Dangers accompany any catastrophic event, build yourself a Disaster Attitude. Panic often hits when a devastating event falls suddenly upon us. Panic is a natural reaction to sudden and impending danger although it does not usually serve us well. Panic will trigger the self-preservation to run, fast and far away from the danger. Sometimes fleeing might be the correct action but in our modern civilized buildings it is usually better to stay put. Being prepared and knowing the nature and signs of natural disasters can save lives. Such knowledge may save your life. Envision yourself as calm, remember safety; build a survivor's Disaster Attitude.

Developing a Family Disaster Plan is essential. A family meeting is the most essential part of the family plan. Discuss preparations, and types of disasters that could happen in your area. Each family member needs to know what to do if separated from the others in a disaster. Pick places to meet. Two locations should be designated; one just outside the home in case of a fire; another outside the neighborhood if you are required to leave the neighborhood. Everyone should know the address and phone number of the meeting locations. During the day when children are at school and parents at work, being separated in a disaster is a probability. Have a relative or family friend who lives out of town to be your 'family contact person.' The contact person can even be long distance which might be easier to call than a local number during a disaster. As part of your Family Disaster Plan you need to make arrangements as to where the family will stay if forced from the home by a disaster. Specify escape routes from your home from anywhere within the home. You should plan two or three escape routes to get out-of-town. Remember that your route may be closed so follow the advice of your local officials. Do not forget about including your pets in the plan. (Pets addressed later) Make up a check list to follow, you will not remember everything in an emergency situation.

Nature's forces may turn a civilized city into a jungle within a single day. Be prepared by building an emergency kit. Include water, food, first aid kit, flashlights, and a radio.  You should include supplies of food and water that will last a minimum of 3 days; preferably for 3 months or more. Include first-aid supplies in the emergency kit to handle injuries that may occur. Flashlights will be needed at night and a Radio will allow you to monitor the radio stations for news concerning health hazards, evacuation routes and such. A weather radio that tunes to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would provide more timely information. Have an emergency kit of food and safety supplies at your home.  Have a smaller emergency kit in your car. When compiling your emergency supply kit, be aware of the expiration dates of the foods and beverages. Rotate the food from time to time to keep a minimum of two years left on the expiration. Rotating out the food with a year left allows time for it to be used and not wasted or worse that it be spoiled when a disaster occurs. Spoiled food is worse than no food. Change the batteries in the Flashlights and radio each year, perhaps keeping an extra set of batteries to allow for additional use. By being prepared for a disaster you minimize the danger of hunger and any injuries becoming more severe.

The family pet is often overlooked in an emergency. Remember to plan ahead for that furry friend. Compile a list of pet boarding facilities, veterinarian, and hotels that allow pets. Animal shelters will sometime hold pets in times of disaster. Make your list so it covers a wide area with some on high ground. Have your pet's medical and vaccinations ready; just in case. Have your pet wear identification tags or have a microchip ID implanted. Keep a recent photo with you should you become separated from your pet.

It is much safer to take your pets with you or provide care for them but if you must leave them at home keep them safe. Cage them in secured areas away from windows and walls. Have plenty of food and water available to them.

Immediately after a disaster a strain upon the water system may occur. It would be prudent to wait a few days before a thorough clean up of your home, and vehicles. Use water sparingly as absolutely needed. Putting containers outside to collect rain water may provide water to be used for clean-up.

In any emergency disaster the key is a Disaster Attitude; 'keep your head' by staying calm. A state of panic or anxiety uses energy that may later be needed for your survival. By staying calm you can better assess the situation to evaluate resources and opportunities to increase your survival success. By meditating upon safety measures now will bring them to your mind when needed. Building a Disaster Attitude; envisioning yourself now as calm in the face of danger, you can better keep cool, keeping an attitude of control in the face of disaster.

Also read Disaster Recovery.

Attitude & Safety
 
Disaster Recovery   -   OutLine for Preparing
Disaster Hazards   -   Disaster Links
 
Hurricane Safety  -  Earthquake Safety  -  Tsunami Safety
-  Volcano Safety  -

The obvious dangers of Hurricanes are the high winds and heavy rains. Then the meteotsunamis that accompany large storms. A meteotsunami is a 'storm surge'; See Tsunami. During Hurricane Season, June 1st to November 30th, know where to watch for the storm warnings on television, radio or weather radio. Keep in mind that hurricanes sometimes will occur outside of the hurricane season. Also know if you are in an area that could be impacted by a hurricane.

The winds can cause damage to wooden buildings, to you and to livestock. The heavy rains can cause flooding. The surge of the meteotsunami can cause flooding along coastlines. See Tsunami Safety for specific safety measures you might take.

Preparing for a hurricane is mostly 'common sense' however much can be overlooked. Before the hurricane season check all trees for dead limbs or other instability. Dead trees and/or limbs can be a hazard to your house as well as to you. If you are not equiped hire a professional. Secure all pool covers and sheds and the shed doors so they do not become projectiles in the hurricane. Store away lawn and house ornaments such as glazing balls, wreaths, flags and awnings. Stake up tall plants and small trees that might snap in high winds.

Do not park your vehicle under trees or near the edge of a bank, especially if you find yourself having to 'ride out' the storm. Keep them serviced for better operation during an evacuation. Securely moor small craft or transport them to a safer location.

Frequently monitor your radio, TV or weather radio for emergency warnings and progress of the coming storm. The National Weather Service has a warning sytem to inform the public of hurricane and other storm threats.

- Tropical Storms -
Severe Storms
    - Note - 'Tropical cyclone' is a term used for all circulating storms originating over tropical waters.
-  Tropical disturbance - A grouping of thunderstorms that maintain coherance for over 24 hours.
-  Tropical depression - A circulation of winds with constant wind speeds up to 33 knots (38 mph).
-  Tropical storm - A pretty well defined circulation with consistent wind speed between 34-63 knots (39-73 mph).
-  Hurricane - A very well defined circulation with consistent wind speed of 64 knots (74 mph) or more.
-  Small craft cautionary statements - When a tropical cyclone (circulating storms) threatens the coast, small crafts should not venture out to sea.
-  Gale Warnings - Expecting winds of 34-47 knots (39-54 mph)
-  Storm Warnings - Expecting winds of 48-63 knots (55-73 mph).
   - Note - When expecting a hurricane, 'gale warnings' and 'storm warnings' will not usually precede a hurricane warning.
Hurricanes
-  Hurricane Watch - Hurricane conditions within 24 to 36 hours.
-  Hurricane Warning - Hurricane conditions within 24 hours or less.
-  A NWS WARNING - A hazardeous event is imminent within the hour.
-  Tornado Warning - Tornados are sometimes spun off from hurricanes.
Flooding
-  Flash Flood Watch - Flash floods are possible.
-  Flash Flood Warning - A flash flood is imminent, take immediate precausions.
 
Be sure you also read Disaster Attitude and Safety for a Disaster Attitude and for general emergency preparations. Then read Disaster Recovery for, obviously, recovering from a disaster. The OutLine for Preparing has all things briefly stated that is needed before, during, and after a disaster.

Hurricane Safety
 
About Hurricanes   -   Hurricane TimeLine   -   Hurricane Legends
 
Attitude & Safety  -  Disaster Recovery
OutLine for Preparing  -  Disaster Hazards   -   Disaster Links
 
Earthquake Safety   -  Tsunami Safety   -   Volcano Safety

Compilation, research, and writing © Copyright 2010 Roger W Hancock www.PoetPatriot.com 

Earthquakes depending upon the magnitude can cause severe damage. Be wary of small tremblings as they may be a tell-tale sign of a larger quake on the way. Aftershocks may continue damages after the first has stopped. At the first sign of a tremor be aware of your surroundings picking out 'safe spots' should a violent tremor occur.

The normal wisdom says if outside stay outside, however if in the middle of a city with tall buildings there is nowhere to get away from them except inside. So I say get away if you can and if you cannot then get inside the closest building and if a choice the one that appears newest. If you can get to an open area stay there until the tremors stop. If you must go inside get away from doors, windows and outside walls and follow the advice in the next paragraph.

When you are inside a building during an earquake drop to the floor and get next to something that is strong and higher than you. We use to say to get inside a doorway but there may not be enough doorways for everyone in a building. In an earquake getting next to a relatively stable but higher object than you, may save you from the brunt of larger objects falling. Stay away from shelves and large objects that may tip over or dump items  on you. Stay away from windows, outside doors and walls. After the quaking stops stay put for awhile. Most injuries inside buildings occur when a person tries to move to a different location or makes an attempt to leave the building. Do not use the elevators until they have been inspected and certified as safe.

After the quake if you smell gas or smoke get out of the building. Remember to help others that may be hurt; you would want someone to help you if you were injured. Stay away from buildings as damages may still be occuring due to the original weakening during a quake. Aftershocks may also cause additional damage to buildings.

If you are in a moving vehicle stop as quickly as you safely can. Do not stop near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Stay in the vehicle and do not proceed until the tremors have stopped. Afterwards avoid roads, bridges and ramps that may have been damaged during the quake.

If trapped save your energy and stay calm. Panic increases shock making more serious an already serious situation. Use tapping on walls or pipes to signal rescuers. Avoid shouting so you do not inhale dangerous chemicals and toxic dust particles. Call out for help only when you reasonably believe someone may be around to help. Remember that initially those around you may be disoriented and unable to help. Do not be discouraged by not immediately being rescued. Organized rescues may not begin for hours and your rescue may be the next day. Your survival is in your hands. Stay calm and stop any bleeding. Do not move or kick up dust. Do not light a match or lighter. Place a handkerchief or clothing over your mouth. If you are able help others who are in need of immediate assistance, do so. If you hear sounds of digging or other sounds a rescue activity might  make, then tap or bang making noises that would stand out against other noises currently sounding. Only if necessary call for help so the rescuers will know where to find you.

-Still Working On It.

Be sure you also read Disaster Attitude and Safety for a Disaster Attitude and for general emergency preparations. Then read Disaster Recovery for, obviously, recovering from a disaster. The Outline for Preparing has all things briefly stated that is needed before, during, and after a disaster.

Earthquake Safety
 
About Quakes   -   Earthquake TimeLine   -   Quake Legends
 
Attitude & Safety   -   Disaster Recovery
OutLine for Preparing   -   Disaster Hazards   -   Disaster Links
 
Hurricane Safety   -   Tsunami Safety   -   Volcano Safety

Compilation, research, and writing © Copyright 2010 Roger W Hancock www.PoetPatriot.com 

Much misinformation has been spread about the 'tsunami' by well meaning television personalities, in Holywood or newscasters spicing up a story. Misinformation and lack of knowledge can be dangerous when it pertains to the hazards around us or that may come upon us.
 
Holywood glamorizes and forms disasters to suit the story line or simply for greater action to draw you and I to the theaters. A tsunami is a series of waves not just one as the giant waves are depicted in the movies. The scientists call it a 'tsunami train wave' because it is several waves that hit at regulated intervals like a train of railroad cars. The earlier waves are smaller with successive waves becoming larger. The tsunami may look like a wave but usually it does not. Most commonly a tsunami is without waves but will recede away from shore to again descend as a body of water greater than the original level of tide. Those tsunaimes will spill onto land as far as the height of the water will allow. Most tsunamis are small and occur without consequence. However it does not take much water to cause much damage, even a foot increase can cause damage. It is not the tsunami wave that is the danger but the volume of water. It is the power of the water that causes damage. The momentum of a small tsunami can cause erosion undermining foundations and sweeping debri around and you off your feet. Often the tsunami is followed by a second tsunami that is generated by aftershocks of the earthquake that generated the first tsunami.

Warnings may come, warnings may not, always take heed of a warning sounded. Do not depend on a 'tsunami warning' as not all areas have them. The Pacific Ocean coasts often have a tsunami warning system but the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean may not. Do not take lightly any warning. Do not consider an 'All-Clear' as okay for a second tsunami warning signal can be mistaken as an all-clear. It is not uncommon for a tsunami to be followed by another.

Flooding may be caused by tsunami, meteotsunami, heavy rain, excessive snow melting or, heaven forbid, a breach of a dam. Hurricanes will lessen becoming Tropical Storms to drop more rain than it would as a hurricane. Learn your vulnerability, whether you are in an area subject to the possibility of a flood and learn the elevation of your property. You might consider keeping available a supply of sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves.

Do not use any food that has been in contact with any flood waters. Flood waters usually become contaminated and are a potential health hazard. After the flood, water wells should be pumped out and then tested for contaminants. Keep your children from playing around flooded areas.

-Still Working On It.

Be sure you also read Disaster Attitude and Safety for a Disaster Attitude and for general emergency preparations. Then read Disaster Recovery for, obviously, recovering from a disaster. The Outline for Preparing has all things briefly stated that is needed before, during, and after a disaster.

Tsunami Safety
 
About Tsunamis   -   Tsunami TimeLine   -   Tsunami Legends
 
Attitude & Safety   -   Disaster Recovery
OutLine for Preparing   -   Disaster Hazards   -   Disaster Links
 
Hurricane Safety   -   Earthquake Safety   -   Volcano Safety

Compilation, research, and writing © Copyright 2010 Roger W Hancock www.PoetPatriot.com 

A volcano has obvious hazards but may vary from eruption to eruption.  An eruption, depending upon the magnitude of the blast, may hurl debris for miles away from the volcano. Winds may carry ash hundreds of miles away. Lava flows are slow moving but the heat and gasses can overcome a curiosity seeker. Pyroclastic flows are much faster, able to overcome a fleeing people. Earthquakes provide their own dangers.

If a volcano near you is active you must keep up on the news for information on the likeliness of an eruption. When an eruption begins, evacuate if the news sources are advising so. If no evacuation is necessary be prepared to stay indoors should an ash fall occur. Never visit the eruption area as the dangers are too numerous to mention. If lahars, or rather mudflows are approaching, head for higher ground. During an evacuation try avoiding stream and river channels as they are lower and more likely to be a path for lava and mud flows and for the faster paced flow of the poisonous pyroclastic emissions. 

An ash fall can occur hundreds of miles downwind from an eruption. If you are near a volcano that is expected to erupt be prepared for heavy ash. Breathing the ash is not poisonous but is not recommended especially for infants and small children and the elderly. Those with respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema and other chronic heart and lung problems should particularly take care. Keep medication available. Precautions to take are to have dust masks available. Have a few dust masks included in your emergency kit. Close your doors, windows, dampers and place damp towels at draft sources such as your door thresholds. Put stoppers in the top of your drain pipes to avoid clogging the drainage. Protect your dust sensitive electronics. Have your emergency radio available for safety announcements such as evacuation routes.
After an ash fall has begun do not allow more than 4 inches of ash to build up on your roof. The ash when wet becomes heavy and could collapse your roof. Wear glasses or other eye protection during windy weather to avoid scratching your eyes. Change your clothes before going back inside the house. Change your furnace filters or clean permanent filters frequently. Wash your garden vegetables before eating them. If ash has gotten into your water supply, let the ash settle before drinking. Keep children and pets inside and do not stay outside any longer than needed. Keep any travel to a minimum, ash can be harmful to a vehicle. Change the vehicle's oil and air filters much more often than the normal recommendations.

Extinct and inactive volcanoes pose an invisible danger to tourists and hikers. Volcanic activity may not be readily detected by our senses. Poisonous gasses may be emitted quietly or simply collect in a relatively enclosed area of little wind. Those poisonous gasses give little warning and usually cause death rather quickly.  Standing near the edge of a crater poses a danger as over-hanging rocks, soil, and snow, may appear large and solid, but may break away causing a fall hundreds of feet into the crater.

Be sure you also read Disaster Attitude and Safety for a Disaster Attitude and for general emergency preparations. Then read Disaster Recovery for, obviously, recovering from a disaster. The Outline for Preparing has all things briefly stated that is needed before, during, and after a disaster.

Volcano Safety
 
About Volcanoes    -    Volcano TimeLine    -    Volcano Legends
 
Attitude & Safety   -   Disaster Recovery
OutLine for Preparing   -   Disaster Hazards   -   Disaster Links
 
Hurricane Safety    -    Earthquake Safety   -   Tsunami Safety

Compilation, research, and writing © Copyright 2010 Roger W Hancock www.PoetPatriot.com 

A successful recovery is dependent upon your early preparations.
  
Record all your possessions and have photos of them. Photograph all sides of your home as well as your vehicles. Having an inventory list with photographs will provide for faster insurance settlements. The inventory and photo also provide evidence to prove losses for your income tax return. When you take photos of your treasured items, place a yard stick next to it so the photo will show the size of your family heirloom lamp. After the inventory and photos are completed make copies of them. Store one copy in a remote location that is less likely to be subjected to the same disasters as your home.
  
Check with your insurance agent to know what is covered in a disaster and what is not.
Flood insurance is not usually included in your home owner's policy. You will need to purchase flood insurance separately. Flood insurance can be obtained through your insurance agent but it is provided from FEMA. The prices vary depending upon the flood plain zone you are in; so do not believe the horror stories, check for yourself.
  
If you rent your possessions are not covered by the landlord's policies. You will need to obtain renters insurance which is usually rather inexpensive.
  
During a flood even when your home is not in danger of flooding you can experience damages. Sewer or septic backups may occur. Septic systems may become flooded from a lot of rain. Sewer backups may occur by flood waters seeping into the sewer lines filling them up. When your home is not in the flood plain but is in the area, the sewer may back up and into your home. You might consider having a sewage back-up valve put into your line. It allows your sewage to leave but stops it from backing up into your home. You will need to clean out the valve once a year to insure proper operation when needed. If you do not have a valve the sewage that is saturated with flood waters and the sewage being flushed by those who think they are not affected may back up into your home. Shop around as different plumbing companies have vastly different prices. In Auburn Washington I had two installed for $750 and heard of quotes as high as $1500 for just one; of course much has to do with the difficulty of digging down to the sewer line.
  
Most homeowner’s policies will only cover sewage back-ups if the cause originates on your property. Floods usually originate elsewhere. FEMA Flood insurance does not cover sewage back-ups. You may find your insurance provider has a relatively inexpensive rider for a sewage back-up. Septic systems may fall into the same jeopardy: a flooded septic system may be on your property but the flood originated elsewhere.
  
A successful recovery is dependent upon your early preparations.
  
Record all your possessions and have photos of them. Photograph all sides of your home as well as your vehicles. Having an inventory list with photographs will provide for faster insurance settlements. The inventory and photo also provide evidence to prove losses for your income tax return. When you take photos of your treasured items, place a yard stick next to it so the photo will show the size of your family heirloom lamp. After the inventory and photos are completed make copies of them. Store one copy in a remote location that is less likely to be subjected to the same disasters as your home.
  
Check with your insurance agent to know what is covered in a disaster and what is not.
Flood insurance is not usually included in your home owner's policy. You will need to purchase flood insurance separately. Flood insurance can be obtained through your insurance agent but it is provided from FEMA. The prices vary depending upon the flood plain zone you are in; so do not believe the horror stories, check for yourself.
  
If you rent your possessions are not covered by the landlord's policies. You will need to obtain renters insurance which is usually rather inexpensive.
  
During a flood even when your home is not in danger of flooding you can experience damages. Sewer or septic backups may occur. Septic systems may become flooded from a lot of rain. Sewer backups may occur by flood waters seeping into the sewer lines filling them up. When your home is not in the flood plain but is in the area, the sewer may back up and into your home. You might consider having a sewage back-up valve put into your line. It allows your sewage to leave but stops it from backing up into your home. You will need to clean out the valve once a year to insure proper operation when needed. If you do not have a valve the sewage that is saturated with flood waters and the sewage being flushed by those who think they are not affected may back up into your home. Shop around as different plumbing companies have vastly different prices. In Auburn Washington I had two installed for $750 and heard of quotes as high as $1500 for just one; of course much has to do with the difficulty of digging down to the sewer line.
  
Most homeowner’s policies will only cover sewage back-ups if the cause originates on your property. Floods usually originate elsewhere. FEMA Flood insurance does not cover sewage back-ups. You may find your insurance provider has a relatively inexpensive rider for a sewage back-up. Septic systems may fall into the same jeopardy: a flooded septic system may be on your property but the flood originated elsewhere.
  
After a Disaster document the damages.
  
After a disaster, move out quickly. Take pictures of the damages before you begin the clean up and repairs. If the damage can be viewed from inside and outside then get pictures from inside and outside. Photographs from different angles will provide a complete accounting of the damage. Where scale might be a factor, include a yard stick in each photograph.
  
Call your insurance agent as soon as possible for verification of what is required when filing a claim.
FEMA recommends good record keeping of repair and cleaning costs.
  
Be sure you also read Disaster Attitude and Safety for a Disaster Attitude and for general emergency preparations. Then read Outline for Preparing  for all things briefly stated that is needed before, during, and after a disaster.

Disaster Recovery
 
Attitude & Safety   -   OutLine for Preparing
Disaster Hazards   -   Disaster Links
 
Hurricane Safety   -   Earthquake Safety   -   Tsunami Safety
-   Volcano Safety   -

OutLine for Preparing
 
Attitude & Safety   -   Disaster Recovery
Disaster Hazards   -   Disaster Links
 
Hurricane Safety   -   Earthquake Safety   -   Tsunami Safety
-   Volcano Safety   -

Compilation and research © Copyright 2010 Roger W Hancock www.PoetPatriot.com

If the storm, eruption, quake or tsunami does not get you... the projectiles and other hazards might.                                                                                    

Fires are the major cause of post-storm damages.
Candles, propane, or other open flame equipment may ingnite the gas of a ruptured line. Electrical damages can spark, igniting material or gas of a ruptured line. Propane tanks may become disloged to become projectiles in a hurricane. Shut off all main valves and switches before the storm arrives or eruption occurs. Explosive gasses often collect in enclosed places waiting to snuff your candle with an explosion.

Buildings become dangerous when storm damage has occured. Broken glass and loose plaster-board are the most common and obvious dangers to watch for. As mentioned above, ruptured lines and damaged eletrical systems have the potential to create a post-disaster. A damaged but still standing building may appear to be sound but the structural integrity may have been compromised. All damaged buildings may be on the verge of collapse.

Your yard has a supply of projectiles that may be blown into and causing damages to property and people. Put away all garbage cans, yard ornaments tools and whirlygigs. Remove your wind chimes, bird feeders and other pretty items hanging from your eves and trees. Secure sheds and the doors that they might not be ripped off becoming a projectile. During flooding some of these items may be swept away becoming a danger to other property and lives.

Boats and other vehicles may become blown or swept away to cause damages as a battering ram. Secure your small boats or move them to areas outside the hazard zone. Consider moving non-essential vehicles outside the zone.

During earthquakes and highwinds it is dangerous to stand outside near buildings as windows may break and fall as well as other material on the building. Get away from the buildings and into an opening if during a quake and inside a secure building during high winds. Inside during high winds or a quake stay away from windows and outside doors and walls.

Hurricane warnings are made hours and sometimes days prior to a landfall Fatalities have been minimized because of the warnings, however, far inland the freshwater flooding from the downgraded hurricanes have caused more deaths than has the coastal surges of meteotsuamis.

Disaster Hazards
 
Attitude & Safety   -   Disaster Recovery
OutLine for Preparing   -   Disaster Links
 
Hurricane Safety   -   Earthquake Safety   -   Tsunami Safety
-   Volcano Safety   -

Compilation, research, and writing © Copyright 2010 Roger W Hancock www.PoetPatriot.com

Copyright 1999 through 2014, PoetPatriot, ImagineAUBURN, FoolBay (.com defunct), 
fool4JESUS,  the Teleman, are all inclusive of the identity crises of . . .
Roger W Hancock,   Auburn, WA - U.S.A.    All rights reserved.
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