FIRE. More than
24 million fires are reported nationwide annually, resulting in over $11
billion in property damage.
The United States has one of the highest fire death rates per capita in
the world. At least 6,000 people die in fires each year and an additional
100,000 are injured. Senior citizens and children under 5 are at highest
risk. Fire is fast, dark and deadly, emitting smoke and gases that can
render a person
unconscious within minutes. It is the most likely disaster that families
will experience.
FEMA NEWS PHOTO
FLOODS. Floods are the
most common and widespread of all natural disasters and can occur nearly
anywhere in the United States. Flooding has been responsible for the deaths
of more than 10,000 people since 1900. Property damage attributable to flooding
now totals over $1 billion each year. The sheer force of just six inches
of swiftly moving water can knock people off their feet. Cars are easily
swept away in just two feet of water. Flash floods can occur with little
or no warning-and can reach full peak within minutes. Rapidly rising walls
of water can reach heights of 30 feet or more and are generally accompanied
by a deadly cargo of debris.
FEMA NEWS PHOTO
WINTER STORMS. Heavy snowfall
and extreme cold can mobilize an entire region. Even areas which normally
experience mild winters can be hit with a major snow storm or extreme cold.
The results can range from isolation to the havoc of cars and trucks sliding
on icy highways.
FEMA NEWS PHOTO
POWER OUTAGE. Everyone
experiences power interruptions from time to time. Unfortunately, many of
these outages come at times of weather extremes or accompany various disasters.
When the power is out we lose our primary source of artificial light and
many lose their source of heat and water as well. When the power is out,
safety becomes a major concern.
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