10/14/2026
Oct. 13th is....
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR RISK DISASTER REDUCTION
Every October 13th, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction celebrates how communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters. It’s also a day to raise awareness about the importance of trying to control some of the risks communities face.
Natural disasters are catastrophic events that destroy property and cause loss of life. These types of disasters also result in economic upheaval. Because of natural disasters, millions of people are displaced each year. Any natural event that kills over ten people or injures at least 100 is considered a natural disaster. These disasters kill about 90,000 people and affect 160 million people each year. Between 1964 and 1983, natural disasters killed nearly 2.5 million people throughout the world. During this timeframe, another 750 million were injured or displaced.
Some of the most common natural disasters include earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, floods, landslides, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions.
Do you have a plan in place in the event of a natural disaster? If not, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is the perfect time to do it. The American Red Cross says you can create an emergency plan in just three steps:
1. Discuss with your household how to prepare and respond to natural disasters that are likely to occur where you live.
2. Assign responsibilities to each household member and work as a team.
3. Practice as many parts of the plan as possible.
Ensuring that you have an emergency kit on hand and an emergency fund are also helpful.
