Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

In this lesson, you will Learn About…

Different types of weather emergencies and

natural disasters.

Safety measures to take during a weather

emergency.

Safety measures to take during a natural

disaster.

Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters

The Vocabulary terms in this lesson are:

Weather emergency.

Tornado.

Hurricane.

Blizzard.

Hypothermia.

Earthquake.

Aftershock.

What Are Weather Emergencies?

Certain emergency situations that no one can prevent include weather emergencies, or dangerous situations brought on by changes in the atmosphere.

Common weather emergencies include storms, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, and thunderstorms.

What Are Weather Emergencies? (cont’d.)

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues two types of advisories, or reports:

Storm watches: These are issued when current weather conditions indicate that a storm is likely to develop.

Storm warnings: These are issued when an actual weather emergency is occurring and people in the affected area are in immediate danger.

Tornadoes

A tornado is a whirling, funnel-shaped windstorm that drops from the sky to the ground. Tornadoes occur most often in the spring and summer.

Of all types of storms, tornadoes can cause the most severe destruction.

How a Tornado Develops

2.The first burst of hot, humid air rises rapidly. More hot, humid air rushes in to replace it.

1.Most tornadoes form when cool, dry air from the north collides with hot, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico.

3.The inrushing hot air begins to rotate, forming a funnel cloud.

4.If the funnel cloud touches the earth’s surface, it becomes a tornado.

Tornadoes (cont’d.)

If a tornado watch is issued, use a battery-powered radio to listen to updates and prepare to take shelter.

Move underground into a cellar or basement or go to a windowless interior room or hallway. If you are outdoors, lie in a ditch or flat on the ground.

Cover yourself with whatever protection you can find, such as a mattress or heavy blanket.

Hurricanes

A hurricane is a strong windstorm with driving rain that originates at sea.

Each hurricane has a center, called its eye, where weather conditions are calm.

A circular cloud mass whirls around the eye, giving the storm its fiercest strength.

Hurricanes (cont’d.)

Follow these guidelines in the event of a hurricane:

Board up windows and doors. Bring items such as outdoor furniture and bicycles inside.

Evacuate immediately if the NWS or local officials advise you to do so.

If no evacuation is advised, stay indoors. Be prepared for power loss by keeping a working flashlight and battery-powered radio on hand, along with extra batteries for both items.

Emergency Supplies Kit

Keep these supplies ready in the event of a weather emergency or natural disaster.

Blizzards and Thunderstorms

A blizzard is a very heavy snowstorm with winds of up to 45 miles per hour.

During a blizzard, stay inside if possible.

If you are caught outside, keep moving and find shelter as soon as possible.

While looking for shelter, keep your head, nose, mouth, and ears covered to prevent hypothermia.

Blizzards and Thunderstorms (cont’d.)

Thunderstorms can occur almost anywhere, but they usually cause only minor damage.

In the event of a thunderstorm, especially one that includes lightning:

If possible, stay inside or seek shelter during the storm.

Be prepared for power loss. Unplug electrical appliances, and avoid using the telephone or running water until the storm has passed.

Natural Disasters

A natural disaster is an event caused by nature that results in widespread damage, destruction, and loss. Floods and earthquakes are examples of natural disasters. To prepare for such events, put together an emergency supplies kit, as shown previously.

Floods

If the NWS issues a flood watch for your area, move valuable items to higher levels of your home, and keep your emergency kit handy.

Listen to radio bulletins while you watch for signs of rising water.

Floods (cont’d.)

A flood warning means that you should evacuate your home, if so advised, and move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, and creeks.

Warning of a flash flood, one that can rise suddenly and violently, requires immediate evacuation.

Floods (cont’d.)

In any flood situation, stay tuned to the radio and follow these safety rules:

Never walk, swim, ride a bike, or drive a car through the water. Drowning is a risk. So is electrocution from downed power lines.

Drink only bottled water. Floods can pollute the water supply.

If an evacuation is ordered, return home only after being advised that it is safe to do so.

On returning home after the floods, throw away contaminated food. Disinfect anything that has come in contact with floodwaters.

Earthquakes

An earthquake, a violent shaking of the earth’s surface, can be a fearsome natural disaster. It is usually not a single event; after the initial shaking, several aftershocks, or secondary earthquakes, often occur.

Earthquakes (cont’d.)

Follow these guidelines to protect yourself during an earthquake.

Reviewing Terms and Facts

1.Define the term weather emergency.

A weather emergency is a dangerous situation brought on by changes in the atmosphere.

Reviewing Terms and Facts

2.What is a blizzard?

A blizzard is a very heavy snowstorm with winds of up to 45 miles per hour.

Thinking Critically

3.How are tornadoes and hurricanes similar? How are they different?

Both tornadoes and hurricanes are storms with whirling winds that can cause much damage. Tornadoes form over land. Hurricanes form over water and have a calm “eye” in the center.

Vocabulary Review

Weather emergencies are dangerous situations brought on by changes in the atmosphere.

Vocabulary Review

A tornado is a whirling, funnel-shaped windstorm that drops from the sky to the ground.

Vocabulary Review

A hurricane is a strong windstorm with driving rain that originates at sea.

Vocabulary Review

A blizzard is a very heavy snowstorm with winds of up to 45 miles per hour.

Vocabulary Review

Hypothermia is a sudden and dangerous drop in body temperature.

Vocabulary Review

An earthquake is a violent shaking of the earth’s surface.

Vocabulary Review

Aftershocks are secondary earthquakes.