Introduction
Investigation of the main hazards that pose a threat to the security of a certain community and its well-being is an important process that should be given great attention. In case a natural disaster is not predicted, and the population is not prepared, numerous devastations and disasters are possible. In this regard, THIRA analysis becomes a powerful tool that is used to identify the most important and most probable hazards that are peculiar to the local community.
Analysis
The application of THIRA’s basic principles to the situation in Pennsylvania helps to obtain important information. Besides, there is a great threat of snow and ice storms in the region (Sosnowski par. 4). The given natural phenomena might be very dangerous as it results in traffic collapse and power losses (Homeland Security 4). Considering low temperatures and short light days, it could be considered a great challenge to all members of the community. The ice storm of 2014 pieces of evidence that these problems are peculiar to the state as it experienced numerous problems of this sort (Bacon par. 4).
The potential risks obviously become greater in winter periods as the weather conditions contribute to the appearance of snowfalls and ice storms (Union of Concerned Scientists 5). The community becomes extremely vulnerable at these seasons. Great territories might be endangered as the snowfall area is rather big. Previous experience shows that about 1 million people were affected by this natural disaster (“It’s official: Ice storm breaks Peco record for winter outages” par. 4).
For this reason, the potential harm remains significant, and there is a great need for preventive actions that could mitigate the negative impact of this phenomenon. THIRA analysis could help to obtain the needed information.
As stated above, snowfalls and ice storms might result in numerous problems. First, huge masses of snow could paralyze the traffic system and introduce significant problems with supply. Being deprived of an opportunity to satisfy their needs for food and goods, people might suffer from numerous hardships. Additionally, power losses are also dangerous. The modern community depends on electricity and energy greatly, and the collapse of the given system might result in the appearance of crucial aftermaths. Heating and other crucial services will not function and provide people with the needed conditions.
For these reasons, mitigation of the negative effects of a winter storm is the primary task for the local authorities. Knowledge of the main peculiarities of this natural disaster, areas affected by it, its duration, and severity will condition the creation of a certain strategic plan (Pydynowski par. 3). First, it is vital to prepare snow clearing equipment to guarantee the efficient functioning of the road system. Machines should be placed at the most important road junctions as their stable work is a key to the preservation and protection of the communitys aligned functioning. Moreover, considering the great probability of energy losses, people should be provided with power generators to fulfill their need for energy.
Additionally, the equipment needed for the organization of special warming centers for homeless people should be stored up. These centers should provide access to food, goods, warm clothes, and other products needed for survival. This plan should be accepted in the shortest terms after the threat of a snowstorm has been discovered.
Conclusion
That is why local authorities will increase the number of snow clearing equipment to be ready to guarantee efficient movement. Moreover, the necessity of the increased manpower is also obvious as many workers will be needed to use this equipment, work in warming centers, and help disabled people.
Works Cited
Bacon, John. Almost 500,000 still without power in Pa. after storm. 2016. Web.
Homeland Security. Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Guide. 2013. Web.
It’s official: Ice storm breaks Peco record for winter outages. 2014. Web.
Pydynowski, Kristina. Ice Storm to Batter South Tuesday, Wednesday. 2014. Web.
Sosnowski, Alex. Snow and ice storm may snarl travel across southern, northeastern. 2016. Web.
Union of Concerned Scientists. Climate Change Impacts and Solutions for Pennsylvania. n.d. Web.