Disasters Research Blog

Question 1: Weather Story #1 – Hurricane History

-The costliest hurricane in the United States since 1990 is Hurricane Katrina.
-The hurricane occurred primarily in Louisiana but extended to the states of Mississippi, Alabama and South East Florida.
-The damages of this natural disaster were estimated at $81,000,000,000
-This information was derived from the National Hurricane Center’s publication: The Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1492-Present. The information is posted at the url: http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/damage.asp

Question 2: Weather Story #2 – Earthquake Preparedness

Before an earthquake: It is important to check for all potential hazards in the home and fix these problems. From there find safe places indoors and outdoors to position yourself away from hazardous conditions. Finally have disaster supplies on hand such as a first aid kit and emergency food. It never hurts to educate yourself and your family members by calling the American Red Cross to get safety tips.

During an earthquake: If you are indoors it is important to drop to the ground and take cover under something sturdy. Cover your head and stay inside until the quake is over. If you are outdoors stay outdoors. Get away from buildings and stay in the open. Most earthquake casualties come from falling building debris. If you are trapped under debris do not move as this might trap you worse or kick up more hazardous dust. Tap on walls or pipes so rescuers can locate you. Seldom should you yell as not to inhale dust.

After an earthquake: At first you should expect aftershocks which can cause even more structural damage. Stay away from damaged areas and inspect your utilities for damage. Finally, if possible help anyone who is trapped in the rubble.

All of this information is posted on the United States Geological Survey’s website: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/prepare/

Question 3: Plane Crashes

-Over the past year in Colorado there have been four fatal plane crashes. The cities these accidents occurred were in Wray, Hayden, Elbert and Simila.
-In 2009 there were 43 nonfatal plane crashes in the state of Colorado.
http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/query.asp
-In 2000 the NTSB conducted an investigation of Alaska Airlines. http://www.ntsb.gov/Publictn/2002/AAR0201.pdf
-The plane crash that occurred in Lexington, Kentucky killed forty nine people.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/27/national/main1936906.shtml