The management of human problems in a shelter environment is complicated by the fact that humans interact with on another producing secondary effects. For example, food or water deprivation can lead to antisocial behavior or maladaptive responses. While at the same time, food and water deprivation can lower body resistance to infectious diseases. Psychosomatic illness and heightened fear can create sleep loss and fatigue which, in turn, can result in violation of shelter rules or violence. Management problems to be expected are criminal behavior, sexual behavior, use of alcohol and drugs, fighting, gambling, hoarding and inappropriate use of supplies, smoking, unwillingness to obey rules, dangerous personal belongings and rebellion.
Respiratory infections are the most common and troublesome of human infectious diseases.
Usually mild, they may become serious under shelter conditions and will spread rapidly throughout the shelter population. The most likely respiration infections will include the common cold, meningitis, streptococcal infections, influenza and staphylococcal infections. In some cases, pneumonia outbreaks will occur. As you read what is expected to be experienced in a public civil defense shelter, you may have concluded a public shelter is not the place to be. Consider learning more about storm and nuclear shelter protection, expedient shelters and home shelter construction before the need may arise.