What social and natural factors contribute to a disaster? Objective 1. To analyze the reasons people shrug off the potential for disasters such as the Johnstown flood; 2. To outline the circumstances that caused the flood and to explain how it could have been prevented; 3. To use maps and photographs as well as the written record to analyze a historical event 4. To describe humanitarian responses to such disasters; 5. To research local history to see if any disasters have occurred in their region. Preparation On June 1, 1889, newspapers across the country bore huge headlines announcing that on Duration: 90 Minutes.