Types of Hazards
From the perspective of emergency management, hazards generally refer to events that
threaten people, property, and / or the environment. Hazards fall into two
categories–natural and human-caused. The types of hazards that are possible here in
Washington County could occur at a moment's notice, like an earthquake, or with enough
time to undertake preparedness actions, like an influenza outbreak. Additionally, some
hazards are seasonal, like winter storms. Here at Washington County Emergency Management,
we are passionate about teaching people about the types of hazards we face, and how to be
prepared for them.
Many types of hazards are possible in Washington
County. Natural hazards include weather- and
climate-related hazards such as winter storms,
windstorms, prolonged heat waves, droughts, and,
occasionally, severe thunderstorms. Other natural
hazards include floods, earthquakes, landslides,
wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and disease outbreaks.
Human-caused hazards include utility and infrastructure
failures, hazardous materials releases, transportation
incidents, terrorism, cyber attacks, and dam failures.
More information about some of our most threatening, frequently occurring, and highest risk
hazards may be found on this website. For hazards not specifically covered by this website, visit
Ready.gov, a comprehensive hazard and preparedness information website.