WHAT IS DISASTER

A disaster is a natural or man-made event that negatively affects life, property, livelihood or industry often resulting in permanent changes to human societies, ecosystems and environment. Disasters critically disrupt the functioning of a community and cause widespread human, material, economic and environmental losses.

Disasters can be caused by a multitude of events such as:

• Bio-terrorism
• Anthrax, Small pox
• Food safety threats
• Plague
• Chemical Emergencies
• Such as nerve agents or biotoxins
• Mass Casualties
• Such as terrorism or explosions
• Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
• Earth Quakes
• Extreme Heat
• Drought
• Floods
• Hurricanes
• Landslides
• Power Outages
• Tornadoes
• Tsunamis
• Volcanoes
• Wildfires
• Winter Weather

For additional information regarding types of disasters, visit:

• FEMA
• Disaster Center
• Red Cross

While most disasters are sudden there are things people can do to lessen the impact. Educating yourself regarding potential events and what you can do to prepare is the first step.