There are many ways to distinguish a natural disaster from an emergency. This article explores the key differences between these two terms, as well as how you can use that information to better prepare your community for whatever may come.
Natural disasters and emergencies can both have a significant impact on your community, but they are not the same thing.
What is a natural disaster?
Natural disasters occur when the weather changes at a rate or pattern that causes damage to property or human life. Hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes are all counted as natural disasters, as are earthquakes and forest fires. Natural disasters come in many different forms and causes.
In order to be truly prepared for them, you need to have an understanding of the different types of events that could cause damage to your community. The severity of any damage often depends on the type of event.
What is an emergency?
An emergency is an unforeseen occurrence that has a high probability of causing serious damage or loss of life. Common emergencies include fire, severe weather, earthquakes, and terrorism. A major city such as Los Angeles, New York City, or San Francisco might have an emergency declared in it, but most communities do not have the same level of infrastructure or services which makes them an emergency-level threat.

The differences between a natural disaster and an emergency
Natural disasters and emergencies can both have a significant impact on your community, but they are not the same thing. Understanding just what makes them different will help you stay prepared and keep your family safe during either an emergency or a natural disaster. Natural disasters are caused by weather events.
Hurricanes and other tropical storms are caused by warm ocean water and low barometric pressure, while earthquakes are caused by the shifting of the ground beneath our feet. Floods are caused by heavy rainfall or melting snow.
Forest fires are caused by lightning. While each of these natural events has the potential to cause damage and loss of life, they can also happen at any time and in any part of the world. Emergencies, on the other hand, are caused by man-made events. Fires can be caused by arson, and terrorism is a form of emergency that is caused by human beings.
A city declaring an emergency is an extreme measure taken by officials to help protect the people and property within the city. Some examples of emergencies include a major bridge collapsing, an oil refinery blowing up, or a chemical plant leaking poison into the air.
How to prepare for both natural disasters and emergencies
Natural Disaster Preparedness – Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and forest fires can happen at any time and in any part of the world. These types of events are difficult to prepare for, so it’s important to be ready for any emergency that may occur. If you must choose between natural disasters and emergencies, prepare for the one you think is more likely to happen.
For example, if a hurricane is likely to cause severe damage to your city, you should be prepared for its arrival and for the aftermath of the damage that it may cause. Likewise, if a terrorist attack is likely to cause significant loss of life in your city, you should make preparations to keep your family safe during the emergency.
Which type of weather event should you be prepared for?
Hurricanes are one of the most dangerous types of weather events. These types of storms can cause large amounts of damage to a city or region. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone that occurs near the coast and has maximum sustained winds of at least 74 mph. Once the tropical cyclone reaches land, it can cause extensive damage to a city or region by flooding and/or destroying houses, businesses, and other buildings.

What are the risks associated With Prepare For Natural Disasters?
- Health risks – Seek medical attention if you get sick during a natural disaster. If you have asthma or another lung disease, you may need to use an inhaler during the storm.
- Damage to property – Natural disasters can cause damage to buildings and other structures. You may need to repair or replace damaged property after a natural disaster.
- Communication and transportation disruptions – During a natural disaster, power outages and transportation disruptions can make it difficult for family members to contact each other.
- Shelter – During a natural disaster, you may need to find shelter for your family. This may mean getting in a car and evacuating, staying with a friend or relative, or finding another way to protect yourself from the elements.
What are the risks associated With Prepare For an Emergency?
- Health risks – The same health risks that apply to any emergency situation apply to preparing for a terrorist attack.
- Damage to property – No matter what kind of emergency occurs, damage to property will occur.
- Communication and transportation disruptions – During an emergency, you may need to quickly relocate to a safer place. This could make it difficult to stay connected.
- Shelter – During an emergency, finding shelter is your top priority. This could mean getting into a shelter, staying with a friend or relative, or finding another way to protect yourself from the elements.
Conclusion
Natural disasters and emergencies can both have a significant impact on your community, but they are not the same thing. Understanding just what makes them different will help you stay prepared and keep your family safe during either an emergency or a natural disaster. Natural disasters are caused by weather events.
Hurricanes and other tropical storms are caused by warm ocean water and low barometric pressure, while earthquakes are caused by the shifting of the ground beneath our feet. Floods are caused by heavy rainfall or melting snow.
Forest fires are caused by lightning. While each of these events has the potential to cause damage and loss of life, they can also happen at any time and in any part of the world. An emergency is an unforeseen occurrence that has a high probability of causing serious damage or loss of life.
Common emergencies include fire, severe weather, earthquakes, and terrorism. A major city such as Los Angeles, New York City, or San Francisco might have an emergency declared in it, but most communities do not have the same level of infrastructure or services which makes them an emergency-level threat.