People who live through a disaster can experience emotional distress. Feelings of anxiety, constant worrying, trouble sleeping, and other depression-like symptoms are common responses to disasters before, during, and after the event. Anyone can be at risk, including survivors living in the impacted areas and first responders and recovery workers. Natural disasters are large-scale geological or meteorological events that have the potential to cause loss of life or property. These types of disasters include:.
Severe storms and floods are the most common types of natural disasters reported in the United States. Disaster Distress Helpline staff are available to speak to those who call or text before, during, and after a natural disaster. Examples include industrial accidents, shootings, acts of terrorism, and incidents of mass violence. As with natural disasters, these types of traumatic events may also cause loss of life and property.
They may also prompt evacuations from certain areas and overwhelm behavioral health resources in the affected communities. In the aftermath of the tragic loss of life that occurred on September 11, , the feelings of loss of security and well-being—arguably the most crucial ingredients for leading a happy, healthy life—dramatically affected the citizens of the United States.
Disaster Distress Helpline staff are also trained to respond to calls or texts related to these types of disasters. Never walk, swim or drive through flood water. As little as 6 inches of floodwater can knock you off of your feet.
Stay aware of the heat and heat index. Drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Check on friends and neighbors who may need help older adults, people with disabilities, people who are sick, or people with young children.
Keep battery-powered lanterns and flashlights on hand. Don't use candles. Understand how to safely use generators, and never use generators indoors or in enclosed spaces. If you are outside, immediately seek shelter indoors. Remain indoors. Designate a safe place in your home to gather away from windows, glass doors and skylights. Remember: "When the thunder roars, go indoors! In the event of an emergency, follow the instructions of authorities carefully.
Emergency officials know how to best protect you and your loved ones. Consider learning first aid to help yourself and others in case of injury.
Designate a meeting place, and assemble a preparedness kit. The American Red Cross responds to more than 60, disasters every year. Visit the Red Cross website to learn more about how you can prepare and protect your home and your family from disaster in your region. Some natural hazards occur because of forces outside our control. Variation in solar radiation entering the atmosphere and oceans triggers storms in the summertime and blizzards in winter.
First, humanity is interfering with the Earth system. For example, as we drive anthropogenic climate change we are adding more energy to the system. Second, we are mis managing natural systems. For example, removing the buffering protection of mangroves on the coast means a storm surge can be more disastrous. This exposes us to harm and loss when the inevitable happens. Potentially hazardous events do not need to end in a disaster.
Disasters occur because of the intersection of hazard with exposed people and assets that are vulnerable to the hazard. They are characterised by a lack of resilience and poor capacity to cope and respond in the affected area. Without vulnerability there can be no disaster. For me, disasters are a social construct and are about people. I make no apologies for taking such an anthropocentric view.
Their annual reports make it possible for us to explore trends over time.
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