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In Event of an Actual Emergency... Be Prepared!

In the travel nursing industry nurses often find themselves in a city of hidden dangers. Due to a lack in geographic familiarity, sometimes they are left without the vital knowledge that may save them in a potentially harmful situation. Each region has its own set of probable natural disasters. By staying informed of these probabilities travel healthcare professionals can protect themselves in the case of an emergency.

This article will explore each region of the United States and examine the preparation and survival of the area's unique natural disasters and potential emergency situations.

First take a look at the south, where hurricanes, tornados and flooding can be a problem. As we recently found out with the Hurricane Katrina disaster, parts of the nation can be left crippled due to lack of preparation.

Hurricanes can be very dangerous. Learning hurricane warning messages and planning ahead can reduce the chances of injury or major property damage. A hurricane watch is issued when the threat of hurricane conditions is within 24-36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions, winds of at least 74 miles per hour, or dangerously high water and rough seas, are expected in less than 24 hours. Before a hurricane, plan an evacuation route inland. Be prepared to drive 20-50 miles inland to locate a safe location. Keep disaster supplies on hand and make arrangements for pets. Many shelters do not allow animals for health and space reasons so contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters. Protect your windows and trim back dead or weak branches from trees. Bring outdoor objects such as toys or plants inside. Make sure you have fuel in your car and turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings, only open the refrigerator when absolutely necessary. During a hurricane, stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Also, keep flashlights handy. If officials indicate evacuation is necessary leave as soon as possible and be sure to tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going. Take blankets and sleeping bags to a shelter and lock up your home. After the hurricane, stay tuned to local radio stations for further information. If damage occurs, take pictures for insurance claims.

When a tornado is coming, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death decisions. Advance planning and quick response is key to surviving a tornado. The National Weather Service issues a tornado watch when tornados are possible in your area. Remain alert at this time for approaching storms. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Designate a safe room to retreat to when the threat of a tornado is immanent. This room should be a windowless, interior room and should be on the lowest level of the building. Get under a sturdy piece of furniture and use your arms to protect your head and neck. If you are caught outside with no shelter to retreat to, lie in a ditch or low lying area or crouch near a sturdy building. Always be aware of potential flooding and remember to protect your head. If you are driving, never try to out run a tornado in your car. Tornados can change direction quickly and winds can pick up your vehicle. Get out of your car immediately and take shelter. After a tornado, check injuries, take pictures of damage and listen to local radio for emergency information.

In the case of a flood, know your area's flood risk. If it has been raining hard for several hours, or raining steadily for days, be alert to the possibility of a flood. A flood watch means flooding is possible in your area. A flood warning means flooding is already occurring in surrounding areas and will occur very soon in yours. When a flood watch is issued, move your furniture and valuables to a higher level of your home. Make sure your vehicle's gas tank is full in case an evacuation is issued. When a flood warning is issued, listen to local televisions and radio stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

To the west, California, in particular, is known for an array of natural disasters including earthquakes, mudslides, brush fires and heat waves.

Surviving an earthquake can often depend on preparation for the aftermath. Having a survival kit on hand can be extremely important. A survival kit should include everything you would need in case of a power outage, including nonperishable food, water and light source. Also include a first aid kit, radio and sanitation items. You should know how to turn off your water, gas and electricity. Heavy objects should be anchored to the wall (bookcases, mirrors, etc.). Never place heavy objects over your bed. During an earthquake, stay calm. If you are inside a building, stand in a doorway or crouch under a desk or table, away from windows and glass. If you are outside, stand away from buildings, trees, telephone poles and electrical lines. While driving during an earthquake, stop in a safe area or drive away from underpasses and overpasses and stay in your vehicle. After the earthquake has passed, check for any injuries as well as the safety of any gas, water and sewage pipes. Check for building damage and clean up dangerous spills. Turn on your radio and listen for public instructions.

Mudslides are not only confined to the west, they are a geologic hazard in most states. Mudslides are typically associated with heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt and tend to worsen the effects of flooding. Mudslides are common types of fast-moving landslides. Areas generally prone to mudslides include the base of steep slopes, base of drainage channels and developing hillside where septic systems are used. Look for patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home. Pay special attention to places where runoff water converges, increasing flow over soil-covered slopes. Check hillsides around your home for any signs of land movement, such as small landslides or tilting trees. If you are at risk for a mudslide, develop an evacuation plan. You should know where to go if you have to leave. Trying to make plans at the last minute can be a stressful and upsetting situation. During heavy storms, stay alert and awake. If possible, move to a second story, staying out of the path of debris flow can save your life. Listen for unusual sounds that may indicate moving debris. If escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head, this position will provide the best protection for your body. After a mudslide, check for injuries and stay away from the slide area, there may be danger of additional slides.

Brush fires can be caused from carelessness in extreme dry heat. To prevent brush fires around your home, always remove dead branches from living trees and keep a 30-foot defensible space around your home by removing any dried grass or highly flammable dried vegetation. Wildfires burn rapidly and winds often make them unpredictable. Be very careful when attempting to distinguish a brushfire on your own. Always call 911. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Wear protective clothing, sturdy shoes, gloves and a handkerchief to cover your face. Chose a route away from the fire hazard and watch for changes in the fires speed and direction.

Heat waves can cause many heat-related illnesses. To avoid complications follow these heat wave safety rules. Keep the room cool by opening windows on both the sunny and shaded sides of the room. The sun will push the air across the room. Keep blinds closed at all time. Turn all lights off. Keep electrical equipment off when they're not in use. Know that the building will be its hottest between 2:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon. Be sure to stay hydrated and when you've worked up a sweat take an occasional salt tablet.

In the north as well as the east, you may be faced with many winter related disasters such as blizzards, squalls and freezing rain. Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Traffic accidents from icy roads and hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold are among the cause of death.

Before severe winter weather arrives, familiarize yourself with the terminology used in a disaster. Also, be sure to stock your home with everything you may need for at least three days, in the event of a storm. During a storm, conserve fuel. Temporarily close heat vents in unused rooms. Avoid travel, and if you must, never travel alone. If you are trapped in your car during a blizzard pull off the road and set your hazard lights. Remain in your vehicle, where rescue workers are most likely to find you. Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm, cracking a downwind window in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Use seat covers, floor mats, maps or anything you can find for extra insulation and warmth. Do not set out on foot unless you see a building close by to take shelter in. Once the blizzard is over, you may need to leave your car. Try to stay on the road, if you must walk across open country, use distant landmarks to maintain your sense of direction.

Mosquitoes and bees can be a problem in many areas around the country. A major concern recently has been sited in two circumstances affiliated with these pesky critters, West Nile virus and Africanized Honeybees, or Killer Bees.

When dealing with West Nile virus, prevention is your best bet. Fighting mosquito bites reduces your risk of getting this disease along with the many others mosquitoes carry. Follow common sense to avoid infection. Clean out mosquitoes from places you work and play and always help your community control the disease. Use insect repellent on exposed skin. When the weather permits, wear long-sleeves, pants and socks outdoors. Mosquitoes may still bite through thin clothing, so spray clothes with a repellent containing permethrin. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Be aware of peak mosquito hours during evening and early morning. Consider avoiding outdoor activities at these times.

Africanized Honey Bees are now established in California and parts of Florida. They are more aggressive than normal honeybees, and most often, a person who was attacked died from not being able to escape. Your best protection against this bee is to understand how it behaves and react accordingly. Look for bee colonies around your home frequently during spring months. Keep children and pets indoors when using any loud equipment outdoors. Honeybees are sensitive to unusual sounds. Don't disturb bees or try to remove or control them with pesticides yourself. Always call a trained professional.

No matter where you are traveling, knowing the area is the safest way to have an enjoyable time at your travel destination. When you are prepared for anything there is no need to worry about what can happen. Natural disasters do not occur everyday but being aware of potential dangers will help you survive the ordeal. For more information on these and others disasters visit the FEMA and the American Red Cross.