Extraterrestrial Hazards

Space objects hitting earth may not always be an imminent threat but how will we be prepared when something like that happens? Think about it: unlike other natural hazards, it is almost impossible to prepare for an asteroid strike. Just one collision could wipe out millions of people. Fireballs and earthquakes would also happen as results, causing even more destruction and loss. There is not really a place you could go to be safe. Evacuation may be an option if the exact location of an asteroid's potential strike could be predicted, but even then you would have to evacuate to a place far from home. There would be no turning back. In these situations, it is extremely important for communities to be resilient if an extraterrestrial hazard were to become a natural disaster. 

First of all, humans need to understand that collisions with space objects are inevitable (although rare) because that's just the way the universe works. There are certainly ways to prevent an NEA or NEO from hitting Earth, but it would be ignorant to rely on those tactics alone. Most of them are extremely difficult to do. It does provide some reassurance, especially in a rare case where an 11 mile wide asteroid is headed straight for us. 

Next, we need to know what other hazards an impact with a space object may trigger. Tsunamis, wildfires, earthquakes, and fireballs are all results that could happen away from the site of impact. In order to be resilient, we must take into account everything we know about preparing for each of these hazards and what it takes to rebuild after each one, as well. 

Finally, we must ask ourselves how the human population would and should react to this type of natural disaster. Depending on the object's size and location of impact, it could cause more damage than any other disaster. This would cause a lot of broken hearts and panic. This is where resilience on a national, and even global scale, is most important. 

As always, we can learn from the past. It's one thing to have a scar from a previous wound. It's another to cause the wound to continuously bleed without ever allowing it to heal, or without ever giving it the necessary care for it to heal. 

The Wildfire Secret

Most of us are familiar with fire. It's used for heat, cooking, light, and even making fertilizer. Small fires do not pose much of a threat to humans because they are (usually) under control and easy to put out. Wildfires, however, can be very dangerous for humans because they spread quickly, and are extremely difficult to extinguish. Sometimes, fires happen naturally; in homes, they are often accidents when candles are left burning or an appliance is not turned off; other times they are intentionally set. Arson is when a building is intentionally--and illegally--set on fire, or when a human starts an illegal, uncontrolled fire. Wildfires can be a result of this, but also happen naturally. They become natural disasters when property is destroyed and lives are lost because communities are not resilient to fires. We'll focus on some basic keys to wildfire resistance since wildfires can affect entire communities.

There is a simple secret to fighting wildfires and/or preventing them from consuming what is most precious to us. We know that fire needs oxygen, fuel, and heat to survive--otherwise known as the fire triangle. If you can eliminate one of these, you will be able to extinguish the fire. That's the secret. Now, obviously, there will be things working against you such as wind and topography. But knowing this secret allows you to figure out what needs to be done in order to slow the fire's progress. 

But there are times when the fire cannot be contained and it quickly moves toward a community. There are two main ways for communities to be resilient when faced with a fire hazard. They can evacuate as soon as possible if the houses and structures are not fire safe, or they can build fire safe communities. The only issue is that it may be more expensive for communities to do this; thus, the best option would be to prepare a kit of essentials and evacuate. As always, communities need to be prepared for the worst.

For those who do choose to construct fire safe homes and areas for themselves, here is a crucial no-no list to keep in mind.

1. Do not build houses and/or structures out of wood.

2. Do not build on slopes.

3. Do not have overhanging decks or roofs. 

4. Do not store firewood near house/structure.

5. Do not have combustibles near house/structure.

6. Do not build in areas that would provide difficulty for firetrucks. 

There are a few others, but this would be a good start.

Whether or not fire safe rules are followed, make sure that your community understands why fires happen, where they happen, what causes them to spread, and how to extinguish them. This will build resilience and minimize loss if a wildfire, or any other fire, were to become a natural disaster. 

And remember the secret but share it with everyone! 

Flood Resilience

After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, there was a lot of flooding because of the storm and failed levees. People were forced to wait in their attics or on the rooftops for help to arrive. Although, some people died from heat exhaustion in their attics. Disaster aid was slow to come.

There were other problems that the flood brought with it. Looting was taking place because most of the city was underwater and no one was able to (or really concerned about) controlling that type of thing. But it certainly didn't help matters. Disaster aid was slow to come.

There was a mandatory evacuation issued for the city the day before the storm was supposed to hit. Most evacuated, some stayed in their homes, and others were able to go to the Superdome for shelter. A lot of extra water and food was needed for the victims. Disaster aid was slow to come.

In First the Dead, a book by Tim Downs, the main character signs up to help with the aftermath and describes how desperate people were to find food and water. FEMA seemed to be the least prepared for the severity of the disaster. Once again, aid was slow to come.

Community resilience is important. State resilience is important. National resilience is important. The New Orleans mayor seemed to be well prepared/knowledgeable about what could potentially happen. The evacuation the day before saved thousands of lives. Other than evacuation, there isn't much a community can do to prepare for a flood. But if they are going to higher ground, people need to make sure they bring necessary supplies with them. 

The aftermath of a flood can be difficult to deal with because so many lives, homes, and businesses have been lost. Not only is it important for a community to be resilient but for communities around the area to be resilient as well. More often than not, a community would have a very difficult time dealing with natural disasters on their own. 

Tectonic Hazards: Aftermath

Earthquakes are caused by tectonic plates that pull apart, collide, or slide past each other. They can happen all over the world but some places experience them much more than others. A tsunami can happen as an after effect. Tectonic hazards can easily become natural disasters if there are many people and structures in the area, and because earthquakes are usually unpredictable. If buildings are not strong enough to withstand the hazard, they could be severely destroyed and even collapse. Therefore, it is extremely important to build strong, reinforced buildings in areas where earthquakes are a frequent threat. This can minimize property loss and hopefully lessen the amount of lives lost.

When it comes to tectonic hazards underwater, seismometers are used to predict tsunamis. But tsunami waves move so quickly that it gives people very little time to evacuate/relocate to a safer area. It is also critical for communities to be aware that a tsunami can occur as a result of an earthquake in a different country. Of course, the historical pattern of earthquakes can be studied in order to figure a probability of when and where earthquakes will happen. Communities can consider all of the factors of previous earthquakes so that they may be better prepared. 

However, the most devastating part of earthquakes can be when they happen unexpectedly. It's difficult for a community to be prepared for the pain and destruction that can often result. It is essential for communities to build resilience in order to cope with the aftermath of earthquakes. They need to be prepared for other events, such as fires, that may happen because of damage by an earthquake. Unfortunately, the number of deaths is usually high after an earthquake. Although this is always a tragedy, people should learn to be prepared to face the aftermath, especially when they continue to live in places where tectonic hazards are a constant threat. 

Natural Hazard Warnings

One important key to building resilient communities is an effective warning system. Warnings are designed to give people ample time to find shelter from a natural hazard or to evacuate when necessary. They are also helpful for those who do not pay much attention to weather and/or weather forecasts. Predictions are a large part of being able to produce these warnings. Each community or region has a different warning system depending on the hazard. Although it may seem obvious, it is critical that the public listens and responds in an appropriate manner. 

When a tornado vortex signature (TVS) is present in a storm, the national weather service will make the decision to issue a tornado warning for a particular county. These warnings are loud sirens informing the people that there is a tornado hazard, and that they should take cover immediately. Local news stations also will generally interrupt regularly scheduled programming to keep the public updated on where the storm is and where it's going. 

Severe thunderstorm warnings could be issued because of storms featuring strong winds, hazardous hail, or cloud to ground lightning. It is best to stay away from windows in case they are busted by hail or blown out by wind. If there is heavy rainfall, travel is discouraged. Once a tornado warning is issued, people are encouraged to take shelter underground. If that is not an option, there are other forms of protection: moving to the lowest, most interior part of their house, wearing protective head gear, etc. 

As you can see--and as you have most likely experienced in the past--these warnings serve a purpose in communities. They let you know when to take the necessary precautions that could potentially decrease loss and/or injury, thus reducing the severity of a natural disaster. Unfortunately, there isn't always enough time to take cover during a natural hazard. It's important not to take advantage of the warnings that are given. 

Community Resilience in the Face of Natural Hazards

Natural disasters strike everywhere. They cause thousands of dollars in structural and property damage but more importantly, they often take the lives of thousands of people. The resilience of a community is critical when natural hazards become natural disasters. There are several things a community can do not only to be more prepared in the face of natural hazards but also to become more resilient. Because, the reality is, there will be times when not everyone in a community is prepared, or willing to take necessary precautions. When this happens, communities need to be able to recognize the issues and learn from mistakes.

No matter what the hazard is, some essential factors that communities need to consider include (but are not limited to) the following:

• a deep understanding of the natural hazard(s) that poses a threat to the community
• the proximity of a community to the natural hazard(s) or where they most often occur
• how natural resources are being used in a community
• an effective warning system for the natural hazard(s)
• the number of people who will respond to the warnings
• the number and location of safe areas/shelters
• the strength and quality of the materials being used to build structures and homes
• how available natural hazard information is to the public

There are also a few things that individuals, including myself, can do for their communities. It would be wise to make sure you have a disaster kit prepared at home. You can also perform practice drills with your family and even with the community. 

Remember: Natural hazards are inevitable, but there are ways to prevent them from becoming natural disasters.