According to the CDCP® Preparation Guide, a natural disaster is a catastrophic event that is caused by natural forces and has a significant impact on human lives, property, and environment. Hurricanes are examples of natural disasters, as they are powerful storms that form over warm ocean waters and produce strong winds, heavy rain, storm surges, and flooding. Grid failure, blackouts, and human error are not natural disasters, but rather man-made or technological disasters that result from failures or errors in human systems or activities.