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Disasters - Natural and Technological

Bridgeway Center Inc. Receives Grant from the Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida Inc.

A disaster is an event with a relatively sudden and identifiable onset caused by external or environmental factors and associated with adverse effects on a group of individuals.

The Panhandle of Florida is no stranger to disasters. We have survived hurricanes of devastating proportion in recent years. Many community members recall the lasting and profound emotional impact of these events. The current BP Oil Spill disaster will likely rank as our community's most memorable disaster.

Hurricanes are an example of a natural disaster. Natural disasters include other uncontrollable events such as floods or earthquakes. The current Oil Spill disaster qualifies as a "human-caused" or "technological" disaster.

Natural disasters are often characterized as follows:

  • May involve some warning time
  • Loss of life and/or property
  • Blame extending to God or man
  • Anger often associated with the recovery and agencies involved
  • Usually a positive community response in aftermath in rebuilding efforts
  • Psychological effects are often short term
Technological disasters include such events as Chernobyl, Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, and Three Mile Island. A technological disaster is characterized by the following:
  • Perceived to be the result of human failure
  • Have an uncertain scope of potential effects
  • Not clearly defined by time and spatial boundaries
  • Have no traditional response system in place to aid victims
  • Have long term social impacts

The research shows that all major technological disasters create a negative psychological impact which exists much longer term than the effects of a natural disaster. These impacts include anger, anxiety, domestic violence, depression and substance abuse, among others.

If you have been impacted by the BP Oil Spill Disaster, Bridgeway Center, Inc. wants to help. Contact our Crisis Hotline at 850-244-9191 to talk to one of our counselors 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

Bridgeway Center, Inc. is a community mental health center located in Fort Walton Beach, FL. We offer behavioral and educational services, employee assistance programs, driving schools and senior services.

References for this article were obtained from Coping With Technological Disasters Guidebook published by the Prince William Sound Advisory Council.