Week 8 Assignment: Family Disaster Plan Summative Assessment ✓ Solved

Week 8 Assignment Family Disaster Plan Summative Assessmentfor This P

For this paper you must cite and reference 2 sources. The paper should be 2–3 pages and written using current APA format. Your paper should address the following: a. How would you prepare for the following situation? (provide realistic examples and details for safety and survival) (Scenario) At this moment, you are sitting at home working on your WCU class. Suddenly, the National Weather Bureau sends an alert across your cell phone—a tornado is headed your way. You have 15 minutes before touchdown in your neighborhood. What is your plan? This is a 'shelter in place' scenario, you cannot outrun the tornado. Identify a safe place in your home to take shelter. You must include research. Cite and reference two sources and explain the recommended safety measures in a tornado emergency and how you would apply them to your specific living arrangements. b. How prepared are you in the event of a disaster? Describe your level of disaster preparedness using specific examples and references to your "go-bag" and preparedness checklist assignments. Example: “I am more prepared for a water-related disaster than a fire-related disaster even though I live in a highly secluded, forested area. I have a boat as transportation in the event of flooding, but I do not have rain barrels or fire barrier supplies on hand.†Example: "There were many missing items on my preparedness checklist. I realized that I do not own a flashlight. If I had to use my phone as a light it would drain the battery very quickly. c. Reflect on how prepared you were before this class and compare it with how prepared you are now. Have you acquired any new emergency items? Do you plan to take any additional trainings or certification courses? Have you shared your knowledge with friends and family? Review the rubric for more information on how the assignment will be graded. Due: Sunday, 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time) Points: 300 Need help with APA Style? Visit the Student Resources through the tab at the top of the page.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Preparedness for natural disasters is crucial for ensuring safety and survival during emergencies. Tornadoes, in particular, pose significant threats in many regions, necessitating well-planned responses tailored to one's living situation. This paper explores how to prepare for a tornado emergency, assesses current disaster preparedness levels, and reflects on personal growth in emergency readiness.

Preparing for a Tornado: Safety Measures and Application

In the event of a tornado threat, immediate action is critical. According to the National Weather Service (NWS, 2023), the safest shelter during a tornado is an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows and exterior walls. My current living arrangement includes a basement, which I consider an ideal shelter area due to its enclosed space and subterranean position, making it less vulnerable to wind forces. In my home, I would gather my family, bring emergency supplies to the basement, and cover windows with plywood or storm shutters if available (American Red Cross, 2021).

Research indicates that having an emergency kit in the designated shelter area enhances safety during tornadoes. Essential items include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents (FEMA, 2022). I would locate my emergency kit beforehand and ensure it is stocked and easily accessible. Additionally, I would keep a battery-powered weather radio to monitor updates without relying on cell service, which may be disrupted during severe weather (NOAA, 2022). Implementing these safety measures minimizes risk and prepares me for effective sheltering during the tornado event.

Personal Disaster Preparedness Assessment

Currently, I consider myself moderately prepared for disasters. I have assembled a basic go-bag containing bottled water, snacks, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and personal identification documents. However, I realized that my preparedness checklist revealed gaps, such as lacking a fire extinguisher and sufficient emergency blankets. My preparedness is more oriented toward flood scenarios, given my proximity to a river, and I own a small boat for evacuation purposes. Conversely, I lack fire-specific preparations like smoke detectors with backup batteries or fire-resistant clothing (CDC, 2023).

My discovery of these gaps has motivated me to acquire additional supplies. I plan to purchase a fire extinguisher and implement a fire safety plan with my family. Moreover, I recognize the importance of ongoing training; I intend to enroll in a CPR and first aid certification course through the American Heart Association to enhance my emergency response skills. I have also shared my knowledge with family members, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and practicing evacuation drills together.

Progress Since Starting the Course

Before this course, my emergency preparedness was primarily limited to the basic assembly of supplies and infrequent drills. My recent education has significantly increased my awareness and proactive planning. I now understand the importance of comprehensive emergency plans, proper resource allocation, and training. I have acquired critical items such as a portable radio with extra batteries, emergency blankets, and a multi-tool. Furthermore, I have shared this knowledge with friends and relatives, encouraging them to develop their own plans.

In addition to acquiring new items, I intend to participate in community emergency response training programs and stay informed about local hazard zones through official channels. This ongoing education aims to better equip me and my loved ones for any unforeseen disaster, fostering resilience and community safety.

Conclusion

Effective disaster preparedness involves understanding specific risks, developing tailored safety plans, and continually updating resources and skills. My current readiness has improved through increased awareness, resource acquisition, and active sharing of information. As I continue to grow in this area, I feel more confident in my ability to protect myself and my family during a tornado or other disasters. Ongoing education and preparedness are vital components of community resilience and individual safety.

References

  • American Red Cross. (2021). Tornado safety tips. https://www.redcross.org
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Disaster preparedness and response. https://www.cdc.gov
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2022). Tornado safety tips. https://www.fema.gov
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2022). Weather radio emergency alerts. https://www.noaa.gov
  • National Weather Service (NWS). (2023). Tornado safety and preparedness. https://www.weather.gov

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