home faucets: Install flow-restricting diffusers.
Install an instant water heater in the sink.
Insulate water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent bursting.
Install a water softening system only when minerals in the water could damage your pipes. Turn this system off when you go on vacation.
Choose appliances that are energy and water efficient.

Tips for conserving water outdoors before a drought

Check the well pump periodically. If the automatic pump turns on and off when water isn't being used, there is a leak.
Plant native or drought-tolerant grasses, groundcovers, shrubs, and trees. Once established, plants adapted to the local climate don't need water as often and generally survive periods of drought without needing to be watered.
Install irrigation devices, which make water use more efficient. Some of these devices include micro-irrigation systems, drip irrigation systems, and soaker hoses.
Use mulch to retain soil moisture. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with plants for water.
Avoid purchasing water toys that require a constant flow of water.
Avoid installing ornamental objects that use water (such as fountains), unless they use recirculating water.
Consider collecting rainwater if practical.

***

Sources for this article:

International Red Cross
World Health Organization
Ready government campaign
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

What is a disaster? Definition, types, effects, and preparation

Definition of Disasters

What types of weather events or phenomena can cause a natural disaster?

Hurricanes