Understanding the Impact of Large-Scale Disasters

Schools must be prepared to rely on their own resources because assistance from others may be delayed, depending on the scope of an emergency. Remember, for large-scale events the same disaster that affects your school will also affect the surrounding community. The list below offers insights into the possible effects of a large disaster (adapted from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s [FEMA’s] “Multi-Hazard Program for Schools”, 1999).

Experts advise that schools (and everyone else) may be on their own for three days or more following a catastrophic disaster.
A large disaster may result in:
Widespread telephone outage
Road blockages and damage to roads and bridges
Gridlock or congestion of roadways
Loss or damage to utility systems
Damage to local dams, especially earthfill dams
Chemical and electrical fires
Release of fuels and hazardous materials
Flash flooding
Injuries and death may be caused by falling objects, fires/smoke inhalation, release of hazardous materials, flying debris, roof collapse, and flooding.
The disaster that affects you also affects the community.
Fires, spills, damaged buildings, and search and rescue operations will overwhelm normal emergency response forces including police departments, fire departments, and emergency medical services.
It is important for school staff to develop personal and family emergency response plans because school personnel may have moral and legal responsibilities at school should a disaster occur. The family should anticipate that a staff member may be required to remain at the school following a catastrophic event.