Natural Disasters in the United States as Release Agents of Oil, Chemicals, or Radiological Materials Between 1980‐1989: Analysis and Recommendations

TLDR

Hazards research has traditionally treated natural and technological disasters as separate entities. The study aims to determine how often natural and technological disasters interact in the U.S. from 1980‑1989 and to emphasize the need for states to record and share data on combined events so managers can reduce catastrophic releases. Data were gathered through a literature review, outreach to hazards research organizations, and a questionnaire sent to all 50 states’ emergency management agencies.

Abstract

Generally, hazards research and literature has treated natural and technological disasters as separate entities. This study attempts to determine how frequently interaction between these two types of disaster took place in the United States from 1980‐1989. Data were collected by performing a literature review, contacting organizations and individuals active in hazards research and mitigation, and through a questionnaire sent to the emergency management agencies of all 50 states. The consensus derived from the data is that the number of incidents where natural and technological disasters interact is rising while preparations, which recognize the complications inherent in such combined events, remain cursory. There is a pressing need for states to record, and make available to managers, information regarding the number of combined natural/technological events affecting their areas. Only when such data are available will it be possible to make appropriate decisions regarding the best way to reduce the effects of a natural disaster causing a catastrophic release of hazardous materials.