Types of Disasters

Disasters can take many different forms, and the duration can range from an
hourly disruption to days and weeks of ongoing destruction. Below is a list of
various types of disasters – both natural and manmade or technological in nature
– that can impact a community.

Natural Types of Disasters:

 Drought

A Drought is generally defined as a period of below – average precipitation

in a given region, resulting in prolonged shortages in water supply. A
drought can last for months or years, and can have a substantial impact
on the environment, ecosystem and agriculture of the affected region.

During a drought:

Follow all state and local restrictions on water use, even if you have a
private well (groundwater levels are affected by private well use). Contact
your local water supplier or check Municipal Water Use Restrictions Page
for current status.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips While in a Drought

Bathroom

 Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and

other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
 Avoid taking baths. Take short showers; turn on water only to get wet and
lather and then again to rinse off.
 Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or
shaving.
 Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
Kitchen
  Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the
"light wash" feature, if available, to use less water.
 Hand wash dishes by filling two containers—one with soapy water and the
other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.
 Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from
the tap.
 Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Do not let the tap run while you are
waiting for water to cool.
 Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such
as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.
 Avoid rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher; just remove
large particles of food. (Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well,
so dishes do not have to be rinsed before washing).
 Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost
food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your
microwave oven.
Laundry

 Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set
the appropriate water level for the size of your load.
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips While in a Drought

Car Washing

 Do not wash your car by handheld hose.

 If you use a commercial car wash, consider using a car wash that recycles
water.
Lawn Care

 Follow all outdoor watering restrictions.

 If permitted to conduct outdoor watering, avoid over watering your lawn
and water only when needed. Water only in the early in the morning or
 later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler and water is less likely
to evaporate.
 A heavy rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Most of
the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.
 Check the soil moisture levels with a soil probe, spade or large screwdriver.
You don't need to water if the soil is still moist. If your grass springs back
when you step on it, it doesn't need water yet.
 Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your
lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, driveway or street.
 Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your
lawn to better absorb moisture and avoid runoff.
 Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris
from your driveway or sidewalk.
 Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out
600 gallons or more in only a few hours.
 In extreme drought, allow lawns to go unwatered in favor of preserving
trees and large shrubs.

 Earthquakes

An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the

breaking and shifting of underground rock. Earthquakes can cause
buildings to collapse and cause heavy items to fall, resulting in injuries and
property damage. Earthquakes can:

- Happen anywhere – though higher risk areas include California,

Alaska and the Mississippi Valley
- Happen without warning
- Cause fires and damage roads
- Cause tsunamis, landslides and avalanches.
 If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away. Drop, Cover, then
Hold On!
- If in vehicle, pull over and stop.
- If in bed, stay there.
- If outdoors, stay outdoors.
- Do not get in a doorway.
- Do not run outside.

Like this there are many natural disasters like:

- Tsunamis
- Tornadoes
- Flood
- Wildfire
- Hurricanes

Manmade Disasters:
Disasters also can be caused by humans. Hazardous materials emergencies
include chemical spills and groundwater contamination. Workplace fires are more
common and cause significant property damage and loss of life. Communities are
also vulnerable to threats posed by extremist groups who use violence against
both people and property.
High – risk targets include military and civilian government facilities, international
airports, large cities and high – profile landmarks. Cyber – terrorism involves
attacks against computers and networks done to intimidate or coerce a
government or its people for political or social objectives.
 Hazardous materials:
Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and
combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. Hazards can occur
during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal. You and your
community are at risk if a chemical is used unsafely or released in harmful
amounts into the environments where you live, work or play.

During Hazardous material Incident:

- Monitor media for emergency information.
- Stay away from the incident scene to minimize the risk of
contamination.
- Follow instructions from public safety officials.
- If asked or ordered to evacuate:
I. Do so immediately
II. If evacuation routes are given, follow these routes
because alternate routes may not be safe.
III. Take only essential items and bring your pets if safely
possible.

 Cyber-security:

Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting and responding to

cyberattacks that can have wide ranging effects on the individual,
organizations, the community, and at the national level. Cyberattacks are
malicious attempts to access or damage a computer system. Cyberattacks
are malicious attempts to or damage a computer system.

Cyberattacks:

- Can use computers, mobile phones, gaming systems and other

devices.
 - Can include identity theft.
- Can block your access or delete your personal documents and
pictures.
- Can target children
- Can cause business services, transportation and power.

Protect Yourself against a Cyberattack:

- Keep software and operating systems up to date.
- Use strong passwords and two factor authentications (two methods
of verification).
- Watch for suspicious activity. When in doubt, don’t click. Do not
provide personal information.
- Use encrypted (secure) internet communications.
- Create backup files.
- Protect your home and/or business Wi-Fi network.

Like this there are many natural disasters like:

- Explosion
- Civil unrest
- Power service disruption
- Radiological emergencies