Are emergencies limited to natural disasters?

Emergencies are not limited to natural disasters because they can arise from a variety of sources, including human-made incidents, such as industrial accidents, terrorism, and technological failures, in addition to natural events like hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. The Air Force Emergency Management Program emphasizes readiness to respond to a wide spectrum of emergencies, acknowledging that threats can be diverse and unpredictable.

This broad approach ensures that personnel are prepared for any situation that could compromise operational readiness or safety. Focusing solely on natural disasters would limit the scope of emergency preparedness and potentially leave personnel and resources vulnerable to other significant risks. Therefore, recognizing that emergencies include both natural and man-made occurrences is crucial for effective emergency management and response planning.