12 Types of Natural Disasters

Natural and man-made disasters can strike at any time. You must have a planned response at work, home, or vacation. However, not all natural disasters are the same. You may not even think of all the different disasters that could happen. Below are 12 types of natural disasters you should prepare for. I’m updating this post from October 2019.

12 Types of Natural Disasters

Most of us know about certain disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and snowstorms. However, we overlook other natural disasters plaguing the United States. Here are 12 types of natural disasters to prepare for

#1 HeatWaves

Did you know a heatwave is a natural disaster, or could it be? Heatwaves are caused by intensely hot weather mixed with unbearable humidity. Recently, we have seen intense heat waves break out across the country.

This may or may not be due to global warming, but heat waves cause dozens of deaths yearly. Proper cooling, lots of water, and medical items could save your life during a heat wave. 

#2 Drought

You may think we have water everywhere. I mean, 70% of our earth is covered with water, right?! That may be true, but only 2.5% of it is drinkable. Droughts have plagued the United States and have had devastating effects.

Without enough water, humans are affected, and your food supply is in jeopardy. Do you have enough clean drinking water and a sufficient food supply for your family for an extended period? 

#3 Flooding

You may think flooding only happens on the East Coast after a hurricane or something. However, flooding is one of the most common natural disasters. I mean, even Colorado was afflicted by a long-lasting flood in 2013. The mid-west states were hit with heavy flooding this year, affecting current canned food supplies since this area tends to be one of our country’s “bread baskets.”

Flooding can not only be life-threatening, but it is the highest ranking in property damage. Even though you have water, you can’t drink it. Are you prepared for a flood or flash flood? 

#4 Earthquakes

You don’t hear much about Earthquakes these days, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. You may think earthquakes are only shared in California, but they can sneak up on you in Utah, Alabama, Illinois, or Indiana.

The loss of life can be enormous with an earthquake. You can expect severe damage to homes, offices, and public buildings, and widespread damage in your city.

Of course, this depends on the number on the Richter magnitude scale, which shows how bad the quake is. I know Utah has been planning for the “Big One” for some time. My daughter called today, 9-12-2024, and said they had a 4.7 earthquake near Malibu, California, but it was felt clear down to Newport Beach, California.

#5 Thunderstorms

Because thunderstorms are so common, most people don’t even think about needing to prepare for them. Well, when a thunderstorm knocks out the power in your area for 3-days or longer, you will think twice about not preparing for one.

Ultimately, anything in your refrigerator may no longer be good; you may be unable to buy things at the store because the refrigerator machines and payment systems will be down. If you can’t protect your garden, crops could be destroyed, and heavy property damage could occur. 

#6 Wildfires

Wildfires can be brush fires, home fires, or forest fires. They can be dangerous because of their size and speed of ignition. They can destroy thousands of acres of land and hundreds of homes in just a few days.

If you live in the western United States, you should prepare for wildfires. States that see wildfires include California, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and others. In some cases, you will need to evacuate. Are you prepared?

#7 Winter Weather

We all know that snowstorms can get us trapped in our homes for days and weeks, but all winter weather can be dangerous.

It is important to know how to prepare for an emergency during a winter storm. One of the biggest things people forget during winter is to prepare their cars.

You never know when your car will break down, an accident will occur, or you will get stuck somewhere. Therefore, it is important to have your car stocked with supplies such as blankets, water, food, and even some hand warmers. 

Related: How to Make Your Own Emergency Car Kit

#8 Volcanoes

Most people don’t worry too much about volcanic eruptions. Most volcanoes lie along the western coast around Alaska and Hawaii.

Volcanoes may not seem like a massive threat since most have lain dormant for years, but they can very quickly cause immense damage or destruction.

If you live in an area where you have volcanoes, you should be prepared for one to erupt. 

#9 Tsunamis

Tsunamis are known as seismic sea waves. These gigantic waves are caused by underwater disturbances such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, or meteorites.

These can strike anywhere along the U.S. coastline. They can cause flooding, severe property damage, loss of life, and power outages. Preparing for these types of natural disasters is essential. 

#10 Landslides and Mudslides

A mudslide or landslide can develop when water rapidly accumulates in the ground, resulting in water-saturated rock, earth, and debris. They typically start on steep slopes and are activated by other natural disasters.

Areas where wildfires are common or human modification of the land has destroyed vegetation are the most susceptible to landslides and mudslides.

These natural disasters can traumatize those who are hit by them, break electrical, water, gas, and sewage lines, and disrupt roadways. Therefore, you should be prepared to stay inside for several days. 

Related: North Salt Lake Utah Landslide

#11 Tornadoes

One of the scariest things about a tornado is that you don’t know it’s coming. Tornadoes can wipe out whole areas in cities in just a few minutes. This means you need to be prepared to be in your basement for a while if you have one.

It also means you should be prepared for a power outage, the inability to drive to a store, and severe damage to your home. 

#12 Hurricanes

Last but not least, we all know we should prepare for hurricanes if we live anywhere near the ocean. However, not only those close to the ocean should prepare.

The effects of a hurricane can travel several states over. The great thing about hurricanes is that you usually have several days to prepare before they get here. However, if you prepare sooner, you have nothing to worry about. 

How to Prepare for These 12 Types of Natural Disasters

Each of the above disasters is different, and you must prepare differently. For all disasters, you want to be sure you have food, water, and medical supplies stocked up for you and your family members for at least a week. 

To learn how to prepare for various disasters, read Disaster Plans: They aren’t all the Same. Also, check out some of our other content on how to be ready for a natural disaster:

• First Aid Kits: What You Need to Survive
• Food Storage Tips You Need
• How to Store Water for Drinking and Cooking
• Important Documents Emergency Binder
• Power Outage Kit: What You Need

Final Thoughts

Being prepared for a natural disaster is just using good sense. You know that it could happen, and instead of waiting until the last minute, you have everything you need when it happens.

Check to see which disasters could affect your area, and start preparing today! May God Bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Flooding In Park Depositphotos_27849203_S By Elenathewise, Seismological Device Sheet Depositphotos_114896840_S By Belish