Disaster preparation requires an in-depth understanding of the cause and the potential extent of the damage it can cause. Recent events of ice storms have shown the American people’s resilience through their ability to survive, share community resources, and rebuild. There are different types of disasters, such as volcanos, floods, storms, earthquakes, avalanches, or tornadoes (Demarco & Healey-Walsh, 2020). These disasters have caused persons’ displacement, power outages, shortage of water, and susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Strategies to prevent disaster involve mitigation, where some structural measures, for example, constructing homes with a bunker or underground where people can safely take shelter in case of disaster (Nikam, 2018). This was illustrated in the video when the news anchor reiterated that the mobile homes were unsafe to be inhabited during such times of disaster. Therefore, families and other habitable structures need to have a proper layout and a stronger foundation that can withstand all forms of weather, for instance, storms and hurricanes.
The leaders should do disaster preparedness in consideration of geographic factors such as topography, climate, and the level of environmental disturbance in the case of mining. People must be made aware of the possible disaster in that area so that they prepare by evacuation or moving to higher grounds in case of floods (Demarco & Healey-Walsh, 2020). Early warning systems such as tornado sirens come in handy to alert people of the impending danger and the need to move to higher grounds. For example, some people may need to purchase backup generators, first aid kits, canned food, dry foods, water, and essential toiletries for the family in case of an emergency.
Maintaining order during disaster management requires the involvement of local administration. Significantly, the police and the sheriff’s department should be the first responders (Demarco & Healey-Walsh, 2020). In the case of a hurricane, as in this hurricane scenario, evacuation for the people is recommended by the meteorological department. The police may assist in man the safe routes that have been designated for people to use may lead to chaos in case of overcrowding when people are scampering for safety. Individuals should have a proper plan of how to go through the proposed route and sufficient gas to sustain them during that period. As this may not be the turn of events, the emergency care services are also involved as quick responders for various emergencies (Nikam, 2018).
After a disaster such as hurricane Katrina, the focus moves to manage the affected individuals in emergency care provision. Organizations such as World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control take center stage in providing emergency care to the population. Volunteer medics, paramedics, travel nurses, and doctors will also provide care to those affected. Further, it is paramount to put a chain of command in place to ensure that the response provided is prompt and effective. For example, a search and rescue team will ensure that no one is covered in the debris and those in the bunker have been relocated. This will be accompanied by bringing power back and providing relief food and toiletries to the needy communities (Nikam, 2018). A communication desk will also be set up so that residents can report missing relatives and coordinate recovery activities and the residents’ needs after the disaster. Further, an analysis of the disaster’s preparedness will be done to identify the gaps in planning and management that should be addressed.
The effects of disasters range from short-term to long-term, as explained by Demarco & Healey-Walsh (2020). Physical injuries and deaths of those seriously affected can be reported. Similarly, damages to the infrastructure will need to be repaired. In some cases, disaster management can be accompanied by property looting, and the vulnerable population becomes susceptible to disease. On the same note, individuals may also have long-term physical and emotional trauma due to injuries or the loss of a loved one (Nikam, 2018). This puts a burden on the healthcare workers to treat disease, provide emergency care and psychiatric care to individuals facing emotional trauma brought up by the disaster.
References
Demarco, R., & Healey-Walsh, J. (2020). Community and public health nursing: Evidence for practice. 3rd Ed.
Nikam, S. P. (2018). Fundamentals of Disaster Management. Scholars World.
