A study sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) found that nearly 60% of American adults have never participated in an evacuation or shelter-in-place (SiP) exercise. The study also found that only 39% had any type of emergency plan or even discussed the topic with their family. This, even though over 80% of the respondents live in communities impacted by a weather-related disaster.1
Today, concerns over systemic partner vulnerabilities such as dependence on unstable energy suppliers, the impact of armed conflict on the supply of raw materials, and cyber security concerns plague businesses around the world. Increased targeted hacking of financial institutions has affected the banking and payment industry driving up transactional and insurance costs while raising concern over the inherent security of such networks. The more extended the supply chain, the greater the vulnerability.
More and more we hear news of how climate change is affecting our lives. Storms are increasing in intensity, snowfalls are becoming more intense, and seasonal weather changes are occurring earlier. Residents in artic areas such as Alaska and Greenland are finding their hunting grounds diminished and their seacoasts eroded. Inhabitants of island countries in the South Pacific are witnessing their lands disappearing under rising ocean levels.
Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” That was the spirit with which, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the federal government introduced its new vision for building national resilience against disasters. The report, The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned, proposed the creation of an ambitious “culture of preparedness,” or a commitment by the public and private sectors, communities and individuals to maintain a state of readiness.[i] Sadly, more than a decade later, the vision remains unrealized.
Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain. Learn how to stay safe before, during and after a winter storm.
Wild fires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. In a wild fire, every second counts! Learn about the steps you can take if you are in area prone to wildfires, what to do if there are reports of active fires in your area and what actions to take when returning home after a wildfire.
Tsunamis are a series of large ocean waves generated by major earthquakes beneath the ocean floor or major landslides into the ocean. The tsunami danger period can continue for many hours after a major earthquake. A tsunami can occur during any season of the year and at any time, day or night. Learn how to prepare, steps to take when a warning is issued and after the event has passed.
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornado intensities are classified on the Fujita Scale with ratings between F0 (weakest) to F5 (strongest). They are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. Learn how to prepare for a tornado, what actions to take when the warning is issued and after the tornado has passed.
A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Learn what you can do to be prepared, and what actions you should take during and after a thunderstorm to stay safe.
Disaster can bring about significant stress. Each positive action you take can help you feel better and more in control.