A Natural Disaster and a Terrorist Attack Can Bare Striking Similarities, So Can Preparation Against Them

After all these years, some of the images of disaster are still burnt freshly on my mind. The seemingly endless amounts of people were wandering around as if in a daze. Their movement obviously had purpose, but the looks on their faces belied a certain amount of exhaustion and acceptance of their situation. They were covered in muck, dirt, and debris. Often times they looked as if they were fresh from a war zone. The rubble from surrounding buildings added to the effect as dust and ash nearly choked to death many of the people lucky enough to survive the initial trauma. Children would be crying as parents and caretakers, many holding back their own tears, were attempting to maintain some amount of control and calm their children. They would push rafts and shopping carts. When turning on the news during those days and nights, one found themselves watching images one might associate with some foreign country, but this was in the United States of America. This country of the world, the most advanced technologically and militarily, was only used to watching events like this unfold elsewhere. Now our own homeland was looking like something out of a science fiction or horror movie. Sad days had struck us all, more than once.

This all was the result of two different events, not one singular mishap. While other events may be suitable as well, the two I have been describing are terrorist attacks on 9-11-01 in New York City and Hurricane Katrina, which struck throughout Louisiana and other areas of the southeast. The images those of us lucky enough to be in relatively unaffected areas watched were traumatic and difficult to watch. Within just a few years of each other, the two worst disasters in American history had taken place.

While their causes were vastly different in origin, some of their effects were strikingly similar. People found themselves stuck in situations for which they were not adequately prepared. Travel and evacuation were made extremely difficult. Some people were stranded for days without their normal sources of food and water. Pipes burst and water became unsuitable after being contaminated. Power was out throughout most of the affected areas for at least some amount of time. In many cases people waited days or longer to be rescued.

Perhaps this has all proven the unpredictability of disaster. Whether it is natural or man made disaster such as a terrorist attack, we can all take steps toward being prepared in the event of an unforeseen calamity. Disaster preparedness is a goal we should all attain whether in our homes (as in the case of many Katrina victims), or the office (as in the case of many 9-11 victims). A constant source of emergency supplies such as emergency food and emergency water should be kept in homes, offices, and cars. In addition to these items, portable emergency radios and batteries should keep information and updates flowing to affected citizens. Information can prove key to surviving these situations. You may also want to consider the purchase of a terrorism preparedness kit which contains supplies to attack you from a chemical, biological, and nuclear attack. Read more about what steps you can take to prepare for a terrorist attack by reading our terrorism preparedness guide which offers tips on how to best prepare for a terrorist attack.

By Casey Kozoll
QuakeKare Press
January 22nd 2007