Natural disasters in the US as release agents of oil, chemicals, or radiological materials between 1980-1989: Analysis and recommendations

Journal Article · Thu Mar 31 23:00:00 EST 1994 · Risk Analysis; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1539-6924.1994.tb00042.x· OSTI ID:7117440

Showalter, P S ^[1]; Myers, M F ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Toledo, OH (United States)
2. Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)

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 US 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. 18 refs., 5 figs., 7 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 7117440
• Journal Information: Risk Analysis; (United States), Journal Name: Risk Analysis; (United States) Vol. 14:2; ISSN 0272-4332; ISSN RIANDF
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540220* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
540230 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
CHEMICAL SPILLS
DATA
DATA COMPILATION
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
DISASTERS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILLS
INFORMATION
MATERIALS
MITIGATION
NORTH AMERICA
OIL SPILLS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RECOMMENDATIONS
RISK ASSESSMENT
USA
VULNERABILITY