Emily Mathers, Kristin Memoli, and Iman Yusuf’s Tornado Emergency Plan for Douglas County, Nebraska

Introduction: Tornadoes are destructive products of thunderstorms, which are characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud and are often accompanied by lightning, heavy rain, and hail. On average, the United States experiences 800 tornadoes each year, leading to 80 deaths and 1,500 injuries. Tornado Alley is an area in the United States comprised of multiple states that are particularly susceptible to tornadoes and incur the most tornado-related fatalities. Of the susceptible states in Tornado Alley, Nebraska ranks number 5 for frequency of tornadoes, 23 for number of deaths, and 11 for cost of damages.

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Afreen Khimani, Samantha Whitegeese, and Sara Merken’s Emergency Response Plan on Avian Flu in Michigan

Introduction: Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu H5N1 (HPAI) is a disease that is caused by the avian influenza Type A virus, which spreads in wild aquatic birds as well as domestic poultry, with rare, sporadic infections in humans. Avian flu is spread to humans through interaction with saliva, mucous, and feces of infected birds. Those with frequent contact with cows and birds are at higher risk for developing avian flu. In the United States between April 1, 2024 and May 29, 2024, there have been three human cases, all contracting avian flu after contact with dairy cows. In order to monitor H5N1 activity in humans, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is utilizing the flu surveillance system.

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Sara Merken’s Case Study on 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

Woman and child walking in earthquake/tsunami wreckage.

On March 11, 2011, Japan was hit with a record-breaking 9.1 magnitude earthquake, leading to tsunami waves up to 40 meters tall. This event caused mass destruction, killing thousands and displacing more than 450,000. While Japan deployed a quick response, gaps in disaster management plans led to a worldwide impact. 

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Korian ‘Koko’ Thomas’ Case Study on the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

The Chernobyl disaster in 1986 remains one of the worst nuclear accidents in history, resulting in widespread radioactive contamination and environmental damage. The nuclear reactor explosion led to approximately 30 deaths, the evacuation of 220,000 people, and long-term health complications for thousands of inhabitants, including cancer in nearly 6,000 children. 

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Rebekah McNeill’s Case Study on 2022 European Heat Wave

Summer sun during a heatwave in Europe.

During the summer of 2022, Europe faced an unprecedented, record-breaking heat wave. The high temperatures, coupled with droughts and forest fires, led to nearly 62,000 deaths amongst predominately vulnerable populations. Despite a similar heatwave two decades prior, European governments were unprepared to respond to the event effectively. 

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Jackie Saltarelli’s Case Study on Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Mass Shooting

On June 30, 2017, Dr. Henry Bello, a former employee of Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, carried out a mass shooting at the hospital, resulting in one death and six injuries. Bello, who had previously resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, committed suicide directly after. After the attack, the hospital reevaluated and heightened its security measures.

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James Abruzzo’s Case Study on World Trade Center 9/11 Attack

9/11 wreckage.

On September 11, 2001, two flights were hijacked by members of Al-Qaeda and were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York. The attack killed approximately 2,700 people and resulted in a worldwide reexamination of national security, communications infrastructure, and disaster preparedness and response.

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Kristin Memoli’s Case Study on Volcán de Fuego Eruption in Guatemala

In June 2018, Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego erupted, leading to the evacuation of 31,000 people, at least 99 deaths, and 15 injuries. The Guatemalan government had a delayed response to the event, which revealed weaknesses in its disaster preparedness. This, along with the public’s lack of knowledge of the dangers and risks of volcanic eruptions, caused one of the most fatal eruptions in Guatemalan history.

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