Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Complex Disasters

Let's talk about some stuff that does it make people feel very comfortable-complex disasters. 

In this episode we will discuss:

  • What is a Complex Disaster
  • Preparing for Complex Disasters

Complex disasters are an unpleasant thought, yet an important one to have none-the-less. Considering complex disasters from a “what-if?” mindset allows us to be one step ahead of the complex disaster if and when it happens.

When it rains, it pours. If we are not on our game, we won't be ready when a complex disaster happens.

A complex disaster is a disaster or series of disasters that includes one or more types of disasters.

For example, we get hit with an earthquake while we have a supervolcano eruption or an MP when an earthquake happens. It is important to talk about these scenarios because we tend not to want to think about other disasters when we're living in the middle of one.

I look at disasters in two types:

  • Micro disasters - may struggle in isolation
  • Macro disasters - struggle feels more tolerable as a group struggle.

What is a Complex Disaster

Double hurricanes, called "proximate tropical cyclones" by meteorologists, are rare but can occur when two cyclones spring up closer to one another than normal. Also a double landfall from the same hurricane. 

For example, the 7.9 magnitude San Francisco Earthquake on April 18, 1906. 3000 dead, 25,000 buildings (490 city blocks) destroyed ( 90% destroyed by fire), leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. The fire chief was killed during the initial earthquake, which hampered the response. Eventually, riots broke out throughout the city

In 2004 the Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami occurred -  9.3 earthquake that resulted in 100' high tsunamis killing over a quarter-million people.

When it Rains it Pours (Simultaneous and Series)

When running into a series of disasters, you have to get ready again. One must try to face adversity again, as prepared and ready as you can possibly make yourself.

As current times indicate, while we're going through a pandemic, we may be also be affected by other large and small scale disasters. When it rains it pours. How often when something crappy is already happening does another problem come along and bite us in the butt? Pandemic and…

  • Financial Disaster (Macro) and Unemployment (Macro) / Job Loss (Micro)
  • Serious Illness
  • Natural Disaster
  • Man-Made Disaster

We tend to not want to think about disasters, let alone more than one at a time. Yet, not thinking about them doesn't change the fact they happen on their schedule, not ours. 

Using Shelter in Place is a good opportunity to evaluate your preparedness at this moment. Do you have enough resources? Are you taking this time to fix your preparedness holes? Or are you tired of the drama and just chilling?  Both may be right, it depends on your own circumstances. Yet, strive to think things through, look at options, and “what-if” your current plans. , Should you need to evacuate (Bug Out), where are you going? How many hotels are open right now? Where will you stay? Have you thought of your plan? What could go wrong? Can anyone tell you no (family, friends, the Gov, law, etc.)? Will you be ready to go in 15-minutes, 30hours, days, how long will it take you to prepare? How long are you able to be self-sufficient?

Attempt to evaluate the worst events you can think of happening? Tornado / Terrorism / Tremors (quake)?  Don't stress.... but think about what you can do to be more ready. 

I want to make sure you don't get caught with your pants down and you're thinking about the what-ifs on both micro and macro disasters. 

Lastly…

Never forget, you’re just one prep away.

If you have any other thoughts or questions about social isolation mindset, please leave a comment below.

Stay safe, secure and prepared,

Brian-Duff-Mind4Survival

Resources Related to this Episode

Note: some of the resources mentioned in this episode may be affiliate links, which means I get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

Thanks for reading about mindset & preparedness.

To carry on the discussion and ask questions:

To help out Mind4Survival:

  • Subscribe on iTunes or through your preferred podcasting app.
  • Leave an honest rating or review on iTunes. They help and make a difference.
  • Like my Facebook page.

Leave a Comment