My perception of disaster has been of course influenced to a considerable extent by film and movies portrayals. Firstly, films give me the perception that, upon the strikes of disaster, people behave in erratic manner. The Dante’s Peak, for instance, in its relay of the story of the Northwestern US volcanic eruption, when community leaders held a meeting in efforts to calm the public following several deaths due to dangerous volcanic gasses’ emissions, an earthquake happens and as a result, the gathering population panic. People ran haphazardly, trucks and cars ran into each other, since the occupants were driving frantically to avoid the falling ash and oozing lava. The roads got clogged as people did all they could to protect themselves while abandoning the wants of their fellows (Dante's Peak -- Movie Review #JPMN).
Secondly, movies show that looting and theft are common practices during disaster occurrences. Volcano, which is a disaster movie, for example, portrays an amusing, though not a realistic view of the behavior of humans in extreme circumstances. When the volcano became active during Dr. Amy’s investigation of the source of the poisonous gasses underground, she then moves out of the hole to protect herself. Shortly, her breathing apparatus is grabbed by a bystander, who then ran off with it (Volcano (5/5) Movie CLIP).
Thirdly, violence and lawlessness seems to be a norm during disaster evacuations. Asteroid, for example, as people were leaving the target area after the government decided to evacuate them following the realization that the US was due to be hit by an asteroid, one individual became irate and shot an FEMA personnel.
Every disaster apparently requires a particular way of reacting to it. Before I do anything, I would quickly analyze the context of the disaster to offer it the safest reaction. In earthquakes, for instance, I would completely avoid entrance to any building however safe it might look. In indoor chemical spills circumstances, I would close all ventilation systems and go into a secure room, above the ground. In a car, I would shut down windows, and the AC system. Having a family emergency plan would also help in knowing how to react in disaster situations.
References
Dante's Peak -- Movie Review #JPMN. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3goOCtcq0r0
Volcano (5/5) Movie CLIP - It's Gonna Blow! (1997) HD. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD0k2oB61h0
