• Unusual vehicles may be required during a national disaster.luxury car - model toy car image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com
  
  Natural disasters can be devastating to a community. Many times local centers for emergency response are stretched to their limits in attempts to reach all that need them. When you think of a typical local emergency you expect help from the fire department, police, and emergency medical services, but after a natural disaster many more factors must be considered. Debris blocking roadways, downed communication lines, and lack of power mean some more unusual vehicles may be needed. These vehicles provide transportation for the injured to safety and provide health, nutrition and communication needs that are usually unavailable at that time.
  
  

In the Air

• In natural disaster relief often the first step is to have a way for outside assistance to reach the affected area. Helicopters and cargo planes have been used in recent disaster relief efforts and have become essential in transporting supplies and evacuating people from disaster areas.
  
  

Traveling on the Ground

• Trucks and all-terrain vehicles are best used on the ground to facilitate transportation of emergency personnel and equipment. Trucks are more ideal for movement in most areas as there may be a lot of debris to drive over. Depending on the climate and terrain, options for ground transport may vary factoring in snow, ice, mud and water surroundings.
  
  

Moving Over the Water

• After a flood, one of the things people realize quickly is that clean water is a vital part of survival. Vehicles equipped to establish temporary water stations are needed. Ferries and boat transportation to non-affected areas can help reduce the strain of the relief efforts and can be used as a way of transporting supplies.
  
  

Fire and Debris Hurdles

• Fire response vehicles are another vital part of disaster relief. Downed power lines and fires created from lightening strikes can flare up quickly, so a dedicated response unit likely teamed with a unit to remove debris and blockage on main transport routes will be needed.
  
  

Medical and Communication Needs

• Ambulances, communication vans and mobile medical treatment units are key after a disaster strikes. These vehicles usually have satellites, phones, and medical supplies. These vehicles are able to organize much needed medical assistance and manage transportation of the injured and sick to outside help.