EXCLUSIVE I've spent years studying natural disasters... here's how likely an apocalyptic-level event really is

Daily Mail​

16 hours ago

A man who has spent years studying natural disasters has revealed how likely an apocalyptic-level event really is.
With doomsday shows and movies like The Last Of Us, Don't Look Up, and 28 Years Later taking over screens, many people are often left wondering: can something like that really happen?
Thankfully, expert Anthony Finchum, 31, from Omaha, Nebraska, broke down the chances of an incident occurring in our lifetime that will wipe out the human race.
And he explained that while it may make for good cinema, the chances of an event like that really happening are actually pretty slim.
'So this is a difficult question to answer. In practice, there are very few ways that an actual apocalyptic level event could happen,' he explained.
Anthony, who runs the Disastrous History podcast, said a 'giant hurricane or wildfire' destroying the entire planet is not possible.
And while he explained that things like a 'pandemic, asteroid impact, large volcanic eruption, or unregulated climate change' could potentially end our existence, he added that a lot of 'factors would have to align' for it to reach an apocalyptic level.
'Something like a giant hurricane or a giant wildfire or something along those lines is impossible,' he said.
With doomsday shows and movies like The Last Of Us and 28 Years Later taking over screens, many people are often left wondering: can something like that really happen?
'There are upper limits on the strength of just about every disaster based on what the earth's atmosphere can handle weather wise and things of that nature.
'The primary [ways the world could end] are pandemic, asteroid impact, a large volcanic eruption, and unregulated climate change.
'But [to reach] the level of apocalyptic, there's a vanishingly small chance because so many precise factors have to align in order for one to occur.'
Originally from Indiana, Anthony has lived through several natural disasters, including several tornadoes and blizzards as well as one 'derecho,' which is an intense wind storm.
In addition, throughout his career as a first responder and fire investigator, he has assisted in numerous rescues during hurricanes, tornadoes and fires.
He explained to the Daily Mail that he has 'always had an interest' in understanding how and why they occur.
He would lay in bed at night researching and reading obsessively on past disastrous events, wracking up unrivaled knowledge on the topic.
All of that led to him launching his Disastrous History podcast in 2020, where he uses his knowledge to instruct others on what to do if they find themselves facing a natural disaster.
'I really wanted to educate people that yes, these are bad but they are survivable and recovery is always possible,' he explained.
'I have found that breaking these things down into small and manageable pieces makes them seem less scary as they are happening and give people a way to react properly in a stressful situation.
'I feel that understanding the disasters of the past helps us to grow and prevent disasters of all types from happening in the future.'
He also shared vital tips to surviving tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and fires exclusively with the Daily Mail.
For tornadoes, he said the 'best option' is to head down to the basement, and if you don't have one, then he suggested bunkering down in the 'most center section of your home.'
'A tornado has unlimited energy but only a finite time to use it,' he explained. 'The more you barriers you can put between yourself and a tornado the better.
'When you are in a tornado watch, its time to get things together, hard soled shoes, flashlights, first aid kit, charge your phones, things like that so you're ready in case you have to take shelter quickly.'
As for hurricanes, Anthony said the way you react depends on where you are located. And if you live near a beach, he explained that 'evacuation is your best option.'
In practice, there are very few ways that an actual apocalyptic level event could happen,' he explained. He's seen with his family
'Storm surge and flooding is the main cause of death in hurricanes,' he shared.
'Because warning time for hurricanes is so long, the best option will always be to simply not be there anymore.
'If that is not an option, sheltering from high winds is similar to a tornado. Get to an interior room without windows.
'If flooding becomes a concern go to the highest available floor without going into the attic. Going into the attic could cause you to become trapped with no escape.'
If an earthquake hits, the expert said you should 'place yourself under the sturdiest furniture you can find and protect your head and neck.'
He also stated that despite contrary belief, it is not recommended to 'stand in a doorway.'
Lastly, if your house has caught fire or if there's a wildfire nearby, Anthony suggested you get as far away as possible.
'Get out. Whether it is a building fire or wildfire, your best option for survival is simply to not be there anymore,' he said.
'If it is a building fire, make sure to stay low and move quickly. Smoke will build along the ceiling first with relatively clean air down low which will allow for quick and safe escape.
'As far as wildfires, as soon as you have an evacuation order, it is time to go.'
Anthony and his wife, Kaitlin, 35, recently launched a new charity called Stuffie Strong, which brings toys to children who have endured a natural disaster.
'Our goal is to provide kids that have been through various disasters a new stuffed animal to help them get through it,' he explained.
'Often in the aftermath, parents and adults are focused on the necessities, ie. food, clothing, shelter, toiletries, those kinds of things.
'Kids are shunted around without anything to comfort them after having lost everything they've ever known.'
In the end, he said he hopes that he can help as many people as he can through both his charity and by sharing his knowledge.