Following the occurrence of a catastrophic event, our bodies react in the same manner as when faced with other crisis situations. Chemicals are released which increase both our metabolism and our thought processes. This natural reaction during times of increased exposure to hazardous situations unfortunately can increase the potential for accidents and injuries to us as volunteers supporting an emergency response, and so at these times it is essential that we strive to remain cognizant of personal safety. Hazards will abound following any event which causes large scale property damage. Earthquakes may result in damage or destruction to roadways, cast broken glass and other debris onto sidewalks and streets, and cause damage to utility structures such as rupturing gas and sewer mains.
Flooding can inundate roadways and damage or undermine bridges.
Following the Northridge earthquake in Southern California, a police officer on a motorcycle responding to an emergency call was killed when he careened off of a collapsed freeway overpass. During flooding in Southern California in early 1998, the California Highway Patrol received reports that a portion of a state highway had washed out and there were vehicles in the river. In the spring of 1998, several members of an engine crew with the Clark County Fire Department were injured during response to an accident along I-15 south of Las Vegas when their fire engine was struck by lightning. During flood events in early 1998, several deaths were reported in Missouri resulting from persons driving into deep water that could not be seen in the nighttime darkness. In Texas, several deaths were attributed to persons being swept away while attempting to traverse fast moving water over roadways.