Fred Jaicks  Written and compiled by Fred Jaicks

 

Numerous organizations exist with the specific aim of offsetting damages due to natural disaster. From preventative steps such as education and disaster mitigation to long-term disaster recovery efforts, these programs assist individuals in all the stages of a natural disaster. If you’re concerned about your own ability to withstand an emergency situation, consult with the most appropriate organization for your area. Bear in mind that many of the same few public organizations responsible for emergency management have departments dedicated to various stages of disaster response, from pre-emergency tips to disaster relief.

Education and Training

The first step to minimizing natural disaster fallout is education. Numerous organizations offer classes, materials and activities to heighten public awareness. When online or at in-person workshops, you can consult with these organizations to decrease the risks associated with a natural disaster.

Mitigation

Emergency mitigation programs offer aid to individuals prior to natural disasters. Organizations may be public or private. Aid usually takes the form of physical preparations, often though properly outfitting personal property to best withstand possible damage.

Preparedness

Emergency preparedness refers to any actions taken, prior to an emergency event, to minimize the potential damages. Given the benefits of emergency preparedness, numerous natural disaster-related organizations offer courses, materials and other activities and programs aimed at increasing community disaster preparedness.

Recovery

Disaster recovery programs are similar to relief programs, but they are focused on longer-term solutions. Many of these programs focus on helping individuals to rebuild their lives and recuperate a pre-disaster quality of life. Aid may come in the form of infrastructure rebuilding, grants for basic living expenses or economic relief at the community-wide level.

Relief

Emergency relief programs focus on providing short-term assistance to those affected by natural disasters. Relief may consist of the distribution of food and clean drinking water, temporary shelter, or blankets and other necessities. These groups may also provide basic medical support to individuals injured as a result of the disaster.

Research

Many organizations and programs are dedicating to researching natural disasters. Some organizations are specifically devoted to analyzing the most efficient emergency response systems to deal with these natural disasters.

Response

These response organizations respond before, during and after major natural disaster and other large-scale emergency situations. Both public and private non-profit organizations offer aid to individuals affected by the emergency.

Warnings

These programs issue warnings, alerts and other communications to inform the public of impending natural events, such as major fires, floods, hurricanes or earthquakes. Both public and private programs are designed to ensure that information is spread quickly, in spite of any telecommunications outages caused by the natural disaster.