The Reasons for Emergency Preparedness

Humans have a tendency to wait until disasters happen to do something about them. Assumptions that everything will be fine tomorrow have become very standard in modern society; however, nobody can predict the future. Natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis can strike in the blink of an eye, killing thousands and destroying cities and landscapes. Most of these disasters cannot be prevented, making it all the more useful to prepare for anything that may happen.

Economic damage

• According to the International Red Cross, economic losses from natural disasters have cost the U.S. $629 billion over the last two decades. Direct, weather-related losses increased from $3.9 billion in the 1950s to $63 billion in the 1990s. Insured losses totaled $15.8 billion within the same time period. The U.S. Geological Survey has found that affected countries could have spent $40 billion on preventative measures and ultimately reduced their financial losses by $280 billion during the 1990s. Preparing for natural disasters can not only save lives, but also help lessen the financial damage they cause.

Displacement

• Impoverished people tend to suffer the most during natural disasters. People from lower incomes are more likely to take residence in dangerous locations at these times, such as near flood plains, river banks and steep slopes. Implementing preventative steps can provide these people with relief tents and survival kits with food and water during emergencies. Successful disaster recovery programs can not only help these people get back on their feet, but also ensure they are more prepared for future disasters by boosting development and creating more structurally-sound homes in these areas.

Structural Damage

• Natural disasters cause extensive damage to homes and buildings. In 1967, a series of earthquakes in Illinois destroyed 484 houses throughout the state, causing $50 million in damages. Many of these homes were not designed to sustain considerable damage from disasters. A 2003 earthquake in Bam, Iran, killed more than 40,000, largely due to poor housing construction. It is important that more homes are built to sustain natural disasters. Homes made from concrete are very suitable for protecting against earthquakes, floods and high winds. Concrete absorbs little water, is very durable and is impermeable against air inflation.

Loss of Life

• Fatalities during natural disasters are all too common, especially in third-world countries, where 97 percent of these deaths occur. Worldwide, 100,000 people on average are killed from natural disasters. In 2010, 295,000 deaths were recorded from natural disasters. This almost broke the 1983 record of 300,000 deaths. Taking preventative measures against disasters is the best way to bring these numbers down and save more lives.