Home
/
/
Technological Disasters

Technological Disasters

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Technological disasters are man-made disasters, originating from a technological failure or a human error related to handling technology (intentional or unintentional). These technologies include factories, transportation, infrastructure, or other man-made machinery.

Image Credit: TSGT CEDRIC H. RUDISILL, USAF, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Aerial view of the Pentagon during rescue operations post-September 11 attack. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aerial_view_of_the_Pentagon_during_rescue_operations_post-September_11_attack.JPEG

Navigation

Examples of technological hazards include

  • Oil spills
  • Terrorism
  • Vandalism
  • Nuclear disasters
  • Dam failures
  • Industrial pollution
  • Transportation accidents
  • Other incidents involving technology

Technological disasters are also known as technology-related disasters which encompasses a hazard’s

  • Magnitude
  • Cause
  • Longevity
  • Impact
  • Characteristics

The technological disaster types that Virginia is most at risk for are terrorism, nuclear disaster, and hazardous material spills. Terrorism are mass attacks often targeting civilians to achieve a particular political goal. These attacks can come in many forms including cyberattacks, active shooters, vehicle assault, explosive devices, and many other forms of violence to inflict mass casualties or damage. Nuclear disasters are incidents involving radioactive materials including nuclear reactor meltdowns, nuclear weapon attacks, or the release of radioactivity into the environment. Hazardous material spills are the uncontrolled release of hazardous substances such as chemical, biological, or radiological materials. This includes events such as oil spills, toxic waste spills, release of biological agents, and other hazardous material leaks. These disasters can happen anywhere at any time without warning, making preparedness critical for properties at risk for experiencing these types of disasters.[i]

For more information on Technological Disasters and Risk Planning see:

https://www.vaemergency.gov/threats/terrorism                

https://www.vaemergency.gov/threats/nuclear-safety     

https://www.vaemergency.gov/threats/hazardous-materials  

Overview of Virginia’s Risk for Technological Disasters

While technological disasters most commonly occur in industrial workplaces such as power plants, refineries, and factories, they can occur anywhere. Transportation systems, including railways, highways, and airports also face risks of technological hazards due to vehicular accidents or infrastructure failures. Additionally, communication networks and electrical grids are susceptible to disruptions caused by cyberattack or system malfunctions. Virginia is also home to various military installations across the state that can and have been a target for terrorist attacks. While there are only two nuclear power plant facilities in Virginia, Surry and North Anna, a nuclear disaster could release harmful radiation that could affect the entire state.

One of the first documented hazardous material spills in Virginia was the Kepone Environmental Disaster from 1974 to 1975 in Hopewell, Virginia. A chemical plant dumped waste from a toxic insecticide, Kepone, into the James River that led to various health effects on its workers and significant harm to the local environment and fish population. The impact on oyster beds and the fish population in the James River led to a loss of economic vitality in historic fishing villages, such as Hobson Village in Suffolk. One of the most major terrorist attacks in Virginia was the September 11 attacks in 2001 that targeted the World Trade Center buildings, the Pentagon, and the White House. The attack on the Pentagon, located in Arlington, Virginia, resulted in significant damage and loss of life, and altered security measures taken throughout Virginia and the country. While there have been no nuclear disasters within Virginia, there have been three accidents at the Surry Power Plant in Virginia from 1979 to 1988 due to pipe failures. The most notable of these events occurred on December 9, 1986 at the Surry Unit 2 power station when a pipe dislocation led to heated water burning eight workers, four of which later died due to their injuries.

Image credit: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (https://map22.epa.gov/cimc/)

Government or Organizational Representatives

I am a Local, Regional, or State Government or Organizational Representative: 

Disaster Preparedness

For Local Governments

Unlike some disasters, there are no advance warnings for most technological disasters. However, there are still actions that Local Government Representatives can do regularly and routinely that can help prepare their community in the event of a technology-driven disaster.

  • Identify, Evaluate, and Document Resources
    • Keep an up-to-date list of all local resources listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, as well as all local easement properties
    • Identify areas or resources that may be most vulnerable to damage from terrorism, nuclear disasters, or hazardous spills
      • Evaluate their needs and consider if there are actions that could reduce their vulnerability to damage from technology-related disasters.
      • Document their current conditions.
    • Utilize historic resource surveys to document areas or resources before an event strikes.
      • Pre-disaster documentation through historic resource surveys not only provides a locality with an inventory of historic resources, but can provide a point of comparison for post-disaster damage assessments.
      • Include vulnerability assessments as part of the survey to better understand which resources or areas are most vulnerable to threats such as terrorism, nuclear disasters, and hazardous spills.
    • Encourage owners of historic properties to document their properties and engage in regular maintenance/ disaster preparedness actions.
  • Be familiar with your local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and how Cultural and Historic Resources are addressed.
    • Update your locality’s Hazard Mitigation Plan as needed to adequately address Cultural and Historic Resources
    • Update regional and state cultural resource professional contact list
    • Develop a system for addressing Cultural and Historic Resources post-disaster, such as a priority matrix or tiered system.
For Museums, Cultural Institutions, or Other Organizations

Similar to property owners and local government representatives, staff, volunteers, and board members of cultural institutions and museums, who are responsible for ensuring proper stewardship of their collections and facilities, should evaluate and assess their risk for potential disasters and develop a plan for mitigating potential impacts. The unpredictability of most technological disasters can be particularly devastating to priceless museum collections.

Cultural institutions and museums should take the following steps to prepare for future technology-related disasters:

  • Evaluate and assess risk.
    • What are the most at-risk objects or collections? Creating a ranking system for prioritizing protection and implantation of needed retrofits should be considered.
  • Consider digitizing everything possible to allow for remote access/ visiting if the institution is required to close as the result of a disaster.
  • Develop a plan for budgeting and saving for operational continuity and/or repairs and damages not covered by insurance.
  • Develop a plan, train staff, volunteers and board members of use of the plan, and PRACTICE using the plan. Utilize the resources below to develop your plan.

Disaster Recovery

For Local Governments

After an act of terrorism, nuclear disaster, or hazardous spill, enact and follow your locality’s Hazard Mitigation Plan and any Emergency Response Procedures. Once it is safe to do so, the following steps can be used to guide you through the disaster recovery process:

  • Follow the direction provided in your locality’s Hazard Mitigation Plan for how to address Cultural and Historic Resources that are damaged by technology-driven disasters.
    • If your locality’s Hazard Mitigation Plan does not address Cultural and Historic Resources, continue following the recommended steps below.
  • Identify resources that have been damaged by the disaster.
    • This may be accomplished through a survey (conducted by locality staff and/or professional consultants), and/or through property owner submissions
    • Cross reference the list of damaged resources with your locality’s list of historic resources protected by easement and/or listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and/or the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Create a checklist, or use this sample, to help guide your locality’s actions following a disaster.
  • Share information and resources with your community for what to do with their historic properties following a terrorist attack, nuclear disaster, or hazardous spill.
    • Types of information and resources could include: checklists, recommended professionals, or opportunities for assistance.
  • Identify state/ federal opportunities for disaster recovery assistance for historic resources. Contact DHR and/or submit information using the Disaster Recovery Survey Form.

 

For Museums and Cultural Institutions

In the event of a terrorist attack, nuclear disaster, or hazardous spill, cultural institutions and museums should follow safety guidelines from their locality and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management:

Once it has been determined that it is safe to return to your facility, the following steps can be taken to begin the recovery process:

  • Assess the impact and any damage to the facility. Ensure it is safe to access.
  • Document any damage to facility, collections, and/or exhibit spaces.
  • Implement your organization’s Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan.

Resources

See the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s website for information on what to do during an act of terrorism, nuclear disaster, or hazardous spill:

State and Federal agencies to contact post-disaster for assistance:

FEMA Technological Hazards Resource and Reference Library: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/hazardous-response-capabilities/resource-library

US Army Corps of Engineers: Antiterrorism Measures for Historic Properties: https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA594302.pdf

NPS Preservation Briefs (full list): https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/preservation-briefs.htm

NCPTT Disaster Preparedness and Recovery of Cultural Resources: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/ncptt/disaster-preparedness-and-recovery-of-cultural-resources.htm

Property Owners

I am a property owner:

Is my property designated as historic?

  • Not all old buildings and structures are considered historic. When evaluating if a resource is historic the following criteria are considered:
    • Is the resource at least 50 years old?
    • Does it have integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association?
    • Does it have significance in history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and/or culture?
  • Is it individually listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register or National Register of Historic Places?
    • Not sure? Click HERE to search for your property.
  • Is it protected by an historic preservation easement?
    • Not sure? Click HERE for information on easements and how to determine if your property is protected by an historic preservation easement.
  • Is it within a local historic district and/or locally recognized as an historic resource?
    • Not sure? Click HERE to search for your neighborhood, or contact your local officials.

Is there survey data held by DHR on the property?

  • While this does not mean a property is historic, it is useful to know if your property has been part of an historic resource survey. Data from an historic resource survey creates a record of the property’s conditions and known history and can assist with disaster planning and recovery.
  • Not sure? Click HERE to search the VCRIS Map Viewer for your property, or contact VDHR.
  • If you would like to provide information on an unrecorded resource, contact DHR’s Architectural Survey Manager, Mae Tilley: mae.tilley@dhr.virginia.gov; 804-482-6086

Disaster Preparedness

Unlike some disasters, there are no advanced warnings for most technology-driven disasters. However, there are still things a property owner can do regularly and routinely that can help prepare their property in the event of a technology-related disaster.

Depending on the severity of the terrorism, nuclear disaster, or hazardous spill, a range of damage levels may occur to a property. Common types of damage include (but are not limited to):

      Structural Damage or Collapse

Depending on the severity and type of the technology-related disaster, different levels of damage may occur to a property. Terrorist attacks can come in many forms, but those involving intentional vehicular assault or explosive devices can cause the most damage to buildings. Large, high-speed vehicles and powerful explosives can inflict severe damage to buildings, destroying critical support infrastructure and potentially leading to the collapse of the building. Cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, such as power grids and industrial control systems, can lead to widespread property damage. These attacks can take control and manipulate automated systems to cause equipment malfunctions and further damage.

Fires

Fires resulting from technology-related disasters can lead to significant damage to a property. Terrorist attacks involving some explosions can often lead to fires igniting flammable materials causing further damage after the attack. Also, some machinery require flammable substances to run, such as gasoline or oil, that are susceptible to igniting during an equipment malfunction. Infrastructure damage can lead to exposure or damage to utility lines like electrical or gas pipes, increasing the risk of a possible fire. Older buildings and those comprised mostly of wood materials are at a higher risk of catching fire from technology-related disasters.

Contamination & Public Safety

Technological disasters often cause damage to property, but also pose a significant threat to public health and safety. Hazardous material spills pose another serious threat, often containing harmful biological or chemical agents capable of causing disease or burns. These biological or chemical agents may also have detrimental impacts to building materials. They can also cause prolonged contamination, preventing access to a building due to the unsafe substances.

To ensure historic materials are handled and repaired appropriately, consult the National Park Service (NPS) Preservation Briefs that apply to the damaged material for guidance on preservation best practices: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/preservation-briefs.htm.

Use the VDHR Disaster Planning Checklist to help prepare your property for disasters.

Although you don’t have advanced warnings for most technology-driven disasters, this checklist could be used for regular/periodic checks of a home to help better prepare it in the event of terrorism, nuclear disasters, or hazardous spills. It is recommended that property owners complete these checks (including updating supplies and other emergency preparedness actions) at least once a year.

Periodically document the conditions of your property; this will allow for comparisons/repairs/etc. post-disaster if an unanticipated disaster such as a terrorist attack, nuclear disaster, or hazardous spill.

Inquire with your homeowner’s insurance company about whether additional coverage or riders are available for technological disasters, such as cyberattacks or infrastructure failures. Review your insurance policy annually to make sure you have adequate coverage in the event of a disaster.

Disaster Recovery

In the event of a technology-related disaster, property owners should follow safety guidelines from their locality and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management:

Once it has been determined that it is safe to return to your property, the following steps can be taken to begin the recovery process:

  • Contact local officials to inquire about recovery efforts
  • Document damage to your property; if damage is severe, and/or if there are safety concerns, have a professional assess your property and document.
    • Note: health and safety should be prioritized during the recovery process. Return to your property and documentation should occur only if health and safety concerns have been properly addressed. Consult a professional for additional guidance as needed.
  • Use the VDHR Checklist to help guide you through the recovery process.
  • If your property is historic, provide pre- and post-disaster photos and damage information to VDHR by contacting Megan Melinat (megan.melinat@dhr.viginia.gov; 804-482-6455) and/or submit information using the Disaster Recovery Survey Tool
    • If your property is located in a locally-designated historic district, contact local officials to determine whether a certificate of appropriateness is required.
  • Do not throw away any broken/ damaged components of your building/property. These may be able to be repaired, reused and/or referenced to replace materials and features in-kind.
  • Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to report any damage and file a claim if necessary. Ask about any documentation they require before you begin clean-up or repair work.

Resources

For post-disaster assistance, contact: Megan Melinat (megan.melinat@dhr.virginia.gov; 804-482-6455)

For information about what to do during an act of terrorism, nuclear disaster, or hazardous spill, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s websites below:

Pre-and Post-Disaster Checklists: https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/pdf_files/SandyGrant/Checklists_for_Officials_Homeowners.pdf

FEMA Technological Hazards Resource and Reference Library: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/hazardous-response-capabilities/resource-library

US Army Corps of Engineers: Antiterrorism Measures for Historic Properties: https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA594302.pdf

NPS Preservation Briefs (full list): https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/preservation-briefs.htm

NCPTT Disaster Preparedness and Recovery of Cultural Resources: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/ncptt/disaster-preparedness-and-recovery-of-cultural-resources.htm

[i] United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, “Hazard,” https://www.undrr.org/terminology/hazard (accessed 6 June 2024); United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, “Operating Nuclear Power Reactors,” https://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactors/index.html (accessed 6 June 2024); Virginia Department of Emergency Management, “Active Shooter,” https://www.vaemergency.gov/threats/active-shooter (accessed 6 June 2024).