Disaster preparedness is an essential
Being ready for a disaster is essential for everyone. If you or someone in your family has a disability or special health needs, such as a sleep disorder, then disaster preparedness becomes more than essential: it becomes paramount.
Many people live with a false sense of security, feeling they live in a “safe” area, such as an area not prone to flooding or landslides, while others have a false sense of security, thinking floods or hurricanes could never hit their area, only to have a 100-year flood hit their area.
As seen in recent years, strong hurricanes have blown into areas, such as coastal Texas regions, then, in its aftermath, cut a swath across the Midwestern states, leaving flooding in Illinois, Ohio, and among others, all far removed from the actual danger areas, yet areas that suffered disaster as a result of a hurricane’s aftermath.
Following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under the direction of the first Secretary of Homeland Security and former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, DHS developed materials to help citizens prepare for disasters and terror attacks.
Among the many resources, documents, Web sites, and other tools created, DHS created the site, www.Ready.gov and links to local information will help you learn about the types of emergencies that could affect your area.
Homeland Security worked with a variety of national organizations, including the American Red Cross, the National Organization on Disability, and the National Fire Protection Association in creating the emergency information for seniors and Americans with disabilities and special needs. Materials developed include brochures and instructional videos, which are posted on the www.Ready.gov site.
Different Types of Emergencies:
- Chemical
- Dam Failure
- Earthquake
- Fire
- Flood
- Hazardous Material
- Heat
- Hurricane
- Landslide
- Nuclear Power Plant Emergency
- Terrorism
- Thunderstorm
- Tornado
- Tsunami
- Volcano
- Wildfire
- Winter Storm
As shown in the types of emergencies list, above, which was created by the Department of Homeland Security, it’s clear to see that all Americans are at-risk of being involved in some type of emergency or disaster at some point.
Awake In America has assembled this section of its site, and will continue to add information, as needed, to help individuals with sleep disorders and sleep-related issues, specifically, to prepare to for emergency or disaster situations.
Community and State Information
Want to reach your state or local government to see how you can prepare for events that happen in your area?
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