Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Summary
In this chapter, many different hazards have been identified and described. As men-
tioned before, this listing of hazards is by no means comprehensive. However, a cou-
ple of trends should be noted. First, it is important for Emergency Managers and
their constituents and/or organizations to fully understand the hazards in their com-
munity, along with the potentially cascading effects of each hazard. This ensures the
most comprehensive all-hazards approach that has proven to be the mark of a good
Emergency Management program. Second, families and individuals should build a
disaster supplies kit that will help them to sustain life for a minimum of 72 hours. A
functional disaster supply kit contains several items that remain the same no matter
what the hazard is. Other items can be added to this set of supplies for more specific
hazards that the community may face. Families and individuals must also develop
disaster plans for evacuation, sheltering in place, and communications. Without these
items, families are more prone to becoming victims of a disaster rather than self-
sustaining survivors. It must be realized that government services are limited and
cannot possibly cover the needs of all people affected by a disaster. Therefore, it is
important for people to understand the need for self-reliance immediately after a large
emergency or disaster in their community or organization.
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Intense United States Tropical Cyclones from 1851 to 2006 (and other Frequently
