Survival Planning - Risk Assessment

After you have developed an Emergency Plan, the next step in preparing for a natural disaster or other crisis is to make a risk assessment of the major events that can affect you personally. Being aware and informed about the type of disasters, either natural or man-made, that are most likely to occur where you live and work will increase your chances for survival.

The western regions of the country are the areas which are most likely to experience or actually have a major earthquake that could be a threat to your survival. The southeastern coast and areas along the Gulf coast are the parts of our country that are most susceptible to hurricanes. Florida is probably the most vulnerable state in this regard since it actually has two coastlines. If you live in the area known as "Tornado Alley", which runs through parts of several states, including but not limited to Oklahoma, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas, you are probably more prone to experience tornados along with severe and damaging winds more than anything else that might occur.

Even though flooding or high water can occur almost anywhere, low lying areas near major rivers, like the Mississippi and Missouri, are going to be subject to more frequent flooding than other parts of the country. Severe flooding and mud slides can occur in mountainous areas because of heavy rainfall or earlier than usual snow melt. Flash flooding can also occur almost anywhere at anytime with any excessive rainfall amounts.

You can stay ahead of many natural disasters simply by staying informed of current weather conditions by following weather forecasts and emergency radio broadcasts. Making a daily effort to stay informed will give you a head start on handling a disaster or crisis when it occurs. Many communities have emergency services of different kinds that also work to help keep you informed on a local level. Many times during an emergency local services will have representatives from the fire department, police, or other emergency service workers who go door-to-door in sparsely populated or isolated areas to notify people of possible life-threatening situations.

While some types of disasters are extremely hard to predict, certain areas that are the most susceptible to these kinds of disasters usually have special emergency disaster centers set up and in place to assist you. Most are equipped to handle any of your questions about disaster risk management.

Protect yourself and your family by becoming more informed about your risks and susceptibility to certain disasters which may occur more frequently in your area.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker