Disaster Preparedness by Region
The United States has been subject to a broad spectrum of natural disasters during the course of recorded history. The size of the country allows so many various natural calamities the ability to occur, and depending on the state or region in which you live, you may be prone to more than one type of natural disaster. It’s important to know what potential risks you face and to be prepared accordingly. A disaster management plan will ensure you and your family face the best odds in the event of a flood, hurricane, earthquake or tornado. To assist you with your preparations for disaster management, we’ve outlined the most likely occurrences of certain natural disasters by region.
Earthquakes
Although earthquake activity has been recorded in various portions of the United States, 10 of the states with the most overall occurrences are Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah and Oregon. It is important to note that because these statistics are based on the number of earthquakes alone, your state’s region may be overall more prone to floods, tornadoes or hurricanes than to earthquakes. Check out USA.com for additional
information about the likelihood of certain natural disasters over others in your area.
If you reside in an earthquake-prone region, we recommend you
plan accordingly by first ensuring you are safe inside the home. Bolt bookcases to the wall, seal cabinets properly and reinforce heavy lamps. Once your home is free of potential falling hazards, decide on the best place to hide during an earthquake. Because of the hazard of falling objects, you will be safest under a sturdy desk or table and away from windows. Although you may have heard of the “Triangle of Life” approach to earthquakes, which suggest that you should place your body near and not under an object in order to create a safe space for yourself in the event of a ceiling collapse, the
Earthquake Country Alliance strongly advises against this because buildings rarely collapse in a “pancake” fashion in developed countries.
According to the Red Cross, the Earthquake Country Alliance and FEMA:
Do:
- Drop to your hands and knees immediately to avoid falling Crawl to cover
- Cover your head and neck Hold on until the shaking stops
Do NOT:
- Get into a “Triangle of Life” pose
- Stand in a doorway
- Stay near windows
- Attempt to run outside
- Get out of bed if in bed
If you are not indoors when an earthquake occurs, you can still prepare yourself properly. When not indoors, follow these guidelines:
Do:
- Be aware of falling objects like trees, signs, buildings and powerlines
- Move to a clear area if possible
- Cover your head and neck
- Pull over if in a vehicle
- Avoid stopping on bridges and overpasses
Do NOT:
- Leave your vehicle
- Attempt to move fallen debris
If you experience an earthquake that lasts longer than 20 seconds and you are located near the shore, do not wait for an official tsunami warning; prepare to evacuate to higher ground immediately.
Floods
A flood can happen any time during prolonged or severe rains, in places with poor water drainage, during heavy snow melt, and because of sudden rises in sea level due to strong winds or tsunami. Read the guidelines below to prepare yourself in case of a flood.
If you live in a state where floods are common, it is wise to equip yourself with a mobile weather app which will allow you to receive warnings and
severe weather alerts. Understanding your risk of a flood before it occurs will allow you to act accordingly, whether that means preparing for evacuation or staying at home. Remember that flooding can occur quickly and without much warning in the event of a flash flood. If you are walking or hiking in or near canyons or riverbeds, move to higher ground immediately at the first sign of flooding, such as faster or muddier water flow that contains debris like twigs or leaves. If you are camping in low areas or near a river, plan to head home if sudden rains occur. Flash floods may reach full peak in minutes, but can take hours to develop. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns that more deaths occur from flooding than from any other severe weather hazard because people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of these deaths are preventable. Remember these tips when faced with a flood:
Do:
- Heed evacuation warnings
- Have a plan
- Use extra caution at night
- Move to higher ground
-
Do NOT:
- Attempt to drive or walk through moving water
- Attempt to remove powerlines or debris from water
- Camp or park alongside streams during rainy conditions
Because standard homeowner’s insurance generally does not cover flooding, you may want to consider
additional insurance to help cover water damage related to hurricanes, tropical storms and heavy rains.
Hurricanes
If you are located in the southern portion of a state alongside the Gulf of Mexico or the East Coast, chances are you’ve encountered a hurricane threat. Hurricanes are classified in five categories by wind speed and can form rapidly over ocean water when warm air rises. As a hurricane begins to near, low winds can create rip currents even at large distances, creating unseen hazards for swimmers and surfers. During its approach, a hurricane will cause water levels to rise, and large ocean swells may result in water damage miles inland. Hurricanes often produce massive amounts of rain and flooding, and flash floods can occur quickly due to intense rainfall. If inland winds reach 74 mph or more, buildings are in imminent danger of being destroyed, and evacuation should have been completed.
During the approach of a hurricane, you may be in danger of several hazards even at a distance. It is therefore important to prepare for all possible events accordingly. Take care when swimming and heed all warnings regarding strong currents. Regularly trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe, secure lose items on your property, and keep your car in good working condition in the event you have to leave suddenly. If you live in an area where hurricanes may approach land, it’s important to know your evacuation route. Make note of marked routes and plan ahead. In the event that you are asked to evacuate, don’t delay. If you will not be evacuating, take note of the following tips in order to help you stay safe during a hurricane:
Do:
- Stay alert with mobile or radio updates
- Review your evacuation plan
- Cover windows
- Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case of lost power
Do NOT:
- Approach windows during a hurricane
- Go outside for any reason
- Attempt to remove large debris or power lines after a hurricane
Because of a hurricane’s high potential to inflict damages to powerlines, consider investing in a
heavy-duty solar generator which will allow you to store backup power for emergency lighting, laptops and mobile devices. The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests that, for those living in high-risk areas, a
safe room will provide near-absolute protection from hurricanes as well as tornadoes.
Because traditional insurance will likely not pay for any damage incurred through subsequent rains not directly associated with a hurricane, we recommend you cover any damaged portions of a roof with a tarp as soon as it is safe to do so.
Tornadoes
Many regions across the southern, Midwestern and eastern portion of the United States are capable of experiencing tornadoes. An average of 800 tornadoes are reported each year, with the region lying between the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains, also known as Tornado Alley, reporting the highest number. However, because tornadoes can occur nearly anywhere, it’s important to know the warning signs and what you can do to prepare.
Because tornadoes develop quickly and have unpredictable paths, we recommend establishing a safe place that you can access from your home. Stay alert with mobile updates specific to your area, and be on the look-out for dark or greenish clouds, increasing wind speeds and hail. Know the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch: if you receive a watch alert, the weather service has declared conditions in your area conducive to a tornado. A warning, on the other hand, means that a tornado has been sighted. If you receive a tornado warning, take cover in a basement or storm cellar immediately. If no underground shelter or safe room is available to you, a small, windowless interior room such as a closet or hallway on the lowest level of a building is the safest alternative. Do not stay in a mobile home. If you are located in a mobile home, quickly get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. During a tornado, follow these steps in order to stay as safe as possible:
Do:
- Find shelter as soon as a warning is issued
- Cover yourself with blankets, if possible
- Keep your pets near you
Do NOT:
- Stay in a mobile home
- Stand near windows or in open areas
- Use candles in case of broken gas lines
If you are in a vehicle at the time of a tornado:
Do:
- Keep your seatbelt on
- Place your head below the windows
- Cover your head and neck with your arms
Do NOT:
- Leave your car, unless you can safely get to a noticeably lower area than the roadway
- Try to outrun the storm
As in any other disaster situation, it is not recommended that you try to remove large debris, and that you remain on the lookout for loose, weakened or fallen structures, powerlines and sharp objects.
A natural disaster can occur anywhere. Being aware of the potential risks and planning ahead can save you property damages, insurance costs and, most importantly, your life. When planning ahead, keep these basic questions in mind:
- How will my family and I receive emergency warnings?
- Where will we go in case of an emergency?
- How will my family locate me if we are separated?
- How will I let others know I am safe?
- What supplies will I need in the event of a natural disaster?
Don’t let a natural disaster catch you and your family off guard.
Be prepared in every instance.
