Chapter 22: Disaster Management: Caring For Communities In An Emergency

The correct answer is man-made disaster because the scenario describes a deliberate act by a terrorist to release a poison gas in a crowded subway. This act is not a natural occurrence but rather a result of human actions, making it a man-made disaster.

The family who was without electricity for 2 weeks is most likely to need the most support to recover from the loss of electricity. Being without electricity for such a long period can have significant impacts on daily life, including food spoilage, lack of access to basic amenities, and potential damage to appliances or electronics. The family may have faced difficulties in storing food, staying warm or cool, and maintaining communication or access to essential services. Therefore, they would require more support and assistance in recovering from this extended period without electricity.

The most dangerous problem in this scenario is the inability to drink safe water from the flooded city water pipes. Flooding can contaminate the water supply, making it unsafe for consumption. Without access to clean drinking water, the citizens may be at risk of dehydration, waterborne illnesses, and other health issues.

The term mass casualty incident is used in a disaster or crisis when there are more than 100 victims, which overwhelms resources. This means that the number of victims is so high that the available resources, such as medical personnel, equipment, and facilities, are unable to effectively handle the situation. This term is typically used in situations where the scale of the disaster or crisis is significant and requires additional support and resources to manage the large number of casualties.

Floods are the most common natural disaster worldwide due to their frequent occurrence in various regions. They can be caused by heavy rainfall, melting snow, or dam failures, resulting in the overflow of water onto land. Floods can cause significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and agriculture, leading to loss of life and displacement of communities. Their occurrence in both developed and developing countries makes them a global phenomenon and the most common natural disaster.

The fire in this scenario is described as the secondary agent because it is a consequence or result of the earthquake. The primary agent refers to the main cause or event, which in this case is the earthquake itself. The fire is not the cause of the earthquake, nor is it a man-made disaster, as it is directly linked to the destruction caused by the earthquake.

Citizens might be concerned about disasters, especially terrorism, even before they occur because there has been an increased number of terrorist activities throughout the world. This suggests that the threat of terrorism is growing, making it more likely for citizens to worry about the possibility of future attacks. The increase in terrorist activities creates a sense of insecurity and fear among citizens, leading to their concern about potential disasters.

The American Red Cross is the correct answer because they are a well-known humanitarian organization that focuses on disaster response and relief efforts. They have extensive experience in assisting victims of various types of disasters, both natural and man-made. They have defined the term disaster as an event that causes human suffering and creates human needs that victims cannot alleviate without assistance. Their definition encompasses the key elements of a disaster and highlights the importance of providing aid to those affected.

A fire in an Alzheimer disease unit of an extended-care facility would probably cause the most suffering because the residents in this unit are likely to have impaired cognitive and physical abilities, making it difficult for them to evacuate or be aware of the danger. They may also require specialized care and assistance, which could be compromised in the event of a fire. Additionally, Alzheimer's patients often have difficulty with communication and may not be able to express their needs or understand instructions during an emergency situation.

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