CBS News in New York reports many storm victims are experiencing medical problems. Some of the common ailments include injuries from clean up and repair, asthma, rashes, sore throats, nausea, breathing problems and lung infections.

As Hurricane Sandy comes ashore a Reality Check is helpful in understanding the characteristics and effects of a storm surge. We have all seen damage, heard harrowing stories, and seen the number of deaths that follow.  Hurricane Sandy is predicted to create a surge between 6 and 12 feet in many places. What does this actually mean?

Above: flooding in Atlantic City

 As Hurricane Sandy churns south of Cuba, the U.S. east coast needs to be alert.

Many of us take regular medication. Should a disaster strike, we may not be able to get to a pharmacy the day we run out. A wise investment would be to buy one, or two months medication ahead, and then keep reordering and rotating your medication.

Over $5 million dollars was donated to a designated fund,  “The Aurora Victim Relief Fund” after the Colorado theater shooting. The fund has reportedly sent checks for $5,000 to each family to assist with expenses. In addition $100,000 was distributed to non-profit organizations.

Mike Marshall was home with his family that Tuesday night, July 31, when the microburst hit Anthem.  His wife was supposed to meet a friend, but it was obvious conditions were getting dangerous outside.  And just as she was cancelling her plans, Mike was packing a bag and getting ready to head out the door. As the community leader for ReadyAnthem, Mike’s job and passion is to help churches rally together and coordinate their efforts in order to respond to disasters, no matter how big or small.  And not surprisingly, as he was leaving, he got a call from his ReadyAnthem team.  “There has been a lot of damage.  We need help.”

ReadyAnthem is a group of churches in the Anthem community that has intentionally set up a response network.  These churches have decided that they can best take care of their community and show Christ’s love for others by working together instead of independently.  When Sheriff’s Deputy Coleman was shot and killed this past January, local area churches banded together in an effort to comfort the community and support their local first responders.