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Alertnet Every day, there are emergencies and disasters somewhere in the world. When you need the latest news and you need it now, here is the place to visit. My advice is to spend five minutes at the end of each day reading this Web site. You will feel so good knowing that all these awful things aren't happening to you, that you will have a wonderful restful sleep all night long. Web: Disaster Situation and Status Reports It's amazing how many terrible things happen every week around the world. There are man-made calamities, such as wars and insurrections, as well as natural disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, storms, floods, famines and landslides. Spend just a few minutes looking at this information, and I guarantee you will have a whole new perspective about the world in which you live. (You will also realize how lucky you are.) Web:
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Disaster Talk and General Discussion Are you the type of person who can't resist staring in fascination as you drive by the scene of an automobile accident? Well, if you also like to talk about disasters, this is the place to be. Any disaster will do: fire, flood, earthquake, plane crashes, and so on. Usenet:
Earthquakes If you live in earthquake country, it's good to be prepared just in case the ground beneath you starts moving. If you don't live in earthquake country, you may want to find out what you are missing. These Web sites have maps of recent earthquakes, seismic data, earthquake news, information about the latest earthquakes around the globe, as well as hints on making your home environment more earthquake-safe. The Usenet discussion groups are for talking about various aspects of earthquakes, including personal information and technical data. Web:
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Emergency News When you want to find out what is happening in the emergency and disaster world, this is the place to look. You will find news stories about infectious diseases; police, military and fire operations; terrorism and rescue operations; hazardous material reports; and chemical and biological weapons. Web: Emergency Services Emergency service personnel come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are workers who help before, during or after emergencies. Such people -- who may be civilian or military -- cover various types of natural and technological disasters. Some workers get paid and some volunteer. But they all use a wide range of equipment and techniques to save lives and property. This Web site is a fine tribute to rescue workers as well as a good place to get general information about emergency services and life-saving tips. (You never know when you may need to know how to operate a chain saw properly.) Web: Usenet:
Emerging Diseases Not feeling at your perky best? Are you just not getting enough sleep or do you have some newly discovered contagion? Let's be sure. Take a look at these Web sites, where you can find lots of information on various outbreaks around the world, historical information of outbreaks of bygone days (for those who love nostalgia), and in-depth coverage on the spread of important diseases such as ebola, dengue and monkeypox. Web:
Famine Famine is a large-scale shortage of food. There are many causes of famine, the most common being (1) natural disaster, and (2) overpopulation combined with exhausted agricultural resources. However, no matter the reason for a famine, hunger is hunger, and the Net has a great many hunger-related resources. These sites talk about causes of hunger and solutions to famine. You will find information about advocacy groups and policies, education and training, as well as situation updates from all around the world. Web:
Federal Emergency Management Agency The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an independent United States federal agency in Washington, D.C. FEMA provides training to help communities prepare for and cope with disasters. After something happens, FEMA offers disaster relief assistance. The FEMA Web site offers information about their services, as well as general information about how to prepare for various natural (and unnatural) disasters: earthquakes, extreme heat, fire, floods, hurricanes, nuclear plant disasters, and much more. Web: First Aid You never know when a medical emergency is going to arise, but when it does, the Net can help. Here are first aid resources where you can learn what to do until proper medical attention is available. Read about bites, bleeding, blisters, bruising, burns, choking, ears/eyes/nose problems, fainting, fractures, frostbite, poisoning, shock, sprains, wounds, and much more. Web:
Flood Observatory If you are thinking of relocating, you may want to know if your new location is in an area that is prone to flooding. If so, you can check the flood activity for various places over the last few years. For example, many Americans think that moving to the midwestern United States is safe because they will be cleverly avoiding the earthquakes and volcanoes from the west as well as the hurricanes from the east. Well, as Marlon Brando said in A Streetcar Named Desire, "Ha... ha ha!" Before you relocate, read the information from the available flood databases, as well as current information about floods. There are also some fascinating images. Web:
Home Fire Safety Tips Do you know what to do if your house catches on fire? These Web sites have tips on how to prevent fires in the home, as well as how to make a good plan for evacuating your house and keeping your family safe in the event of a fire. For example, if your house does catch on fire, have you designated the person whose job it would be to bring the marshmallows? Web:
Hurricanes If you live in a place where you occasionally have to batten down the hurricane hatches, you should know about where on the Net you can get good hurricane information. These sites will tell you about hurricanes, including how to prepare for an upcoming storm. Web:
Planning Ahead for Disasters Part of the trick of surviving a disaster is being prepared. This Usenet discussion group offers a great place for people to talk about how to get ready for that unforeseen day when fate is waiting around the corner with an unpleasant bit of sticky business. Trade anecdotes and hints with people around the world or check out the Web for advice and handy checklists to help you prepare for The Big One. Web:
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Red Cross There never seems to be a lack of natural disasters, so there is always something for the Red Cross to do. This global nondenominational, nonprofit disaster assistance organization boldly goes where everyone else is evacuating. Read information about the Red Cross, get updated news about current disasters and assistance efforts currently being performed. For those of you who like to participate, you can also find out how to join. Web: Survivalism I am a firm believer in survivalism, and I am quite a survivalist myself. For instance, in my pantry right now, I have not one, but two boxes of microwave popcorn in case I am overrun by hoards of hungry guests. In my bathroom, I have extra rolls of fluffy bathroom tissue because, well, you just never know. And, in the cupboard, I have an extra bag of cat food. To some people, however, survival goes beyond popcorn, toilet paper and cat food, as you will see when you start to read what people are doing to practice the art of self-reliance. All it takes is gumption, planning and some money. As Oscar Wilde said, you can survive anything except death, and live down anything except a good reputation. Web:
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Tornadoes If you think living inland protects you from storm activity, think again. Tornadoes are generally quick but intense, causing destruction in a localized area. Find out how and where tornadoes form, how to rate a tornado, and tips on what to do if a tornado hits in your area. Web:
Wildfires Wildfires are a constant problem, and during the fire season, there is always something happening. Here are some Web sites to help you keep up. In particular, you can check the current fire situation in the United States; the information is updated daily. I have also included a Web site with articles of interest to wildfire professionals. Web:
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