What Natural Disasters Are Most Likely in Florida?

Natural disasters are always a cause for concern in certain areas of the United States, and that includes Florida. Actually, natural disasters are a cause for concern all over the world. So, which of these terrifying events are the most likely in Florida?

If you've ever wondered the official definition of natural hazards and disasters and the difference between the two, the experts at FEMA describe natural hazards as "environmental phenomena that have the potential to impact societies and the human environment." FEMA adds that natural hazards are very different from manmade hazards. They explain that a dam failure is considered a manmade hazard, while a flood from a river's flow changing is a natural hazard. In turn, a natural disaster is "the negative impact following an actual occurrence of natural hazard in the event that it significantly harms a community." So, disasters and hazards are related but not the same thing. Of course, natural hazards and disasters are especially scary, because you can't control them. You're at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Some events that constitute natural hazards are a drought, earthquake, hurricane, ice storm, landslide, strong wind, lightning and more. The National Risk Index includes a total of 18 natural hazards, all of which we'd like to avoid. One of the biggest in the past few years has been wildfires, which are unplanned fires that burn in natural or wildland areas, including forests, shrub lands, grasslands or prairies, according to FEMA. These have really caused air pollution the past few years, due to the wildfires in Canada, and that always messes with me.

Now that we're through the definitions, let's look at the natural disasters that are the most likely in Florida. According to the Red Cross, if you live in Florida, you're at high risk for tornados and hurricanes. For tornadoes, they suggest to "know where the safest place is in your home to gather, preferably a windowless interior space on the lowest floor." For hurricanes, they say to "keep an emergency kit on hand, and create an evacuation plan for your household, including pets." What's amazing is that the American Red Cross responds to about 65,000 disasters each year. I thank them for their service. If you want to become involved, a great way to do that is to donate blood. So, there you have it with the most likely natural disasters in Florida. Stay safe and be prepared in case any of these events occur.

Nobody likes dealing with severe weather. But, it's part of life. Depending on where you live in the United States, you might come up against hurricanes, tornados, severe thunderstorms, blizzards and more. I've certainly had my fair share of severe weather events. Probably my most vivid memory was being in an ice storm, which knocked power out for about a week where I lived, including during Christmas. It was freezing cold, so my family and I had to go to a hotel that was out of town. Needless to say, our Christmas plans were totally different that year. So, what are some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life?

Before we get to the main tips, let's get through some basics. Stay informed when a severe weather event is approaching. It's simple but important. You don't want to be caught off guard when bad weather strikes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service both have information that they provide leading up to and during a severe weather event. So, make sure to get the latest information in the case of any weather emergency. Local meteorologists also have good information, but the main alerts come from the National Weather Service.

Another mistake some people make is not taking "watches" seriously. For example, you might see that there's a severe thunderstorm watch in your area and think, oh, it's just a watch, I can go out for a walk. Don't do it. "A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain," the National Weather Service explains. We'll get more into the specifics of a watch, warning and advisory later in this story.

Let's get into some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life.

A weather advisory, watch and warning all need to be taken seriously. So, what do they mean? According to the National Weather Service, "a warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely." A watch is where "the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain." Finally, an advisory means, "hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely."

During a severe thunderstorm, and any severe weather event, the best thing to do is stay inside and sheltered. "The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes," the National Weather Service says. Also, you don't want to risk getting hit by lightning, like in the image below.

During a tornado, get underground if possible. If you don't have a basement, get to the lowest floor possible. Also, during a tornado, watch for flying and falling debris. The National Weather Service advises to "use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc. to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris."

Be prepared. Have a good emergency kit, both in your house and your car. For the car, "An emergency kit should include booster cables, shovel, tow rope, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight with extra batteries," the National Weather Service says. "Do not forget a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and blankets or sleeping bags."

This one my mom and dad always tell me to do. And, they're right. "Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel line," the National Weather Service advises.

Heat can make for a severe weather event, too. So, dress appropriately when it gets really hot. "Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures," the National Weather Service says. They add to guzzle lots of "water or non-alcoholic fluids."

Sometimes, you just have to leave ahead of the storm to be safe. In the case of a hurricane, the National Weather Service says to "leave immediately if ordered." They also say that if you are allowed to stay, to "take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can," and "stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors."

Weather isn't just about thunderstorms and tornados. Air quality is a big part of weather events these days, too. Be on the lookout for air quality alerts in your area. If you have respiratory issues, you should wear a mask when out and about in bad air quality. You should also say inside if the air quality is especially bad.

Even on a perfect weather day, if you're at the beach, there are risks. The NOAA states, "To stay safe, you need to stay aware of the weather, the ocean, tide, and what is going on around you." They add, "Storms, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes far out at sea can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, even on a sunny day!"