Impacts of Disaster

Impacts of Disasters on Transportation Infrastructure

• Disasters can disrupt and damage transportation networks, leading to closed or impassable roads.
• Critical facilities' damage impairs evacuation routes, emergency services, and can hinder supply chains.

Damage to Critical Facilities

• Damage to essential utilities, like power and water, complicates response efforts during disasters.
• Emergency services struggle to operate efficiently without functioning facilities, affecting overall recovery times.

Impacts on Communications Systems

• Communication systems may fail during a disaster, crippling coordination among response teams.
• Loss of service can prevent utilities from functioning properly, leading to widespread service interruptions.

Impacts on Water Service

• Water service disruption can occur due to damaged infrastructure, contaminating water supplies and affecting public health.

Impacts on Fuel Supplies

• Fuel supply chains suffer during disasters due to damage, leading to shortages and transportation issues.

Impact of Infrastructure Damage on Financial Services

• Damage to transportation and utilities can disrupt business operations, impacting the financial services sector and slowing economic recovery.

Consequences of Infrastructure Damage

• Infrastructure damage hampers rescue efforts, prolongs recovery, and increases economic losses.

Impact of Closed Roads

• Closed or impassable roads can delay emergency response, restricting access to affected areas and resources.

Loss of Utility Services and Medical Facilities

• Utility failures can severely impact medical facilities, limiting their ability to provide urgent care and compromising patient safety.

Survivors' Inability to Seek Help

• Survivors unable to communicate or reach service providers face increased risks, including worsened injuries and delayed assistance.

Increased Risk from Fuel Line Rupture

• Damaged fuel lines raise the risk of fire or explosions during disasters, compounding resource shortages and safety hazards.

Emergency Room Personnel Priorities

• The top priority for emergency room personnel is to stabilize severely injured patients and manage trauma cases effectively.

Building Susceptibility to Damage

• Structures such as older commercial buildings and poorly maintained homes are more susceptible to various disaster impacts, including earthquakes, floods, and high winds.

Factors for Detached Homes and Garages

• Detached structures face potential damage from debris and extreme weather, compromising safety and structural integrity.

Susceptibility of Certain Structures

• Mobile homes and temporary structures are highly prone to damage and displacement during severe weather events.

Risk from Interior Items

• Fixtures and loose items within homes or workplaces can pose additional hazards during disasters, increasing injury risks.

Importance of Personal Preparedness

• Personal preparedness includes having a plan for emergencies and knowing utility shut-off procedures.

Main Utility Shut-Off in Multiple-Unit Dwellings

• Gas is typically the main utility that needs to be shut off for the entire building in case of a disaster.

Greater Risks in Certain Building Types

• High-rise buildings and older structures face greater risks of collapse and broken glass during disasters.

Risks from Displaced Appliances

• Displaced appliances and office equipment can cause injury or damage during disasters, highlighting the importance of securing these items.

Utility Shut-off Knowledge

• Understanding how to turn off utilities is crucial for safety and minimizing hazards during emergencies.

Police Responsibilities

• Police are primarily responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing safety measures, and assisting in evacuations during disasters.

Firefighters' Top Priority

• The main priority for firefighters is to extinguish fires, rescue individuals, and protect properties from burning and damages.