Disaster Preparedness

The first 10 minutes after a disaster determine outcomes more than any equipment or long-term plan. Confusion, panic, an...

Disasters are full of myths that sound reasonable—but get people injured or killed. These beliefs spread after every maj...

Freezing is one of the most dangerous human reactions during disasters. People see danger, hear warnings, and feel fear—...

In real disasters, panic often causes more injuries than the hazard itself. People run into danger, abandon safe options...

Shelter-in-place can be the safest choice—or a fatal one—depending on how it is done. Many deaths occur not because peop...

Elderly people living alone face the highest risk during disasters. Limited mobility, medical dependence, isolation, and...

Nighttime evacuations are far more dangerous than daytime ones. Darkness, sleep, confusion, and reduced visibility turn ...

Early warnings are issued to save lives, yet many people delay action until it is too late. Sirens sound, alerts arrive,...

Living in an apartment or condominium changes how disasters unfold. Shared structures, limited exits, elevators, and nei...

Floods and hurricanes kill more people during evacuation than during impact. Roads become rivers, vehicles turn into tra...