Disaster Planning for Public Health

Section 1: The Disaster, Man-Made or Natural
The community I live in is susceptible to Blizzards by virtue of the location (i.e. Essex county New Jersey). The Blizzard is a severe condition of the weather that is characterized by cold temperature, reduced visibility, and strong winds by virtue of the blowing or falling snow (Weather Online, 2018). Blizzards are considered as hazards that cause disasters, therefore, leading to excessive mortality and morbidity in many places across the globe (Weather Online, 2018). Blizzards have a great impact on any affected community in relation to the topography and location of that area. The human demography of that area and the properties of the environment that has buildings also affect the impact that Blizzards might have (Weather Online, 2018).
Hypothermia is a common health consequence of Blizzards. It is important for the affected families to stay hydrated in order to avoid the condition (Earth Eclipse, 2018). In extreme circumstances having clean bottled water can mean the difference. Body temperatures must also be kept stable in order to keep blood circulation flowing (Earth Eclipse, 2018). Some people think that consuming snow is as good as taking bottled water. This is not true. Consuming snow lowers body temperature therefore leading to hypothermia.
Where help is not forthcoming it would help to build snow caves. The shelters can help prevent exposure to blocks and snow and the wind as well (Earth Eclipse, 2018). The devastating conditions would not allow anyone to remain in their car. Traveling inside the vehicle can be even more dangerous due to the low visibility and possibility of causing serious accidents. Preparation is fundamental for the purpose of surviving a blizzard inside the car. It is important for the vehicle to have proper equipment including the winter gear. The car should also contain some water for an unforeseen situation.
Blizzards can force a starvation due to inability of the affected communities to access food resources and to cultivate their farms. Blizzards have a far reaching health consequence as well. Various factors dictate the health impact of the Blizzards. The impact suffered depends also on the context under which the Blizzards occur. Some of the immediate consequences of Blizzards include injuries, animal bites, hypothermia, and drowning (Weather Online, 2018).
A Blizzard has far-reaching effects both on the community and the individual affected. The economic, environmental, and social impact of Blizzards is monumental. Consequences of Blizzards always depend on the location of the Blizzards, the vulnerability of that location and the value that that constructed and natural environment carries for the residents (Conserve Energy Future, 2018). The duration, speed, depth, and location of the Blizzards also dictate the consequences of a Blizzards. Blizzards will have an impact on both the community and the individual. The loss of people, property damage, livestock loss, crop destruction, deteriorating health conditions due to waterborne diseases and destruction of the economic and social welfare are conspicuous Blizzards consequences.
Typically, a strong Blizzard will destroy communication infrastructure, bridges, and roads and bring some economic and commercial activities to a sudden halt. People might be forced to abandon their normal livelihoods and homes due to the devastating consequence of the Blizzards (Conserve Energy Future, 2018). Industry destruction is another reason that Blizzards can destroy the livelihood of people by virtue of destroying their jobs. Infrastructural damages can also lead to extended damage including clean water supply destruction, destruction of healthcare, education, communication, electricity, and transport infrastructures (Conserve Energy Future, 2018). Land can lose its value, the community might lose their purchasing power and the Blizzards can also fundamentally influence the economic vulnerability of the community (Conserve Energy Future, 2018). Blizzards can be traumatizing to the affected families. Loss of life, especially so children, can affect women and families in general. Post-traumatic stress disorder emanating from loss of property, job, and livelihood can affect the community for a very long time.
Section 2: The Nursing Response
A rescue and evacuation plan is the first thing that the Blizzards disaster response plan must entail. The evacuation plan to designated sanctuary centers is aimed at helping people find refuge from the Blizzards area into safer grounds. In order to overcome the risk of being caught up in a Blizzards situation the community is constantly updated on the areas that have higher susceptibility of getting hit by a Blizzard. Rescue can become difficult if the community is caught unawares (TNAU, 2016). Some of the basic Blizzards preparedness and response steps include;
· Contacting the meteorological department or geologist to get information on whether the home is situated in an area that is Blizzards prone.
· Understanding the community’s warning signals, emergency plans, location of the emergency sanctuary centers, and the safe evacuation routes
· Having a family contact that is outside the Blizzards risk area. It is important to make everyone in the family know when there is a risk of some Blizzards
· Have emergency contact details in the phone
· Make sure the local authorities are informed about special needs such as disabled, sickly, and elderly family members.
· Identify potential hazards and get a way of protecting or rescuing yourself from them. For instance be sure to know when to turn off electricity when there is rising Blizzards water or falling power lines. The water and gas supply should also be turned off prior to evacuation.
· Purchase a fire extinguisher and position it in an area where it is visible to all.
· Install power back up supplies and sump pumps to suction water from the house (TNAU, 2016)
When the Blizzards emergency hits it is important for the families in danger to have enough supplies stocked and to have their radios on for any updates and evacuation instructions. All power utilities must be turned off and the gas valve must also be turned off. The immunization record, and tetanus shot information should be kept safe for every family member (TNAU, 2016). The bathtubs and other containers should be filled with clean water. Tubs and sinks should also be sanitized by use of bleach. They should then be filled with some clean water. Outdoor possessions like grills, trash cans, and lawn furniture should be securely stored inside the house to prevent property damage and loss.
Section 3: Is My Community Prepared for a Disaster?
The people of Essex New Jersey have the advantage of living in an environment where constant weather updates from the meteorological department are broadcasted. The community is well equipped with prompt information and disaster preparedness management plans. The New Jersey authorities have invested a lot in educating the people of Essex on the safest ways of enduring the Blizzards without succumbing to poor health and loss of property.



References
Conserve Energy Future (2018). What is a Blizzard? Retrieved 28 December, 2018 from https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/facts-effects-and-formation-of-blizzards.php
Du, W., Fitzgerald, G. J., Clark, M., & Hou, X. Y. (2010). Health impacts of Blizzards. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X00008141
Earth Eclipse (2018). What is a Blizzard? Retrieved 28 December, 2018 from https://www.eartheclipse.com/natural-disaster/blizzard-causes-effects-facts.html
TNAU (2016). Disaster management, TNAU Agritech Portal. Retrieved 28 December, 2018 from http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/agriculture/agri_majorareas_disastermgt_Blizzards.html
Weather Online (2018). Blizzards. Retrieved 28 December, 2018 from https://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/wxfacts/Blizzard.htm