There are two types of natural disasters. They are climtological and geological disasters.
Climatologial Disasters
Climatological disasters are the most common of all disasters. These include heat waves, drought, hail, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, and blizzards. Global warming trends have caused more storms in recent years and will likely cause more to occur in the future. Technology allows us to accurately predict this type of disaster in advance, giving people time to adequately prepare or evacuate.
How do we prepare for climatological disasters?
Preparation depends on the type of disaster. For heat waves and drought, the best ways to prepare include turning on fans and air conditioners, avoiding being outside during the hottest hours of the day, keeping shades closed to block out the heat from outside, and having plenty of drinking water available. Preparing for a hurricane, hail, or snow storm is a little different. Preparation for these disasters includes moving objects that could become airborne from your yard, moving vehicles into a garage or shelter, covering windows, preparing an emergency kit, and staying inside until the storm passes. With all of these disasters it is important to listen to the National Weather Service Messages. They provide warnings, watches, and advisories to alert citizens about the likelihood of certain weather events occurring. A warning means the event is a major threat. A watch means there is a good chance of the whether event occurring. An advisory means that weather events are expected to remain below warning criteria, but still cause significant inconvenience.
Geological Disasters
Geological disasters are less predictable and as a result often cause more deaths and more destruction than climatological disasters. These disasters include flooding, landslides, avalanches, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
How do we prepare for geological disasters?
Since geological disasters are less predictable, it is a lot harder to prepare for them. The best way to prepare is to have a plan in place including where you will go if an disaster occurs (this should be the safest place in your house, away from heavy furniture and appliances), where your family will meet up if you are to be separated, and where you will find emergency services, such as, medical care and food assistance after the event has occured. It might also be helpful to have a disaster survival kit prepared in your home.
