.

Each year, millions of homes are destroyed by flooding, and millions of lives are lost or displaced.

Flooding the most common and most expensive disaster because it often accompanies other types of disasters. Earthquakes and tornado lead to broken pipes and disrupted river flow, water is used to put out house fires and wildfires, and hurricanes, tsunamis severe storms, and mudslides pack a wallop of water that devastate lives and property.

Flooding impacts most land areas and every continent. South-west Pacific and southern Asia were hit hard back in 1994 as the Bai-u front, (an Indian monsoon) caused flooding in Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Nepal, the Philippines, Viet Nam and the Korean Peninsula costing billions in damage and killing thousands.

To make matters worse, there is no standard form of measurement or “scale” to measure flood intensity. Tornados are measured in categories 1-5 (the Fujita scale) and earthquakes have the Richter scale. Recurrence intervals are used to measure the size of a flood, but the measurements are unique to a drainage basin and do not allow comparisons among different drainage basins

But as bad as flooding is, throughout history disease epidemics have wiped out millions more than flooding or all other natural-nature based disasters have.

Smallpox killed an estimated 300 million deaths during the 20th Century.

The bubonic plague, known as “The Black Death” took out one third of the population of Europe starting in the 14th century and various strains lasted until the 20th century–and many health officials believe it’s lying dormant and might return.

The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919 and is responsible for an estimated 50-100 million deaths worldwide.

Flooding holds the record for natural disaster death tolls and property damage. China’s Hwang He River has experienced extensive flooding in the past hundred years (in 1931, 1887, and 1938) that took close to a total of seven million lives. Flooding is also the most common cause of death during severe/tropical storms such as hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones. The Bhola Cyclone in 1970 killed almost a half million people in Bangladesh.

Flooding–and natural disasters isn’t cheap. Hurricane Katrina’s price tag has soared to $122 billion for the Gulf region, approved by Congress, and another $20 billion is allocated for coastal restoration.

Flooding has affected the United States many times over, and in the past 50 years close to 85 percent of U.S. has been declared a federal disaster area due to floods. Increased human living spaces in floodplains and over-building in city areas do little to allow flood waters to soak into much needed soil.

How do you survive a flood?

First, get out before you know it’s coming.
Don’t think you can out-run, or out-climb, or out-drive a flood.

If you have time, listen to the radio or watch television and be aware of what’s happening in your area. Unplug electrical appliances and move any items you can onto counter tops or as high as you can get them–especially electrical equipment. Stuff towels under doors and window ledges. Move any paperwork to higher ground, recheck your first aid kit, and prepare your pets and family for evacuation.

If it happens suddenly, take your loved ones, pets, cell phone, and if you can, prescriptions and important documents (in a baggie, again, if you can), and drive away from the flood. If it’s eminent and you can’t get away, climb up to the roof of your home–grab a towel, bright clothing item or flashlight to wave. Call 9/11 and tell them where you live and where you are. If you can’t get through, call someone you know and tell them to keep calling until they get through–or to call your police or fire department and let them know.

If you can get away before the flood hits, get in the car and go as far you can, and even drive off road, but get to the highest ground you can find. Remember–only two feet of water can cause a car to float–so before the flood gets to you get out and get to the highest floor or roof of a building. Stay together. Call someone and let them know your location–in case the phones go down.

Don’t play in flood waters–electrical lines will most likely be down, sewage will also be in the water–and snakes.

Don’t panic. As long as you’re up high, someone will find you. Make that call to let someone know where you are early–be patient and stay together.

Disasters don’t care if you have money, or if you’re famous.
Disaster victims come in every socio-economic category.
A wildfire will consume a mansion, or a trailer for the same voracity.

The good news is that the wildfires that Santa Barbara area late last week are beginning to die down and residents are returning to survey the damage and give thanks for getting out alive.

The not so good news is that the fires are now spreading to Montecito, a community north of L.A. and appear to be making a ring around the Los Angeles basin.

About 10,000 people have been evacuated so far as more than 3500 firefighter fight the intense flames. Christopher Lloyd, the actor made famous by his role in Taxi and the Back to the Future films lost his 11 million dollar home to the wildfires.

“You watch TV, you see these kinds of incidents happening here and there, but you look with a kind of detachment because it’s happening … elsewhere, but suddenly to be in the midst of it, it’s a very different awareness,” Lloyd said on ABC’s Good Morning America show.

Other celebrities have barely escaped the fires, including homes of Snoop Dog, Mel Gibson, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Douglas, Jeff Bridges, and Rob Lowe who left by car with his children when the flames shot dangerously close to his Montecito home.

“From now on I’ll have so much more empathy and compassion for people who are going through it,” Oprah Winfrey said. The wildfires came precariously close to her estate in the Santa Barbara region.

Oprah interviewed actor Rob Lowe who fled his Montecito home with his kids said, “We just left with the kids…this thing came on so fast, you just can’t believe it.

So far, 111 homes in Montecito enclave have been destroyed by the fires.
But multi-million dollar mansions are not the only homes at stake. More than 500 homes were destroyed in one trailer park alone, and most of the residents were elderly and have been evacuated to a Red Cross shelter nearby.

There are Red Cross shelters operating in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernadino counties, currently housing 300 evacuees plus numerous others stopping by for a meal, information, and counseling.

For anyone who has family or friends in the region, the Red Cross has set up a website that offers a way for evacuees to keep in touch and get necessary information. Evacuees can register on the Safe and Well website by visiting www.Redcross.org and using the Safe and Well link on the front page.

They can then choose from a menu of pre-scripted messages that their loved ones can access. If evacuees don’t have internet access, they can reach operators at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register.

Are natural disasters on the rise?

2008 has experienced a significant rise in natural disasters.

In a way, yes. Natural disaster effect more people because of the rise in population, and due largely to the fact that they continue to migrate to live in coastal areas which tend to get hit with hurricanes, floods, and tidal waves/tsunamis.

An average of 500 such disasters are now taking place each year, compared to 120 in the 1980s. Floods have also increased six-fold in the last thirty years.

Another factor to consider is that as we continue to build larger and larger cities, we disrupt the ecosystem and become at risk for landslides, mudslides, and flooding.

Does climate change factor into a growing number of natural disasters? Absolutely. According to the EPA, the earth will experience a higher level of heavy rains and droughts in certain areas due to a rise in ocean temperature and the melting of the polar ice caps.

If you’re wondering what the worst disasters that have plagued the earth, then visit the 10 ‘Worst Natural Disasters.” “>Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Hazards and Disasters.

There is good news–there’s no evidence that earthquakes or volcanoes are on the rise, but if you happen to live in New Orleans, Galveston, or the Florida Panhandle–heads up–we’re in a 30 year cycle of higher than normal atmospheric conditions that encourage the development of hurricanes.

As shocking as large scale tsunamis such as the one that hit Thailand in 2004, the more devastating storms impact smaller areas but pack a wallop, and without international aid, people suffer longer and can take years to regain the quality of life they once knew.

The key to saving lives lies in disaster preparedness.

Several organizations are dedicated to just this. They include the International Study for Disaster Reduction , Ready Gov, and Prepare.org.

The wildfire season is back–with a vengence.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency in Santa Barbara County on Friday, November 14, 2008 in response to the recent wildfires.This proclamation will utilize state resources under the California Disaster Assistance Act.

Montecito, California was hit Thursday, November 13th by a devastating wildfire that destroyed more than 400 homes homes and a college dorm at Westmont College where 1000 students were evacuated. Four thousand acres of forests have also burned this week. Thousands have been asked or told to evacuate, and many roads are closed. Some refuse to leave.

Wind gusts associated with the wildfires reached 70 mph Thursday night and are expected to remain high throughout the weekend according to the National Weather Service in Oxnard. Approximately a thousand homes are threatened by these fires.

The American Red Cross chapter of Santa Barbara opened a shelter and provided care for 125 people. Meals, mental health services, medical replacement, and disaster counseling are offered to the disaster victims. Many corporations are now offering disaster aid through the Red Cross. Additional shelters will be opened as needed.

Firefighters believe that the wildfire is about forty percent contained but will not be completely put out until the end of November. Over 125 fire trucks were dispatched as well as many water-dropping helicopters to help fight the blaze.

At least four peole have been injured as well as five firefighters who have incurred extensive burns. The financial toll is already more than six million. The source of the fire is unknown, but authorities suspect it may have been started by an unattended campfire.

Montecito California is home to more than 10,000 residents, and includes celebrity homes such as Michael Douglas, Nicole Kidman, and Oprah Winfrey.

ATLANTA, Nov 12, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The U.S. Small Business Administration announces today that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes located in the State of Wisconsin as a result of flooding that occurred June 15, 2008 and continuing.

A cruise is something people look forward to–a time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the festivities at sea. But what if something goes wrong? Tales of missing person’s are not uncommon, but companies go to great lengths to ensure your safety as noted in a recent USA Today article. They are prepared for natural and man-made disasters. Like airline attendants, your ship’s personnel can do a lot more than hand you a towel or pour you a drink.

Here are some behind the scenes cruise safety factors that keep your trip on even keel:

Before entering a cruise ship, passengers and their luggage are thoroughly checked.

All crew must undergo a U.S. State Department background check.

Once the cruise is underway, anyone entering or leaving the ship must also pass through a security screening.

The Coast Guard requires a manifest of everyone onboard the cruise 96 hours before arriving at a U.S. port. The list must be cleared again before the ship can dock.

To prevent cruise ships from becoming targets for terroristic activities, the U.S. and the United Nations set strict maritime security laws, including the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA).

A spokesman for the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) stated, “These regulations established international security regulations that require all ships, port facilities and governments to have formal security plans, screening measures, access control, waterside security and communications between ships and ports.”

Many organizations work closely to ensure the cruise lines safety. These organizations are comprised of the Customs and Border Protection, Office of Naval Intelligence, ICCL security committee the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI. Their primary goal is to protect the passengers and crew from any and all terrorist attacks in port or at sea.

What You Can Do To Ensure Your Safety on a Cruise:

Listen and participate in the safety drill. You may have heard it all before, but know where the exits are, where the life boats are, and how to inflate your safety floatation device could save your life–so pay attention.

Wash your hands often. Biological germs are perhaps your biggest enemy on a cruise ship. Use the hand sanitizers located throughout the ship, and use them often.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that cruise ship passengers are susceptible to the norovirus, and 2,200 cases of this virus are reported each year (on cruise ships). This is less than one percent of all cruise passengers, but washing hands and coughing into your sleeve can help deter the spread of germs.

Let someone know where you’re going to be at all times. Leave a note in your cabin, or mention to your family or friends where you’re planning to go–on the ship and if you happen to take any excursions. This is just common sense, but could save hours of searching in case of an emergency.

Have a good time, but don’t drink to the point of not being safe. You should be able to walk, say your name, and know your way back to your cabin. Just because you’re not driving on a cruise doesn’t mean you can’t be dangerous to yourself and others.

Stay in the main passenger areas of the ship. This is for your safety. Make it a practice to be with a buddy, particularly late at night. There are hundreds, if not thousands of people on a ship–so be just as aware and practice the same safety procedures you would if you were out to dinner or going to a nightclub late at night. With many people drinking in excess, you need to be aware of sexual assault crimes, bar rights, and other reckless behavior that could put you at risk.

The International Cruise Victims Organization states that “cruise companies are largely unregulated and unaccountable for protecting passengers from crime and for assisting passengers after crimes have been committed.”

Remember to keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t leave your wallet, camera, or cell phone lying around. Store your valuable in your cabin’s safe or leave them at the purser’s office. It’s best to leave fine jewelry at home. Be particularly aware of pick-pocketers when you take excursions.

Be aware of any suspicious activity. Just as you would in any public place, report unattended bags or backpacks, and report any suspicious activities to the ship’s security.

Do report any crimes that occur. In the past, crimes at sea were difficult to prosecute, but this has changed. Report crimes or missing persons to the purser’s office or to the ship’s security staff. It’s also wise to report any crimes to the FBI or local U.S. Consulate as a double measure. Take photographs of any assaults or thefts, and make sure that evidence is collected properly. Don’t sit by idly and then regret not taking charge. If you are a victim, then your rights have been violated and you deserve a proper and thorough investigation.

Always carry copies of your passport and identification–and leave a set at home. Let others know you’re taking a cruise and leave information either at home or on your computer.

If bad weather occurs–storms or hurricanes–listen closely to the directions given. Go to your cabin and be prepared to evacuate. Make sure that all members of your party are accounted for. Keep your cell phone and identification, including passport, with you at all times. Be sure to pack Dramamine or some other type of nausea medicine.

Be aware of basic safety measures. Along with the safety measures put in place by the international community and U.S. organizations will allow you to enjoy your cruise and know that you’ll arrive home safe and relaxed.

Hurricane Paloma ripped through central Cuba on Sunday, November 9, 2008 and is the 5th hurricane to hit the island this season. It also goes on record as the 2nd most deadly storm in the month of November, according to Stormwire, an international group that monitors storms worldwide.

Hurricanes can form as early as May, and go all the way into December, but the most powerful storms are brewed from mid-August to mid-October. Hurricanes have formed in five consecutive months–from July through November, and scientists report that the energy carried by this year’s storms outstrips 2007 storm by more than double. This year’s hurricanes include Hurricane Bertha in July, Hurricane Gustav in August, Hurricane Ike in September, Hurricane Omar in October and Hurricane Paloma in November.

Paloma was a tropical depression off the coast of Nicaragua on Wednesday, and by Saturday. the storm had developed into a Category 4 hurricane. Early reports of damage are limited, but a half million people were evacuated as sea surges topped 700 meters along the coast.

Paloma made landfall near Santa Cruz del Sur late Saturday as a Category 4 storm on Saturday evening, and left the island as a Category 3 with winds of 115 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The 2008 hurricane season has ravaged Cuba and already racked up 9.4 billion in damage and destroying close to a third of the island’s crops–and this was before Hurricane Paloma hit.

Cuba is famiiar with hurricanes, and its residents know to head to higher ground when an impending storm is about to hit. They’ve learned how to handle the floods and debris that follows. They’ve learned the hard way–Hurricane Paloma hit just a few hours before the anniversary of another hurricane that wreaked havoc on Santa Cruz del Sur in 1932 and took 3,000 lives.

Hurricane Palmoa did not claimed any victims, (to date) but has destroyed 400 houses. The Red Cross has responded with aid. Cuba’s first Vice-president Jose Ramon Machado Ventura surveyed the area and spoke to the disaster victims about the devastating hurricanes that have hit the island this year. He said that there would be an analysis of the area as to whether the neighborhoods and towns should be relocated due to climate change and the possibility of future storms.

Helpful Sites:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/weather/article5126597.ece

If you live in California, you’re probably familiar with mudslides, but that’s not the only place this dangerous natural disaster can occur.

A mudslide occurs in steep areas that usually have hills and mountains, and occurs because of heavy rains, and a flash flood that can also trigger a rockslide. When this dangerous concoction happens and the ground becomes saturated, it can trigger a wall of mud, trees, rocks, and get up to surprisingly fast speeds upwards of 35 miles per hour and take out houses, cars, pets, and humans. Mudslides are so dangerous because of the sheer weight that’s being moved at a fast rate of speed. It can turn trees and houses into cannons and destroy a neighborhood in minutes.

The end result of everything that was in its way is now buried in thick, heavy mud–and with devastating effects.

Mudslides kill about 50 people in the United States each year, and thousands worldwide as well as ensuing billions of dollars in property damage. Mudslides can be very serious. In 2004, 1500 Philippinos were killed in a devastating mudslide and in 2004; Venezuela was hit by a severe mudslide that took close to 30,000 people.

States that border the Cascade Mountain Range (Washington, Oregon, California are the hardest hit in the U.S., but don’t think that just because you don’t live in California or Oregon that you’re safe–any steep area that prone to flood is at risk.

If you live in an area prone to mudslides, then be prepared. Consider where you live, or purchase your home and avoid steep inclines.

The most important mudslide tip:

If you are caught in a mudslide, and are unable to escape, be sure to curl up your body, and protect your head.

Other Helpful Safety Tips:

Evacuate as quickly as you can if your house is in the path of a mudslide. Take only what is necessary and see to your safety first. Time is crucial. Don’t wait because once it starts, you won’t have time to get out. Consider a mudslide as dangerous as a tornado.

Pack your first aid kit and food supplies since you may be displaced for days or weeks. If you can prepare, pack your house insurance information, and any medical insurance or prescriptions you may need.

Always have clean drinking water on hand, and pack masks, towels and eye goggles for protection.

Be sure to keep your cell phone on you and consider purchasing a portable weather radio in case power lines go down.

If you believe you’re safe, but your home may incur damage, then tape blankets, towels and extra clothing in doorways and at the base of windows–but make sure you really are safe to stay. It’s better to leave, if there’s any doubt.

Treat a mudslide like a flood or volcano eruption and try to get to higher ground.

It’s best to evacuate in a car since that gives you a little more protection. Pack your supplies in the car and get out quickly.

Warning Sights and Sounds of a Mudslide:

Torrential rains

A past history of mudslides in your area

You live in or near a steep/mountainous terrain, and your area has been stripped of its natural ground cover–trees, bushes, and underbrush.

You hear a rumbling sound. Remember earthquakes can trigger mudslides, so it’s possible to get hit with both.

Cracks in the walls of your home (increased pressure).

The best way to avoid a mudslide is to choose wisely where to build your home.

Avoid cutting into a hill or mountain since this destabilizes the area.

Don’t take out all the natural plants in order to avoid a wildfire–it too, destabilizes the area. Instead, choose fire resistant plants such as: hollies, oak, holly-leaf cherry, and currant.

Create a good drainage system in your yard, and consider digging a drainage ditch that will give the water a natural place to flow.

Hepful Sites:

ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/CA/programs/EWP/MudslideHazards.pdf
www.theatlantic.com/issues/99jan/mudslide.htm
www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/information/publications/cgs_notes/note_33/Pages/Index.aspx
www.redcross.org/static/file_cont211_lang0_96.pdf

Disasters cam happen anytime, anywhere.

No one wants to be out of the country, away from family and friends, and possibly facing a language barrier when a disaster strikes.

What’s the best way to be prepared and still enjoy your trip?

Plan Ahead:

Do some online research–Visit the United States Travel Advisory at www.travel.state.gov/
or the Center for Disease Control offers many travel tips and updates at www.cdc.gov/travel/

Also consider visiting the US Embassy site for the country you are planning to visit. Any of these will inform you as to what’s going on in the country including government changes, terrorism alerts, health concerns, and any ongoing or impending natural disasters.

Here are some general preparation tips for your trip:

First, make sure you are well enough to travel

Make sure your passport, visa, and any other travel documents are up to date. You won’t be going anywhere without them. Give them plenty of time if you’re getting a passport for the first time–4 months, at least

Visit the website of the country/city/area you’ll be visiting. Learn some of their local customs and make your general travel plans.

See a doctor before you travel and get any prescription medication filled and ask for extra antibiotic prescriptions.

Take other over the counter meds such as an anti-acid, anti-diarrhea, and meds for a fever, aches, and pains.

Consider buying additional travel medical insurance, but make sure it’s accepted in the country you’re visiting.

Photocopy all your ID and leave one copy at home with a contact person as well as carrying several copies on you and your luggage–include your contact name and number, insurance, US Embassy number, and your doctor’s number. List any medical conditions you have.

Get any required vaccinations or shots required at either your doctor’s office or at the appropriate county health department that stocks vaccines for other countries.

Take simple and logical precautions. Don’t drink local water (even in safe countries, the difference might not agree with you). Wash your hands often. Don’t keep your mouth open when showering. Be careful where you swim (lake, river water).

Other Safety Tips:

Be aware of pick-pocketers. Be alert at all times and avoid areas that look or feel dangerous.

Let people back home know your schedule and check in with someone at least once or twice a week, even if it’s by email or text and note your location and plans.

Respect the culture and behavior of the country you’re visiting. Try to blend in. Don’t be demanding or too loud. Be aware of the general laws and common practices.

Check the internet or local paper for any impending natural disasters such as a hurricane, wild fires, earthquakes, or volcanoes that are possible.

Don’t ignore the weather–disasters happen all over the globe and something as simple as asking around how the weather is or stepping into an internet cafe and perusing the local weather could safe your life–and at the very least, make your trip more safe and enjoyable.

It might be a combinatiion of a hard rain and the slope of your yard that caused your basement to flood–or it might be a natural disaster such as a hurricane or flood that caused the bottom floor of your home to resemble a dirty swimming pool.

Whatever it was, you’ve got a mess.

Not only is there water, there’s most likely debris–mud, silt, leaves, even sewage or other types of waste.

What to do first–if your basement floods:

The first step is to stop the flow. Sometimes this includes turning off the water valve to your house. Other times, during a natural disaster, it may include waiting on the waters to recede and county or government officials taking action before you can.

Remove the mud and debris while it is still moist. This is best achieved by a sump pump, and you may want to also use a wet-dry vac.

Wipe down the walls to remove as much water/depress as possible before it dries.

How do portable pumps/sump pumps work?

Portable pumps come in various sizes and motor power and can be fitted with a garden hose or a larger type drain hose. You’ll want to get the largest one you can if you have a big clean up job–and make sure the hose is long enough to pump the water completely away from your house and preferably, down a hill so the water won’t reenter the house.

The goal is to pump the majority of the water and debris out of your basement. Once that’s done, you should only be left with a few puddles and less than a 1/2 of water–if your pump has done its job.

Don’t think that just because the standing water is gone that you’re in the clear–you have a serious moisture problem to monitor. Mold and mildew can grow quickly–within 48 hours–so now is the time for dehumidifiers.

Dehumidifiers can be purchased at most hardware/home improvement type stores, and just as with portable pumps, price range and motor capability are perhaps your two most factors to consider.

You’ll need to leave on your dehumidifier 24/7 for several days, but you will need to check on them every few hours. Most dehumidifiers have a switch that will shut off when the catch bucket is full. Some allow you to attach a garden hose and simply drain it continuously, but be careful of electrical issues.

This entire process is going to take anywhere from 3-7 days, and the damage may be so extensive that you might want to consider professional water restoration companies. Why? Moisture damage can ruin the integrity of your home, put your health at risk, be expensive to repair if not done properly–as well as be time and labor consuming. Flooding may also be covered on your homeowner’s policy, so check to see what you are entitled to.

Professionals will use a disinfecting solution. They will also use equipment to measure the mildew levels and monitor it throughout the drying process and have the proper equipment to test your home and assure you that your hoe is once again safe and dry.

Helpful Sites:
www.wateroutnow.com
www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf
www.myhomeimprovement.com/?page=prev_list&cid=60&m=24 - 52k