Whatcom County CERT

December 6 is the anniversary of the Halifax Explosion, which occurred in 1917. At the time, it was the largest explosion and greatest technological disaster to strike North America and was for many years the standard against which the destructive power of nuclear weapons was measured. This disaster devastated the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia and wiped out the community of the Mi'kmaq First Nation, who were struck by the resulting tsunami. This event also represents the dawn of disaster psychology as studied and written by Samuel Henry Prince, who provided relief during the disaster and later exited his role as an Anglican curate to study sociology and publish his findings.

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/halifax-explosion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Explosionhttps://training.fema.gov/hiedu/downloads/ijems/articles/disaster's%20little%20known%20pioneer%20canada's%20samuel%20henry%20prince.pdf

Halifax Explosion - Wikipedia The Halifax Explosion was a disaster that occurred in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on the morning of 6 December 1917. SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship laden with high explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in the Narrows, a strait connecting the upper Halifax Harbour to Bedford B...

Every October 13 International Disaster Risk Reduction Day reminds us of the monumental importance and value of every step taken before the "moment of impact" of a disaster. Preparedness, training, drills, and community building seldom enjoy the recognition, interest, and heroic aspect of response and recovery activities. It's not easy to measure losses of life and property that were prevented. Nevertheless, this is a day to reflect on the tremendous power of resilient, connected, unified communities, and to consider our own next steps that focus on "prevention" and eliminate the need for "treatment."

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction