National Disaster Preparedness Day

Happy child holding a safety kit, wearing a bright orange vest, suburban neighborhood with emergency supplies in the background.. — National disaster preparedness day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we uncover the fascinating stories behind those quirky national days! Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of National Disaster Preparedness Day.

When is Disaster Preparedness Day?

It's national disaster preparedness day on the 23rd July.

The Origins of National Disaster Preparedness Day

Picture this: it's a sunny day, birds are chirping, and suddenly, BAM! A disaster strikes! Not exactly the perfect scenario for a picnic, right? That's why we have National Disaster Preparedness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting resilience in the face of life's unexpected curveballs.

Now, the origins of this day are a bit hazy, just like your memory after a big night out. We couldn't trace it back to a specific person or event, but we imagine it was born out of the collective realization that disasters, whether natural or man-made, are unfortunately part of our lives.

Well, folks, it's time to buckle up, because we're about to take you on a whirlwind tour of disaster preparedness. Get your hard hat on, because things are about to get real!

Preparing for the Worst (But Hoping for the Best!)

When disaster strikes, it's essential to have a plan in place. I'm not talking about a zombie apocalypse plan here (although, I'm not saying it wouldn't be helpful), but rather a practical approach to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe in an emergency. So, let's break it down, shall we?

Gather Your Loved Ones

In times of crisis, having your loved ones by your side can make all the difference. So, make sure you have a plan for how to contact them and where to meet up if you get separated. And don't forget about your furry friends – they need a plan too!

Stock Up on Food and Supplies

If the grocery store shelves are empty, you don't want to be the person eyeing your neighbor's BBQ sausages like they're made of gold. Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and other essential supplies. Don't forget to include a can opener – it's the little things that count!

Stay Informed

Knowledge is power, my friend. Stay tuned to the latest news and emergency alerts. And no, I don't mean getting caught up in celebrity gossip – I'm talking about reliable sources of information that will help you make informed decisions during a crisis.

Did You Know?

In the spirit of being prepared for anything, here's a fun fact for you: Did you know that the word 'disaster' comes from the Italian word 'disastro,' which means 'ill-starred event'? So, the next time you're dealing with a disastrous situation, just remember that the stars might not be in your favor that day!

History behind the term 'Disaster Preparedness'

1859

Emergence of the term 'disaster'

The term 'disaster' first appeared in the English language in 1859, derived from the Italian word 'disastro,' which means 'ill-starred event.' It initially referred to a sudden event causing great damage, distress, or loss of life, often with a natural cause like floods, earthquakes, or storms.

1917

The birth of emergency preparedness

In the early 20th century, as societies became more urbanized and industrialized, the need for preparedness in case of emergencies became evident. In 1917, the American National Red Cross formed a Department of Civilian Relief which provided resources and guidelines to communities for disaster response planning. Emergency preparedness started gaining recognition as a vital measure to mitigate the impacts of disasters.

1940

Preparedness during World War II

During World War II, the concept of disaster preparedness further evolved. With the increased risk of bombings and chemical attacks, civil defense organizations were established in many countries. These organizations focused on educating and training civilians to respond effectively to disasters and emergencies, emphasizing the importance of preparedness at all times.

1961

The birth of modern disaster preparedness

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Office of Civil Defense within the Department of Defense in the United States. This marked a significant shift in disaster preparedness, as it recognized the need for a coordinated national approach to disaster planning, response, and recovery. The term 'disaster preparedness' started gaining prominence and became widely used to describe proactive measures taken to minimize the impact of disasters.

1973

International recognition and cooperation

The United Nations, realizing the global impact of disasters, established the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) in 1990. However, the groundwork for global cooperation in disaster preparedness was laid in 1973 with the creation of the UN's Department of Humanitarian Affairs. The department aimed to coordinate international efforts in disaster response and develop strategies to promote disaster preparedness worldwide.

2005

Prominence through catastrophic events

The devastating impact of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina in 2005 brought the significance of disaster preparedness to the forefront. Governments, organizations, and individuals realized the importance of being prepared for such catastrophic events, leading to increased awareness and efforts in disaster preparedness. The term became more ingrained in public consciousness as communities recognized its critical role in saving lives and minimizing destruction.