What are our Hazards in Nashville?

TORNADOS
Tornados have struck the Nashville area on a regular basis. You don't have to live in Tornado alley to be hit by one of these. Sever weather can occur any wheres in the United States. All because we do not live in tornado alley does not mean we are not at risk. If you don't believe me just ask those that live in East Nashville or Gallatin, Tennessee.

 Tornado hitting Gallatin, Tennessee


CHEMICAL HAZARDS

Chemical Spills or Release! Tanker trucks and cars on trains come through our community on a daily basis. All types of chemicals are on board an the average citizens has no idea what is in them. For the most part the companies that use these chemicals have a great safety record but it only takes an accident, equipment failure, negligence, or an act of terrorism to cause an emergency or disaster. Would you know what to do?
For more information on chemicals hazards and how to deal with them go to the Federal Emergency Management web site and the take the IS 0005.A class, " An Introduction to hazardous material". Here is your link to training>
FEMA Training on line

       

Fire and Explosion in Waverly

FLOODING

Flooding can be a problem any where! The above picture is a scene from downtown Nashville during the May floods of 2010. For the people that live in the West Nashville area they shouldn't need this picture to know what flooding can do. If your ever in doubt as to the destructive power of water go to Delray Drive and look at the destruction. On Delray there was great loss of property and two people lost their lives. Property can be replaced; people can't. This is the main reason I am forming a CERT team for our area.

EARTHQUAKES

  We live right next to what may be the most dangerous fault of all time in the U.S. Please read the article below on the New Madrid Seismic Zone. We have not experienced a major earthquake in this area in our life time but that does not mean that the potential for one does not exist. I lived in California during the last big earthquake in San Francisco and I worked for an ambulance service. My partner and I  were deployed from San Diego to go to help with the recovery effort. We worked for three days digging people from collapsed homes and from bridges that had given way. These people have tons of experience with earthquakes yet the destruction was overwhelming for their EMS system. This is why I say we need to be ready. Please take the proper steps to protect yourself and your family. I don't want to have to dig you and your family out if it can be avoided. Also I implore you to get CERT training for the good of your family and yourself. For more information on earthquake preparedness go to the below link.
"Are You Ready" What you need to know