Which Natural Disasters Are Most Likely in Michigan?
Natural disasters are always a cause for concern in certain areas of the United States, and that includes Michigan. Actually, natural disasters are a cause for concern all over the world. So, which of these terrifying events are the most likely in Michigan?
Michigan and Natural Disasters
If you’ve ever wondered the official definition of natural disasters and natural hazards and the difference between the two, the experts at FEMA describe natural hazards as “environmental phenomena that have the potential to impact societies and the human environment.” FEMA adds that natural hazards are very different from manmade hazards. They explain that a dam failure is considered a manmade hazard, while a flood from a river’s flow changing is a natural hazard. In turn, a natural disaster is “the negative impact following an actual occurrence of natural hazard in the event that it significantly harms a community.” So, disasters and hazards are related but not the same thing. Of course, natural disasters and hazards are especially scary, because you can’t control them. You’re at the mercy of Mother Nature.
Some events that constitute natural hazards are a drought, earthquake, hurricane, ice storm, landslide, strong wind, lightning and more. The National Risk Index includes a total of 18 natural hazards, all of which we’d like to avoid. One of the biggest in the past few years has been wildfires, which are unplanned fires that burn in natural or wildland areas, including forests, shrub lands, grasslands or prairies, according to FEMA. These have really caused air pollution the past few years, due to the wildfires in Canada, and that always messes with me.
Now that we’re through the definitions, let’s look at the natural disasters that are the most likely in Michigan. According to the Red Cross, if you live in Michigan, you’re at high to moderate risk of tornados and that’s it. Other areas of the Midwest also are at high to moderate risk of wildfires and earthquakes, but not Michigan. For tornadoes, they suggest to “know where the safest place is in your home to gather, preferably a windowless interior space on the lowest floor.” What’s amazing is that the American Red Cross responds to about 65,000 disasters each year. I thank them for their service. If you want to become involved, a great way to do that is to donate blood. So, there you have it with the most likely natural disasters in Michigan. Stay safe and be prepared in case any of these events occur.
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