Prepare in a Year – Week Two

When people think of disaster, they typically think of the event itself, not what leads up to it or its aftermath.  Like the emergency management process, in preparedness all four phases of a disaster should be considered. The time before a disaster is known as the Preparedness Phase. As the event occurs we move into the Response Phase. Soon after we hopefully move into the Recovery Phase. Finally, as we take steps to reduce the risk or impacts of future disaster we move into the Mitigation Phase.  These four phases make a continuous cycle or loop recognizing the fact that there are not always clear distinct lines between the phases.

When disasters occur, we often recognize or soon realize the impact that event can have on our families. However, what if you could think ahead and not only plan and prepare but in some cases prevent some of the damage or impact a disaster might have.  This is mitigation. 

In week one, we looked at the types of disaster that could impact your family, this week we will look at what can be done to reduce some of that risk.  Although it is not possible to completely eliminate all risk, the impact can sometimes be reduced to a level that is more easily dealt with. An example of this would be removing dry grass, brush and other combustible material from around a home and the creation of a defendable fire break around homes.  This fire break could be the difference between being able to save a home or losing everything to wildfire. Steps taken before can not only reduce the damage during a response but also speed the recovery following a disaster.

Flood Mitigation

With the threat of flooding, there are steps that can be taken individually and as a community that can reduce the impact.  Of course the best option is to not build where a flood is likely to occur; however, floods sometimes occur well out of the typical flood plain.  Rivers are also known to move occasionally and it is possible a home built 50 years ago might no longer be as safe from flooding as it once was.  Additionally, some homes were sited before government has learned better planning and shoreline management practices. As a result, some homes will always be in danger of flooding. There are however mitigation measures that can be taken by an individual or a community to reduce this risk. Among these measures are:

a.       Buy out of flood prone homes

b.      Elevation of home above Flood Elevation

c.       Keeping Debris out of Rivers / streams

d.      Creation of passive flood storage areas.

These are measures that can reduce the likelihood that flooding will cause extensive damage to a home; however, there are other steps that you can take to reduce the immediate danger to your family. The most important of course is to have a plan in advance as to what you will do when the threat of flooding is first discussed.  IN ALL CASES, EVERYONE SHOULD FOLLOW THE DIRECTION OF RESPONDERS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS.  Many jurisdictions have public warning and messaging systems that are used to convey critical direction and information during emergency events.  If you have not done so already, contact your local emergency management department and sign up for these alerts.

Additionally, both with Severe Weather and Flooding, every household should have NOAA Weather Radio. The National Oceans and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA operates a national network of radio stations known as NOAA Weather Radio (NWR), that can broadcast continuous weather and other emergency information.  NWR broadcast official weather warnings, watches, forecast and other critical information 24/7. These radios are available for purchase at many retailers around the area. For more information, go to https://www.ready.gov/floods.

Severe Storm Mitigation

Severe storms, including Thunder, Lightning, Tornadoes and Intense Rainfall all can cause specific damage to homes and otherwise threaten your family. Although little can be done to prevent these storms from having an impact on your home, mitigation measures can be taken that make the disaster more survivable. Having a safe room or space in the home to shelter in case of a tornado as an example is better than not having any plan.  Recognizing the danger of electrical storms if you are outdoors or without shelter. These are all steps towards reducing the overall risk.  For more information, go to https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather.

Wildfire

With Wildfire, mitigation measures will greatly depend on your location.  In areas where it is possible to build a defensible area. If so, the removal of dead or dry vegetation and other fuels near a home can reduce risk.  Having the home and roof built with non-combustible material can also reduce risk. However even if these measures are not appropriate for your needs, even steps like keeping flammable vegetation cleared from around driveways and possible escape routes will help.  For more information, go to www.wildlandfireRSG.org

Activity 2.1     Sign up for your Local Public Warning System through your local emergency management agency.

Activity 2.2     Identify what mitigation measures your household can take to reduce the threat or impact of disaster on your family.