In addition to earthquakes, pandemics, and natural disasters, there are many types of disasters which are caused by our fellow human beings, called Human-Caused Disasters. Some of these may be intentional, such as bioterrorism, and some may be accidental, such as a chemical spill resulting from a train wreck.
All residents are encouraged to be prepared for various human-caused disasters and emergencies. Generally this preparation would be included in a preparedness plan that addresses the following needs:
- Supplies needed for sheltering-in-place, a condition in which you may be required to stay inside a portion of your home for days or weeks, until the crisis situation has cleared
- Supplies needed for leaving your home, such as when your home is no longer safe to stay in, due to the disaster
- Drills (both plans and practice) for rapidly exiting your home safely, due to various emergencies that make your home unsafe, such as a house fire
- Having on-hand various alternative sources for life-sustaining needs, such as food, water, shelter, heat/cooking, etc
The following links provide additional information about various human-caused types of disasters, including preparedness information.
Attacks in Crowded and Public Spaces: While the threat of mass attacks is real, we can take steps to prepare, protect ourselves and help others.
https://www.ready.gov/public-spaces
Bioterrorism: A biological attack is a deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick or threaten your life.
https://www.ready.gov/Bioterrorism
Chemical Emergencies: Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants.
https://www.ready.gov/chemical
Explosions: Explosive devices can be carried by cars and people, and are easily detonated from remote locations or by suicide bombers.
https://www.ready.gov/explosions
Hazardous Materials Incidents: These can include explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. Emergencies can happen during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal of hazardous materials.
https://www.ready.gov/hazardous-materials-incidents
Home Fires: Learn all about home fires, and how you can create and practice a fire escape plan.
https://www.ready.gov/home-fires
Household Chemical Emergencies: Knowing how to handle household products containing hazardous materials or chemicals can reduce the risk of injury.
https://www.ready.gov/household-chemical-emergencies
Natural Gas: Know when and how to turn the natural gas valve off if a leak or break is suspected, due to either a natural disaster or another cause, such as digging in the wrong location.
https://www.wikihow.com/Detect-a-Gas-Leak
Nuclear Explosions: These can cause significant damage and casualties from blast, heat and radiation, but you can keep your family safe by knowing what to do and being prepared if it occurs.
https://www.ready.gov/nuclear-explosion
Power Outages: A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. Power outages may occur due to natural or human causes. Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy.
https://www.ready.gov/power-outages
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