Mankind has been against the forces of nature in many ways since they began to stand on two legs. A constantly shifting planet with an unpredictable atmosphere creates several unexpected, uncontrollable events. These events, dubbed natural disasters, range from volcanic eruptions to tornadoes, tsunamis to hurricanes. It does not matter where a person lives, it is almost guaranteed that, at some point in their lives, they are going to have to duck and cover.
A startling forty-one percent of the human population does not know how to prepare for a natural disaster, as of 2018 according to YouGov Today. This brings to shore the need for education as to how any generic family can be well prepared for any unfortunate event.
Tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes follow the same pattern of preparedness, so one unit could focus on them. Even though Michigan is exempt from the most common disaster areas, it is critical to not blot out the possibility from anybody’s mind. There is no guarantee that a disaster will not strike at any time, so teachings on the necessary survival tactics, where to go, and what to pack will prove to be useful in the long run.
In addition, students wishing to travel the country, continent, or world at large, need advance warning. Destinations in the South or close to the equator are prone to forest fires, heatwaves, and droughts, which wreak havoc on agriculture and natural resources. Special care must be taken to ensure safety when on vacation, and many travelers do not factor this into their packing. Learning to check all the boxes and the weather app will factor into a prosperous class.
For those heading Northbound, avalanches, blizzards, and other cold-related hazards are more apparent due to how common they are, but it is still necessary for avid learners and travelers alike to know more about it. Common misconceptions occur as time passes, such as methods to treat frostbite or unbury a trapped skier in an avalanche. Know-it-all students may claim to have the truth, but that truth may be twisted. In a study found by Care Station Medical Group, there are at least three very common mistruths about frostbite cures, and several pieces of information from National Geographic’s “How to Survive Anything: Shark Attack, Lightning, Embarrassing Parents, Pop Quizzes, and other Perilous Situations” by Rachel Buchholz provide insights as to what is true and what is not. Despite its possible fallacy, the book provides necessary information on disaster prep. It could also serve as reading material for the class.
All in all, with eighteen major natural disasters that occur on the planet every year (An observation found by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA), many hazards await any oblivious person. However, being prepared and having the necessary materials to hunker down with can save lives. In any case, life is the most important thing to protect, so a class like this would be more useful than any “I know what to do” attitude.
