.

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.

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

When someone asks the question, who is the most charitable givers in our country, several names come to mind. Oprah, Bill Gates, and Angelina Jolie top the list, but according to the The Chronicle of Philanthropy, there’s more to consider than merely writing a check to a pet cause. It seems that every celebrity wants to make sure that his/her own mission is presented to the public. George Clooney’s and Mia Farrow’s interest in Darfur is one prime example.

“I think there needs to be greater skepticism about celebrity involvement than I see in the media right now,” said Stacy Palmer, the editor of The Chronicle.

The Chronicle doesn’t not consider publicity stunts as acts of charity. They ask the hard question: ‘How much are you personally contributing to a cause?’”

Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie finally convinced the public that her humanitarian efforts were genuine. Most stars do not divulge how much they personally give, and surprisingly, most celebrities are not as charitable a one may think. Only one, Oprah Winfrey gave $58.3 million in 2006 while Warren E. Buffett topped the list, pledging $43.5 billion, according to Parade Magazine Ms. Winfrey’s charitable contributories are given through The Oprah Winfrey Foundation and Oprah’s Angel Network for education, health care, and women’s/children’s rights.

Other big celebrity givers include: Barbara Streisand with $11 million (The Streisand Foundation: environment, women’s rights, civil rights, AIDS research), Paul Newman with $10 million (Scholarship for Kenyon College), and Mel Gibson with $9.9 million (Holy Family Church). Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who ranked sixth with $8.4 million (The Jolie-Pitt Foundation: Hurricane Katrina reconstruction, refugee aid, cross-cultural understanding).

Other celebs who made the top 30 include Lance Armstrong, Michael Jordan, Rosie O’Donnell, Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Hefner, Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Adam Sandler, Steven Spielberg, and Denzel Washington.

But celebrities aren’t the only big givers to charities and disaster aid relief.
Most Americans, in fact 90% state they make charitable contributions and 60% give to disaster relief. Those who travel abroad are particularly drawn to donating to international disaster relief.

“The findings of this survey confirm that Americans have good intentions when it comes to assisting international disaster victims and that many Americans are making the best choice by giving cash donations,” said Suzanne H. Brooks, director of the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI).

The giving breakdown includes seventy-six percent donate cash most often to international disaster relief and more than 50 percent believe that money is more useful than goods when it comes to donations. People aged 18 to 34 are the most likely to help relief efforts in countries they had visited, compared with 54 percent of people over 35 who had traveled abroad. Only 10 percents of Americans give donations online and 47 percent state they give directly to a person or to a cause or charity someone is collecting on behalf of. Women give more than men, and people who live on the east and west coasts of the US are more generous than the mid-states according to a survey of 1,002 adults commissioned by the CIDI.

“With these research findings, we can assess how to educate the public on appropriate international disaster relief strategically and more efficiently,” Brooks said.

It doesn’t matter who you are, or how much–or little you have to give–disaster relief aid is ultimately the responsibility of everyone.

The Department of Homeland Security was created after 9/11, and although the term was used in government reports years before, it didn’t become fully operational until after the terrorist attacks in 2001.

In one sense, the Department of Homeland Security was created in response to the fact crucial information that might have averted the 9/11 attacks did not make it up the necessary channels. One of its clearest purposes is to unite the various components (governmental organizations) so that information and direction flows efficiently and effectively to prevent or respond to any terroristic activity or in the event of a natural disaster.

In September 2001, President Bush appointed Tom Ridge, governor of Pennsylvania to head what was then called the Office of Homeland Security. One year later, it became the Department of Homeland Security with a $34 billion budget and is now the federal government’s largest cabinet-level agency.

The Department of Homeland Security’s mission is to “…prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the nation. We will ensure safe and secure borders, welcome lawful immigrants and visitors, and promote the free-flow of commerce.”

This Department of Homeland Security’s charter also includes preparation for and response to all hazards and disasters. The Department has created a 2008 Strategic Plan with a mission to sharpen operational effectiveness, which focuses on delivering services in support of Department-wide initiatives. This process aligns the Department’s priorities and links programs and operations to performance measures, mission goals, resource priorities, and strategic objectives.

The Department of Homeland Security’s website states:

We seek to harmonize our efforts as we work diligently to accomplish our mission each and every day. Americans are a resilient people. We have overcome great adversities in the past, and we will do so again. Regardless of what challenges may come, we will work tirelessly to protect our country. In the face of national challenges, we are one Nation. And here at DHS, we are one Department, unified to ensure the security of the American people – a Department that will continue striving to protect our homeland while ensuring the strength of our economy and preserving our cherished American freedoms and liberties/ The Strategic Plan will continue to be revised as needed to guide a dynamic Department and its ever-changing requirements.

(Read the Department of Homeland Security Strategic Plan, September 16, 2008 (PDF, 44 pages - 963 KB)

To fully understand the Department of Homeland Security, it’s helpful to know the various components that fall under its umbrella.

These Department of Homeland Security Components Are:

The Directorate for National Protection and Programs works to advance the Department’s risk-reduction mission. Reducing risk requires an integrated approach that encompasses both physical and virtual threats and their associated human elements.

The Directorate for Science and Technology is the primary research and development arm of the Department. It provides federal, state and local officials with the technology and capabilities to protect the homeland.

The Directorate for Management is responsible for Department budgets and appropriations, expenditure of funds, accounting and finance, procurement; human resources, information technology systems, facilities and equipment, and the identification and tracking of performance measurements.

The Office of Policy is the primary policy formulation and coordination component for the Department of Homeland Security. It provides a centralized, coordinated focus to the development of Department-wide, long-range planning to protect the United States.

The Office of Health Affairs coordinates all medical activities of the Department of Homeland Security to ensure appropriate preparation for and response to incidents having medical significance.

The Office of Intelligence and Analysis is responsible for using information and intelligence from multiple sources to identify and assess current and future threats to the United States.

The Office of Operations Coordination is responsible for monitoring the security of the United States on a daily basis and coordinating activities within the Department and with governors, Homeland Security Advisors, law enforcement partners, and critical infrastructure operators in all 50 states and more than 50 major urban areas nationwide.

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center provides career-long training to law enforcement professionals to help them fulfill their responsibilities safely and proficiently.

The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office works to enhance the nuclear detection efforts of federal, state, territorial, tribal, and local governments and the private sector and to ensure a coordinated response to such threats.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) protects the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for protecting our nation’s borders in order to prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services are responsible for the administration of immigration and naturalization adjudication functions and establishing immigration services policies and priorities.

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for identifying and shutting down vulnerabilities in the nation’s border, economic, transportation and infrastructure security.

The United States Coast Guard protects the public, the environment, and U.S. economic interests—in the nation’s ports and waterways, along the coast, on international waters, or in any maritime region as required to support national security.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) prepares the nation for hazards, manages Federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, and administers the National Flood Insurance Program.

The United States Secret Service protects the President and other high-level officials and investigates counterfeiting and other financial crimes, including financial institution fraud, identity theft, computer fraud; and computer-based attacks on our nation’s financial, banking, and telecommunications infrastructure.

Is “Homeland Security” helpful in keeping American people safe?
If the basic criteria for safety is that we have not had a major terroristic attack on American soil (and yes, there have been threats) since 9/11/2001, then the answer is yes.

Helpful Sites:
http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm
www.redcross.org/article/0,1072,0_1_1418,00.html

Why wait until a storm, hurricane, flood or tornado to talk to your kids about natural disasters?
Chances are, if you live in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Texas, you and your family has had to deal with hurricane/disaster preparedness already. Many parts of the country have their own “weather issues,” so whether you live in an area that’s hit with mudslides, fires, or blizzards, it’s smart to talk to your children beforehand.

Your child knows that his parents get anxious, gather their supplies, watch the local news or listen to the radio when a storm is approaching. They also receive disaster prepreparedness instruction at school, so they know what’s going on.

Let them know you have a plan. They will find this reassuring.
Children like to know that their parents and guardians are looking out for them–and they also like to be a part of what’s going on.

One of the easiest ways to discuss disasters, is to get a book from the library or bookstore. FEMA has compiled this great list for kids. There’s everything on here from tornados to ice storms.

You’re not trying to scare your child, and by giving them the scientific facts of how a storm develops, what course it usually takes, and how people respond and help one another will give a child a sense of knowledge, safety, and power.

Here are some helpful books to check out that will help children cope with disaster:

Tornadoes by Seymour Simon. Ages 4 - 8. How and why tornadoes form, how they behave, how scientists predict and track them, and what to do to protect yourself.

The Big Flood by Wendy Pfeffer and Vanessa Lubach. Ages 4 - 8. How one community responded when the Mississippi River flooded in 1993.

Hurricane by David Wiesner. Ages 4 -8. A giant storm is experienced through the child’s perspective. How two boys turn their hurricane-torn backyard into an adventure land.

The Magic School Bus Inside a Hurricane (Magic School Bus Series) by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen. Ages 4 - 8. A tropical storm catches the Magic School Bus inside the eye of its hurricane, providing firsthand information on changes taking place in air, sea and land.

Fire Truck by Peter Sis. Ages 4 - 8. A little boy wakes up one morning to discover he’s turned into a fire truck. The book focuses on his imaginative rescue missions.

No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids and Dragons by Jean Pendziwol and Martine Gourbault. Ages 3 - 8. A low-key approach to fire safety for kids.

Emma and the Night Dogs by Susan Bivin Aller and Marni Backer. Ages 4 - 8. Inspired by the Connecticut Canine Search and Rescue, Inc., the book presents a touching view of search dogs in action through a fictional story about a lost boy.

Boy and a Bear, The Children’s Relaxation Book by Lori Lite. Introduces 3-to-9 year old children to a relaxation technique called circular breathing, an effective technique for helping children decrease anxiety levels and manage stress associated with traumatic incidents.
AGES 9 - 12

Blizzard: The Storm that Changed America by Jim Murphy. Ages 9 - 12. Historical account of the blizzard of 1888 that hit the East Coast and how people survived.

Forest Fires: Natural Disasters by Luke Thompson. Ages 9 - 12. Fact-filled book that explains how and why forest fires occur.

Terrorism (Crime, Justice and Punishment) by Austin Sarat and Ann Graham Gaines. Young adult. Focuses on terrorism in the Middle East and shows how it has affected America. Examines history, mentality and goals of terrorists.

Floods (Restless Planet) by Emma Durham and Mark Maslin. Ages 9 -12.

I Know What to Do: A Kid’s Guide to Natural Disasters by Bonnie S. Mark, Aviva Layton and Michael Chesworth. Ages 9 - 12.

Rescue (Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Books) by Claire Watts. Ages 9 - 12. A reference book that teaches children about emergency rescues. Includes information on how to survive until help arrives.

***
If you’ve already experienced a disaster, then choose a book to read that will open the lines of communication. Be sensitive to what you pick and watch your child’s reactions. They may “relive” the event, and feel uncomfortable, or they may be extremely curious. Don’t avoid the subject completely. Some families act like nothing ever happened. Counselors and psychologists who deal with disaster victims don’t recommend this. Talking, and feel comfortable enough and safe enough to talk is healing. It may take some time, and books can start the journey.

Helpful Sites:

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/lkstmpl.asp?url=/content/libraries/kidsite/coping.asp (Great list of books on all kinds of disasters and traumas)

Helpful Sites and Information:

Disaster Relief workbooks, including My Earthquake Story, My Tornado Story, My Flood Story, My Fire Story and My Hurricane Story.

To order, go to: http://www.cphc-sf.org/disaster_books.htm

http://www.fema.gov/kids/tch_bks.htm

www.aarp.org/family/grandparenting/articles/helping_children_cope_with_trauma.html

www.fema.gov/kids/teacher.htm

www.fema.gov/pdf/library/color.pdf

www.selfhelpmagazine.com/article/for-children

The southwestern region of Pakistan was hit with a 6.4 earthquake on Wednesday, October 27, 2008. Hundreds have been killed and thousands are left homeless. 200 have been found dead and 400 injured, but the Care International Aid agency believes the totals are much higher.

Parts of the region were hit hard by this latest natural disaster. The village of Wam was completely leveled and close to 50,000 are homeless. Landslides followed the earthquake and consumed mud brick homes just before dawn. Panicked survivors ran to escape falling buildings.

Eight villages around the hill resort of Ziarat were hit the hardest. Tents, food and medical aid are being delivered by the Pakistani army and by the Red Cross.

Marco Succi, a Red Cross spokesman, said: “Overall we think the situation is under control, though there is urgent need for shelter and blankets because it is freezing up there.”

“I estimate that 200 died in one village alone,” said Hasan Mazumdar, Care International’s Pakistan director. . . I spoke to a man in his early 30s who had lost four daughters.” Mazumdar continued, “Our rescuers are still working but we’ve recovered 160 bodies from various villages in Ziarat,” said Dilawar Kakar, the local mayor. “I would like to appeal to the whole world for help. We need food, we need medicine. People need warm clothes, blankets.”

Villagers are scrimping by. “We passed the night shivering and with the children crying. There were five of us wrapped in one blanket,” said Ala Uddin, a 30-year-old farmer who camped out in an apple orchard with 15 relatives.

Major General Tariq Rasheed Khan, head of the military relief and rescue operation stated that about 50,000 of the 100,000 people in the region in the hill town of Ziarat are homeless.

The World Health Organization has emphasized that they were providing medical aid and supplies for at least 50,000 people. Trauma supplies are being flown to the UN Humanitarian Response Depot in Dubai.

Pakistan is currently facing many challenges including a looming financial crisis and a civilian government in the midst of a battle with al-Qaida and Taliban attacks. The US and Germany have offered assistance, but officials have declined any further international aid effort at this time.

Helpful Sites:
www.pakquake.com/
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-10/30/content_10281431.htm
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/30/pakistan-naturaldisasters

Whether you’re hit with a flood, hurricane, mudslide, or fire, your concerns immediately turn to your family and your pets. Because natural disasters often strike suddenly, it’s a challenge to get everyone out safely. Disaster Preparedness should include the safety of your pets.

How Do You Keep Your Pets Safe?

By having a plan.

Most families go over their family plan–to meet at the mailbox if there’s a fire, or they have a secret password so that no stranger can lure them away–but you also need a pet plan. No one wants to add the heartbreak of losing a beloved pet on top of devastation of losing your home and belongings.

Pets suffer if they are separated from their human families.
Pets experience fear and anxiety just like humans, and they become upset when they’re separated from those they consider their pact. A poignant example of how much an animal can be affected by a natural disaster is the hundreds of dogs and birds that were found dead from heart attacks after the 1997 earthquake that hit the Northridge area of Los Angeles.

When a Natural Disaster Occurs:

At the first sign of a threatening storm or fire, make sure all your pets are inside with you.
Speak to them in a calm voice. Try not to alter your routine too much. While some extra petting and reassurance are fine, your pet might become even more upset if you alter your behavior too much.

If your pet tends to have accidents when upset, go ahead and be prepared for that to happen. Don’t scold them since this isn’t something they can control. They may already act upset or agitated since animals can sense danger and read their environment better than humans, so expect to see some unusual behavior such as panting, hiding, or excessive grooming. They might try to hide or run away, so keep a good eye on them. Animals that take an anti-anxiety medication for separation might be given a dose as a precaution.

If it’s a dire emergency, you may sadly have to choose to leave without your pet–even if you believe they’re in danger. Be prepared for this emotionally, but realize that you may have to make the choice to get your human family out alive.

If you think you’re going to have to evacuate, go ahead and get their crates and collars ready.

If you don’t already have pet supplies packed, now is a good time.

Suggested Items to Pack for Pets:

Keep a photo of your pet with you and list all your pets, their names, breed, sex, color, age and any special characteristics.

Also list their favorite hiding places–in case you do get separated, this could give rescue people a good idea where to look.

Be sure your pet always wears a collar that fits properly and has current I.D. and rabies tags affixed securely. Some people opt for micro chipping. Proof of ownership is very important, so also copy adoption or purchase papers, including microchip information. You will need this information if you need to claim your pet at a shelter.

Keep your pets’ medical records, including rabies, distemper, kennel cough and other inoculations, up to date. Emergency kennels or animal shelters may require them.

If you’re evacuating and taking your pets with you, research pet friendly hotels and shelters ahead of time.

Some shelters allow pets, but they’re usually designated, so watch or listen to the news or call ahead of time

Have a lightweight, strong carrier

Consider a muzzle since and upset pet could bite

Carry several wallet photos of each pet

Be sure to take any pet meds with you–and the name and number of your vet in a waterproof container

It’s smart to have both printed and digital photos of your pets, in case a rescuer needs to post it on the Internet

Pack one week’s worth of food and drinking water for you and your pet. Don’t forget pet food, a can opener and bowls

Your pet’s favorite blanket or toys, if you have room

With planning, you can have a good chance to escape a disaster–with your family and pets safe and out of harm’s way. It’s worth it to take a few minutes to save the lives of those you hold so dear.

Helpful Sites:
www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_604_,00.html
www.prepare.org/animal/petprepare.htm
www.epa.gov/hurricane/pdf/pets_brochure2.pdf
www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/resources/disaster_preparedness_for_pets.html -