Natural DisastersNatural Disastersand how to and how to

PreparePrepare

Types of Natural DisastersTypes of Natural Disasters

TornadoesTornadoes HurricanesHurricanes EarthquakesEarthquakes Volcanoes Volcanoes FloodsFloods TsunamisTsunamis Winter StormsWinter Storms WildfiresWildfires

TornadoeTornadoess

Rotating, Rotating, funnelfunnel-shaped clouds from powerful -shaped clouds from powerful thunderstormsthunderstorms

Winds up to Winds up to 300300 MPH capable of producing MPH capable of producing major damagemajor damage

Click here to grow a Click here to grow a Tornado.Tornado.

Now the Lingo….Now the Lingo…. Tornado Watch Tornado Watch – A tornado is – A tornado is

possible. Stay informed (t.v., text, possible. Stay informed (t.v., text, radio) about the weather and be radio) about the weather and be prepared.prepared.

Tornado Warning Tornado Warning – A tornado has – A tornado has been seen on the ground or by the been seen on the ground or by the computer. Take shelter immediately. computer. Take shelter immediately.

Tornado Tornado PreparationPreparation

9: 9: Watch Out for Fire HazardsWatch Out for Fire Hazards

8: In Your Car8: In Your Car Do Do NOTNOT try to outrun the storm. It's faster than your try to outrun the storm. It's faster than your

car is. Get out of your car and try to get inside a car is. Get out of your car and try to get inside a buildingbuilding or head toward the or head toward the lowestlowest area, preferably area, preferably a ditch away from heavy objects. Lie down flat and a ditch away from heavy objects. Lie down flat and cover your head with your arms, and don't get up cover your head with your arms, and don't get up until you know the funnel has passed.until you know the funnel has passed.

7: In a Public Building7: In a Public Building Go to the Go to the smallestsmallest room, like a closet, bathroom or room, like a closet, bathroom or

interior hallway with interior hallway with nono windows in the room and windows in the room and nono heavy objects overhead. The heavy objects overhead. The basementbasement is the safest is the safest place during a tornado so get down to the lowest place during a tornado so get down to the lowest floor as quickly and safely as you can.floor as quickly and safely as you can.

6: In a Mobile Home6: In a Mobile Home They aren't anchored to the ground and can easily be They aren't anchored to the ground and can easily be

thrownthrown by a large twister. by a large twister.  NeverNever stay in your mobile stay in your mobile home if a tornado threatens your property. Go home if a tornado threatens your property. Go immediately to a prearranged shelter and get to the immediately to a prearranged shelter and get to the lowestlowest room room withoutwithout windows. If you don't have such a windows. If you don't have such a shelter, go outside as a last resort and lie flat on the shelter, go outside as a last resort and lie flat on the ground at the lowest point, preferably in a ditch. This ground at the lowest point, preferably in a ditch. This may seem crazy, but you won't think so when you see may seem crazy, but you won't think so when you see your mobile home being relocated by a funnel cloud.your mobile home being relocated by a funnel cloud.

5: Assume the Position5: Assume the Position Get Get underunder the largest and sturdiest piece of furniture the largest and sturdiest piece of furniture

you can find. Get into a tight ball on the you can find. Get into a tight ball on the floorfloor and cover and cover your your headhead with your arms, locking your hands together. with your arms, locking your hands together. Door frames are the next best thing to a heavy table. Door frames are the next best thing to a heavy table. The framework of the door offers more support than the The framework of the door offers more support than the interior ceiling.interior ceiling.

4: Keep Away from 4: Keep Away from WindowsWindows Get well away from any windows or glass.Get well away from any windows or glass.  If they are blown out If they are blown out

they will send chunks of glass they will send chunks of glass flyingflying as fast as 300 plus miles as fast as 300 plus miles per hour. If you have no option to avoid windows, cover yourself per hour. If you have no option to avoid windows, cover yourself with a heavy blanket and assume the position mentioned in the with a heavy blanket and assume the position mentioned in the previous tip.previous tip.

3: Know Your Terminology3: Know Your Terminology There's a big difference between a tornado watch and a tornado There's a big difference between a tornado watch and a tornado

warning. "warning. "WatchWatch" may sound like you should look out for a " may sound like you should look out for a twister speeding your way, but it's actually the twister speeding your way, but it's actually the lesserlesser, initial , initial alert. It means that conditions are favorable for the formation of alert. It means that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado. You don't need to run to your basement, but it's not a a tornado. You don't need to run to your basement, but it's not a bad idea to get your plan together.bad idea to get your plan together.

A "A "warningwarning" actually means that a tornado has been " actually means that a tornado has been spottedspotted in in your area. This means it's time for action, and you should your area. This means it's time for action, and you should immediately take shelter.immediately take shelter.

2: Practice Makes Perfect2: Practice Makes Perfect The best way to ensure that you and your family are The best way to ensure that you and your family are

prepared for a tornado is to run through your prepared for a tornado is to run through your emergency routine from time to time. emergency routine from time to time.

1: Emergency Kit1: Emergency Kit Prep an emergency kit for the event of a tornado. Prep an emergency kit for the event of a tornado.

Give yourself at least three Give yourself at least three daysdays of supplies, and of supplies, and don't forget to account for your pets. Bottled water, don't forget to account for your pets. Bottled water, nonperishable foods, a first-aid kit and a flashlight nonperishable foods, a first-aid kit and a flashlight are all mandatory. Also include a multi-tool, matches are all mandatory. Also include a multi-tool, matches and lighters, a battery-powered radio and a whistle. and lighters, a battery-powered radio and a whistle. Don't forget some extra batteries, a can opener and Don't forget some extra batteries, a can opener and any prescription drugs you and your family would any prescription drugs you and your family would need. It's also a good idea to stash some cash, a copy need. It's also a good idea to stash some cash, a copy of your credit cards and you insurance information, in of your credit cards and you insurance information, in case everything else above you is blown away.case everything else above you is blown away.

HurricaneHurricaness Massive severe storms occurring in the Massive severe storms occurring in the tropicstropics

Winds greater than 75 MPHWinds greater than 75 MPH Clouds & winds spin around the Clouds & winds spin around the eyeeye Produce heavy rains, high winds, large waves, Produce heavy rains, high winds, large waves,

and spin-off and spin-off tornadoestornadoes

Click here to Click here to make a make a hurricane.hurricane.

Hurricane Hurricane PreparationsPreparationsWhat can you do?What can you do?

Watch the local Watch the local weatherweather. They will tell you exactly what to do in case of . They will tell you exactly what to do in case of a hurricane.a hurricane.

Disaster meeting place:Disaster meeting place: Ask your family to decide on a meeting Ask your family to decide on a meeting placeplace in case you get separated in case you get separated

during a disaster. Choose an out-of-town relative or friend who you can during a disaster. Choose an out-of-town relative or friend who you can check in with to say you're OK.check in with to say you're OK.

Get the house ready:Get the house ready: Help get the Help get the househouse ready by picking up loose items in the yard, covering ready by picking up loose items in the yard, covering

windows with 5/8 inch marine plywood, removing roof antennas and windows with 5/8 inch marine plywood, removing roof antennas and turning off utilities. turning off utilities.

Disaster supply kit: Disaster supply kit: Make sure your family has a disaster supply Make sure your family has a disaster supply kitkit assembled and ready to assembled and ready to

use. use.

Pets:Pets: Find a place for them to Find a place for them to staystay if you have to evacuate your if you have to evacuate your

home. Make sure this safe place is home. Make sure this safe place is outsideoutside the evacuated the evacuated area. If your family plans to stay in a public shelter, you will area. If your family plans to stay in a public shelter, you will have to keep your pets somewhere else. Pets are not have to keep your pets somewhere else. Pets are not allowed in emergency shelters, expect service animals.allowed in emergency shelters, expect service animals.

Talk about it!Talk about it! A hurricane can be a scary thing! If you're scared or have A hurricane can be a scary thing! If you're scared or have

questions, be sure to questions, be sure to talktalk about it with a trusted adult. about it with a trusted adult.

Keep TrackKeep Track Download a Download a hurricane tracking chart (703k PDF) from (703k PDF) from

NOAA. When a hurricane forms, you can follow its course by NOAA. When a hurricane forms, you can follow its course by listening to the news or checking listening to the news or checking NOAA's hurricane site and and you can plot it on the chart.you can plot it on the chart.

You can also visit NOAA's COMET You can also visit NOAA's COMET Create-a-cane and and Aim a Hurricane pages to learn more about this powerful pages to learn more about this powerful weather phenomenon.weather phenomenon.

EarthquakesEarthquakes

Shaking caused by Shaking caused by slippingslipping of plates in the of plates in the earth’s crustearth’s crust

Occur along Occur along faultfaults – borders between two s – borders between two platesplates

ExperimentExperimentRichter Scale ActivityRichter Scale Activity

Know the Lingo…Know the Lingo…EPICENTER - The point on the earth's surface directly above

the source of the earthquake.

SEISMIC WAVES - The energy created by the quake travels in waves from the epicenter. The waves shake buildings, structures and the earth!

RICHTER SCALE - A measurement of an earthquake's intensity. Each one-point increase on the scale indicates ten times the amount of shaking and 33 times the amount of energy. May be equal to 10,000 times the energy of the first atomic bomb.

Preparing for EarthquakesPreparing for Earthquakes BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE:BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE: Have a disaster Have a disaster planplan. .

Choose a safe place in every room. It’s best to get Choose a safe place in every room. It’s best to get underunder a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or a desk where a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or a desk where nothing can fall on you. Practice nothing can fall on you. Practice DROPDROP, , COVERCOVER AND AND HOLD HOLD ONON! Drop under something sturdy, hold on, and protect ! Drop under something sturdy, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If you your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If you live in an earthquake prone area, bolt tall furniture to the live in an earthquake prone area, bolt tall furniture to the wall and install strong latches to cupboards. Prepare an wall and install strong latches to cupboards. Prepare an emergency survival kit for your home. emergency survival kit for your home.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: DROPDROP, , COVERCOVER AND AND HOLD ONHOLD ON! Stay indoors until the shaking stops. ! Stay indoors until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows. If you’re in bed, hold on Stay away from windows. If you’re in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow. If you’re outdoors, find a clear spot away pillow. If you’re outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines. Then, drop from buildings, trees and power lines. Then, drop to the ground. If you’re in a car, slow down and to the ground. If you’re in a car, slow down and drive to a safe place. Stay in the car until the drive to a safe place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops. shaking stops.

AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS:AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS: Check for Check for injuriesinjuries. Inspect your home for damage. Eliminate . Inspect your home for damage. Eliminate firefire hazards, so turn off the gas if you think its hazards, so turn off the gas if you think its leaking. Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel leaking. Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.one, DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.

VolcanoesVolcanoes

More than More than 500500 active volcanoes in the world active volcanoes in the world PressurePressure builds below the earth’s surface builds below the earth’s surface

producing eruptions of lava, rock, and producing eruptions of lava, rock, and volcanic gasesvolcanic gases

Build A VolcanoBuild A Volcano

Volcano ActivityVolcano Activity

Know the Lingo….Know the Lingo….MAGMA - Magma is the liquid rock inside a volcano.

LAVA - Lava is the liquid rock (magma) that flows out of a volcano. Lava glows red hot to white hot as it flows.

GEYSERS - Geysers are springs that throw boiling water high in the air. They are caused by volcanic heat warming trapped ground water.

ASH - Ash are very small fragments of lava or rock blasted into the air by volcanic explosions.

PUMICE - It is a light-colored volcanic rock containing lots of bubbles from trapped gases.

Preparing for a Preparing for a VolcanoVolcanoPLAN FOR A VOLCANO:PLAN FOR A VOLCANO: First of all, have a First of all, have a

disaster disaster planplan and know whether or not you and know whether or not you are at risk for danger. Be prepared for are at risk for danger. Be prepared for mudslides, flash floods, earthquakes, ash mudslides, flash floods, earthquakes, ash falling, acid rain and tsunamis. Prepare a falling, acid rain and tsunamis. Prepare a disaster supplies disaster supplies kitkit for your home and car. for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing, dust radio, flashlight, protective clothing, dust mask, goggles and sturdy shoes. Don't mask, goggles and sturdy shoes. Don't forget, know all of your evacuation routes.forget, know all of your evacuation routes.

DURING A VOLCANO:DURING A VOLCANO: Follow the evacuation Follow the evacuation orderorder issued by authorities. issued by authorities. AvoidAvoid areas downwind and river areas downwind and river valleys downstream of the volcano. If you’re caught valleys downstream of the volcano. If you’re caught indoors, close all windows and doors, put machinery indoors, close all windows and doors, put machinery inside a barn, and bring animals inside. If you’re inside a barn, and bring animals inside. If you’re trapped outdoors, seek shelter indoors. If you’re trapped outdoors, seek shelter indoors. If you’re caught in falling rocks, roll into a ball and protect your caught in falling rocks, roll into a ball and protect your headhead. If you’re caught near a stream, be aware of . If you’re caught near a stream, be aware of mudflows and move to higher ground. Protect yourself mudflows and move to higher ground. Protect yourself when ash falls by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long when ash falls by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use goggles to protect your eyes. Wear a dust pants. Use goggles to protect your eyes. Wear a dust mask and keep car engines off. mask and keep car engines off.

AFTER A VOLCANO:AFTER A VOLCANO: CoverCover your mouth and nose. your mouth and nose. Volcanic ash can irritate your respiratory system. Volcanic ash can irritate your respiratory system. Wear Wear gogglesgoggles and protect your eyes. Keep your and protect your eyes. Keep your skinskin covered. Clear roofs of ash, because the ash is very covered. Clear roofs of ash, because the ash is very heavy and can cause the building to collapse.heavy and can cause the building to collapse.

FloodsFloods

Result from heavy Result from heavy rainsrains May involve rivers overflowing, storm May involve rivers overflowing, storm

surge/ocean waves, & dams or levees surge/ocean waves, & dams or levees breakingbreaking

Most Most commoncommon natural hazard natural hazard Flashfloods = floods that happen very Flashfloods = floods that happen very fastfast

Make it Rain Make it Rain ActivityActivity

Know the Lingo….Know the Lingo….FLOOD WATCH - means that an overflow of water from a

river is possible for your area.

FLASH FLOOD WATCH - means that flash flooding is possible in or close to the watch area. Flash Flood Watches can be put into effect for as long as 12 hours, while heavy rains move into and across the area.

FLOOD WARNING - means flooding conditions are actually occurring in the warning area.

FLASH FLOOD WARNING - means that flash flooding is actually occurring in the warning area. A warning can also be issued as a result of torrential rains, a dam failure or snow thaw.

Flood PreparationsFlood PreparationsBEFORE A FLOOD:BEFORE A FLOOD: Have a disaster Have a disaster planplan and and

prepare a disaster supplies prepare a disaster supplies kitkit for your home for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food, and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food, can opener, bottled water, battery-operated can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water. electricity, gas, and water.

DURING A FLOOD:DURING A FLOOD: Move to a safe area quickly. Move to Move to a safe area quickly. Move to higherhigher ground, like the highest floor of your home. ground, like the highest floor of your home. AvoidAvoid areas subject to sudden flooding like low spots areas subject to sudden flooding like low spots and canyons. Avoid already flooded areas. If a flowing and canyons. Avoid already flooded areas. If a flowing stream of water is above your ankles stop, turn around stream of water is above your ankles stop, turn around and go the other way. Do and go the other way. Do notnot attempt to drive through attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of the water is not obvious a flooded road. The depth of the water is not obvious and the road may be washed away. If your car stalls, and the road may be washed away. If your car stalls, leave it and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water leave it and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the car, pick it up and sweep it away. Kids may engulf the car, pick it up and sweep it away. Kids should never play around high water, storm drains or should never play around high water, storm drains or viaducts. Be cautious at night, because its harder to viaducts. Be cautious at night, because its harder to see flood dangers. If told to evacuate, do so see flood dangers. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. immediately.

AFTER THE FLOOD:AFTER THE FLOOD: Always, Always, boilboil drinking water. drinking water. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before used.before used.

TsunamisTsunamis

Form as a result of Form as a result of earthquakesearthquakes under the under the oceanocean

Waves grow Waves grow tallertaller as they reach the coast as they reach the coast Over Over 200,000200,000 people killed in the 12/26/05 people killed in the 12/26/05

Indian Ocean tsunamiIndian Ocean tsunami

Tsunami ClipTsunami Clip

Tsunami Tsunami PreparednessPreparednessPLAN FOR A TSUNAMI:PLAN FOR A TSUNAMI:

Have a disaster Have a disaster planplan. . Know whether you’re at risk for danger. Know whether you’re at risk for danger. Plan an evacuation route. Plan an evacuation route. Prepare a disaster supplies Prepare a disaster supplies kitkit for your home and for your home and

car. car.

DURING A TSUNAMI:DURING A TSUNAMI: Follow the instructions issued by Follow the instructions issued by locallocal authorities. authorities. You will probably want to evacuate immediately. You will probably want to evacuate immediately. Get to Get to higherhigher ground and as far inland as you can. ground and as far inland as you can.

AFTER A TSUNAMI:AFTER A TSUNAMI: HelpHelp injured or trapped people. injured or trapped people. Stay out of a building if water remains Stay out of a building if water remains

around it. Tsunami waters can cause around it. Tsunami waters can cause buildings to sink, floors to crack, or walls buildings to sink, floors to crack, or walls to collapse. to collapse.

When re-entering homes, use extreme When re-entering homes, use extreme cautioncaution. .

Check for Check for gasgas leaks. leaks. Open windows and doors to help dry Open windows and doors to help dry

things out. things out. Look for Look for firefire hazards. hazards.

WildfiresWildfires

Occur in forests, grasslands, and wooded Occur in forests, grasslands, and wooded areasareas

Most common causes: Most common causes: lightning lightning and and humanhuman accidentsaccidents

Fire Escape Plan

Know the Lingo….Know the Lingo…. SURFACE FIRESSURFACE FIRES - The most common type of wildfires, they move - The most common type of wildfires, they move

slowly and burn along the forest floor, killing and damaging slowly and burn along the forest floor, killing and damaging vegetation.vegetation.

GROUND FIRESGROUND FIRES - These are usually started by lightning. They - These are usually started by lightning. They burn on or below the forest floor through the root system.burn on or below the forest floor through the root system.

CROWN FIRESCROWN FIRES - These fires spread by wind moving quickly along - These fires spread by wind moving quickly along the tops of trees.the tops of trees.

SANTA ANA WINDSSANTA ANA WINDS - "Santa Ana" is the name given to the gusty - "Santa Ana" is the name given to the gusty northeast or east wind that occurs in Southern California during northeast or east wind that occurs in Southern California during the fall and winter months. Santa Ana winds are often hot and very the fall and winter months. Santa Ana winds are often hot and very dry, greatly aggravating the fire danger in forests and bush lands.dry, greatly aggravating the fire danger in forests and bush lands.

Preparing for WildfiresPreparing for Wildfires BEFORE A WILDFIRE:BEFORE A WILDFIRE: Have a disaster Have a disaster planplan. Know whether . Know whether

you’re in a wildfire prone area. Plant fire resistant shrubs and you’re in a wildfire prone area. Plant fire resistant shrubs and trees around your home. Have a garden hose that is long trees around your home. Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach around your home. Prepare a disaster enough to reach around your home. Prepare a disaster supplies supplies kitkit for your home and car. Always pay attention to for your home and car. Always pay attention to local news for the latest information and instructions for your local news for the latest information and instructions for your area. area.

DURING A WILDFIRE:DURING A WILDFIRE: If you’re advised to evacuate then do If you’re advised to evacuate then do so so immediatelyimmediately. Wear protective clothing and lock your . Wear protective clothing and lock your home. Tell someone you left and where you are going. home. Tell someone you left and where you are going. Choose a safe route away from fire hazards. Watch for Choose a safe route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke. changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

AFTER A WILDFIRE:AFTER A WILDFIRE: Stay Stay away away from wildfire areas until it is from wildfire areas until it is safe. safe.

AssignmentAssignment Using what you have just learned, choose the Using what you have just learned, choose the

natural disaster that interests you the most.natural disaster that interests you the most. Family Disaster PlanFamily Disaster Plan: Imagine that the : Imagine that the

disaster you have chosen is about to strike disaster you have chosen is about to strike your town. How would your family prepare? your town. How would your family prepare? Think about the preparations that you could Think about the preparations that you could make to help protect your family. Fill out the make to help protect your family. Fill out the Family Emergency Plan information at home. Family Emergency Plan information at home.

Disaster Supply KitDisaster Supply Kit:: Think about the Think about the materials and supplies that would help your materials and supplies that would help your family survive a natural disaster. On your big family survive a natural disaster. On your big paper, draw and label the contents of a good paper, draw and label the contents of a good disaster supply kit.disaster supply kit.