Surviving Natural Disasters Through Education and Preparation

Natural Disasters are not just catastrophic weather and geologic phenomena, but they are those that include human casualties. And they don't care who they hurt, so everyone needs to be prepared.

Our focus here, is on preparing for and surviving them. The information we provide is meant to orient you around the basics and give you an understanding of what you may one day face.

But what's truly important is that you stock up on the natural disasters checklist items or buy a ready made survival kit and learn some survival tips. An emergency weather radio is another essential part of preparation.

Hurricanes and typhoons have gained much attention in recent years. The timing of their activity varies around the globe, but in the U.S. it typically runs from June to November. August and September are peak times. Your local weatherman should keep you abreast of any developing tropical storms.

Tornadoes often come and go without hurting anyone. But the devastating ones can wipe out entire towns. Weather conditions will alert meteorologists to be on guard, and the large ones can certainly be tracked. But because they can be unpredictable and unexpected, being prepared in advance for them is essential. They are rated on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

Earthquakes can be another terrible calamity. And these are basically unpredictable. The great majority of them occur around the Pacific Ring of Fire. For the U.S. that means California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.

Tsunamis are related to earthquakes although very different. They are usually the result of an earthquake or volcanic eruption. Tsunamis are large waves that may be unnoticed in the ocean, but have devastating results when they hit shore.

Floods are rising waters that can devastate entire regions. Sometimes they are the aftermath of a hurricane or tsunami, but they often result from rain storms. Flashflooding is a related problem - when water quickly rises over a road, often sweeping cars down river.

Flooding can also be the fallout from a dam disaster. When a dam gives way, cities are often flooded and wildlife suffer as well.

Avalanches are dangerous mountain disasters. Tons of snow and ice slide down the mountains engulfing everything in their way. Park rangers should be aware of possible avalanche sites. They also trigger avalanches to control when they give way.

Wildfires are included here even though they are sometimes started by a person. If you are ever in this situation, the best thing to do is evacuate. Having a mobile survival kit ready is the way to prepare. A simple house fire requires a different strategy. But either way, don't risk your life to save your home.

Each of these natural disasters has their own page with more information and survival tips. Preparing for a natural disaster that your area is susceptible to simply makes sense.

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