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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.

Seismological Device Sheet

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.

Read More of My Articles  How to Make Water Safe in an Emergency

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. 

Read More of My Articles  Top Threats You Need to Be Prepared to Survive

#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:

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

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18 Comments

  1. Linda ~
    Great list of natural disasters. I live very near the Pacific Ocean in western Washington. The natural disasters I am prepped for are volcanic eruptions (I can see Mount Rainier from my apartment), earthquakes (Washington has some planning in place for the Big One), tsunamis, winter weather (we don’t often have severe winter weather – rain for the most part but…), heat waves (our apartment complex does not have AC), flooding can be an issue because we get quite a lot of rain, mudslides, and the list goes on.

    While not a regional disaster by any stretch, we also need to be prepped for personal “disasters” that don’t affect any but ourselves and our families: job loss, vehicle breakdown, health issues. I know that others will also think this way. I have shoulder surgery coming up right after the beginning of the new year and already I am prepping for that “disaster” as I will be unable to do a lot of things for a few months. I have special clothing, sleeping and food in the prepping stages now. I am practising getting dressed with only one arm!! I am doing as much as I can using only my left hand.

    In the grand scheme of things, personal “disasters” are fairly minor but they are certainly things that affect us in much the same way as the major disasters that affect large groups of people.

    1. Hi Leanne, oh I’m sorry you are having shoulder surgery after the first of the year. It’s awesome to hear you are planning way ahead of time for that. You are so prepared!! I wanted my readers to think about all the natural disasters we can have anywhere anytime. It’s all about being prepared before we have to be. Great comment, Linda

    1. Hi Ray, I know, right?! My daughter had an earthquake in Newport Beach, CA so I thought this would be a good one to repost. We always love the comments! Thank you, Harry! Linda

  2. Thank you for all your wisdom. We prepare mainly for power outages and winter weather. The Amish believe in having one year minimum of all needs, food, household needs and necessary tools and equipments. My understanding is they feel if you are prepared for any emergency, including health and financial losses you will be less tempted to brake Gods’ laws. I am realizing our biggest challenge right now, is that my husband and I are no longer steady on ladders so I must find someone to help us with household issues. That is a major blow to a couple who have remodeled 3 homes, and help our kids with 4 others.

    1. Hi Chris, oh I hear you on needing to hire out some jobs. We had a guy fall off a ladder shoveling snow off his roof, he got hurt really bad. I think I understand what you are saying its hard to realize we can no longer do some of the things we did for years and years. It’s hard to admit we are getting older. I admire the Amish having one year minimum of what they need each year. Thats awesome. Linda

  3. Hi Linda and Chris, I too have been told to “stay off the ladder Old Lady” (I am 76) by my 3 children. I couldn’t get into the top shelf of my cabinet, so I had to wait for my son to come. He took everything out and we found 3 cans of green beans that did not have an expiration date on them, I opened 1 can, and it had a “funky” smell, so all were dumped, since they all had the same lot number. No need to take a chance. You hate to waste food, but I don’t want to end up with food poisoning or worse. I will get him to come as often as he can or else use the lower shelves, don’t need to fall either. Have a great weekend and be safe.

    1. Hi Mildred, well, that’s a blessing to have your son to come get up on the ladder to find those green beans. I’m with you I don’t want to get sick over a can of green beans! I like your statement: “stay off the ladder Old Lady” I LOVE it! It does make sense for all of us! None of us want to fall! Have a great weekend, my sweet friend! Linda

    2. Mildred, We are NOT old… well aged maybe. Past our warranty, maybe!! lol
      I think if I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of me. I am grateful we moved into a home intended to age in. Please everyone stay safe and off ladders.

  4. Something I keep handy are the medicines my family has to have. A month and a half before we need to renew our prescriptions and keep them safe. I have a couple boxes made for putting medicine in. I am having trouble with my legs and so I keep what I need so I know that I have it. I have a full drawer in my dresser with medicines that I would need if something happened and I could not renew the prescription. That way I know I and my family have everything we need in a emergency and we have the medicines we need if something happens and I can’t get the medicine we need

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