A technological disaster is a catastrophic event that is caused by either human error in controlling technology or a malfunction of a technology system. Technology based disasters are as serious as natural disasters. Sometimes, the disaster symptoms may gradually appear over a few years, but other impacts may immediately disrupt society and business. . The federal government’s disaster response agency FEMA now operates their own Tech Sector Collaboration program to deal with technological disasters.
A Quick Summary
Disasters caused by technology involve the failure or breakdown of systems, equipment and engineering standards that harms people and the environment. The term itself includes a wide range of modern issues and consequences of technology mismanagement and engineering mistakes. Technology disasters include structural collapses, such as bridges, mines and buildings, but also industrial accidents, such as chemical or nuclear explosions. The effects of pollution, like smog and acid rain, are long-term manmade disasters. Taking care of sudden disaster may be straightforward, but chronic problems sometimes divide communities or put the public at odds with the government. It may be hard to pinpoint who is ultimately responsible for the cause of a complex disaster and paying for the costs of recovery.
A Quick Summary
The disaster may chronically grow unnoticed or may result because of a single major event. For example, if a train derails and spills chemicals near a residential area, people are evacuated and the event is recognized. However, if low amounts of chemical contamination occur over a lengthy time period, there may be no person or organization to blame. Acute disasters are brief, well-defined events that may have long-term consequences. This may be a one-time oil spill from ship or a breach in a mining damn. A natural disaster like a flood may break an underground fuel storage tank. However, chronic disasters are more likely to occur because of repeated behaviors that are ignored or not reported. Chronic problems are often exposed after acute events. For example, toxins that are illegally dumped will leach into the environment. Manufacturing companies that do not control their storm water runoff may flood the surrounding environment with toxins.
The Effects of Technological Disasters
Technology induced disasters are very stressful because they are chaotic, harmful and unpredictable. Individuals, families and communities are all affected on different levels. For individuals, they may experience loss of income, employment and certainty about the future. Some people experience serious depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When it comes to communities, people may feel collectively frustrated with public officials, responders and those who manage the technology. Due to rumors and miscommunication, people may lack trust, make poor decisions and expect too much from public services. All in all, the community may be split by varying viewpoints. When it comes to businesses, they will experience loss of revenue because of suspended business services, or get overwhelmed with too much demand for functions. In order to maintain peace and stability, most public officials strive to share information and involve community members in decision making processes.
The key to managing technological disasters is through individual, community, first responder and government preparedness. Emergency response plans, communication hierarchies, command structures and public education all help. Any technological disaster can be handled through proper communication, collaboration and communication.