Impact of Natural Disasters

Review - Tectonic plate movement causes: Earthquakes A sudden movement of the earth's crust caused by the release of stress collected along faults or by volcanic activity Tsunamis An unusually large sea wave produced by a seaquake or undersea volcanic eruption Volcanos A vent in the earth's crust through which lava, steam, ashes, etc., are expelled, either continuously or at irregular intervals

Looking at the Impact We can assess the impact of something by considering Economic, Political, Social and Environmental consequences.

Economic Economic impacts are effects on the level of economic activity in a given area. It usually deals with money. Some economic impacts of natural disasters include: destruction of local business loss of property, land crops, possessions

Political Political Impacts are the effect on systems of power and government. Some of the political impacts of natural disasters include: political instability creates need for or changes to policy

Social Social Impacts deal with the effects on people and society. Some of the social impacts of natural disasters include: unemployment poverty loss of life or quality of life

Environmental Environmental Impacts are the effects on the environment. Some environmental impacts of natural disasters include: collapsed buildings fires property damage/destruction loss of power fresh water contaminated loss of habitat

The Upside to Natural Disasters We have considered the negative impacts, now it’s time to look at the positive ones! Natural Disasters Provide People with a Greater Respect & Appreciation for Nature Natural Disasters Give Communities a Chance to Improve Infrastructure and Re-Prioritize Community Needs Research Has Shown That Natural Disasters Might Have Some Positive Ecological Effects

Protecting Homes from Floods To prepare for a flood, you should: Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home. Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk. Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home. If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.

Tornadoes: Reducing the Risk Learn about your tornado risk. While severe tornadoes are more frequent in the Plains States, tornadoes have happened in every state. Contact your local emergency management office, local National Weather Service office, or American Red Cross chapter for more information on tornadoes. Pick a safe place in your home where family members could gather during a tornado. Consider having your tornado safe place reinforced.  If you are in a high-rise building, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Center hallways are often structurally the most reinforced part of a building. Discuss how you would be warned of an approaching tornado. Different communities have different ways of providing warnings. Many communities have sirens intended for outdoor warning purposes. Use a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature to keep you aware of watches and warnings while you are indoors. Learn about your community's warning system. Different communities have different ways of providing warnings. Many communities have sirens intended for outdoor warning purposes. Use a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature to keep you aware of watches and warnings while you are indoors. Conduct periodic tornado drills, so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching.  Check with your work and your children's schools and day care centers to learn tornado emergency plans.  Discuss tornadoes with your family. Consider which is the responsibility of PUBLIC OFFICIALS and which is the responsibility of INDIVIDUALS

Role of the Media Government and weather organizations in Canada are using social media to provide updates and information.  Provide valuable information to those in a disaster area pre and post disaster (via Internet, if available, or SMS updates). Drive awareness to those outside the affected areas, generating volunteers and/or donors. Connect displaced family and friends. Provide information about unclaimed property, and in worst case scenarios, bodies. Offer information about aid, centers and other resources available to those affected.