Environmental Health Natural Disasters

How can physical events in the environment affect our health? Do Now: With a partner, discuss about any times you may have had any experience with a natural disaster

Environmental Health Types of health hazards can be biological, social, chemical, or physical

Earthquakes The shaking that occurs during an earthquake can destroy natural landforms as well as human-made structures

Earthquakes Surface Effects: They can set off landslides depending on how much shaking occurs

Earthquake Damage and Safety Damage: Can cost millions of dollars as well as large losses of life Safety: Scientists cannot predict when one will happen All we can do is note areas with high-risks

Earthquake Damage

What can we do to survive an earthquake? 1)Take cover under something sturdy 2)Cover face and head 3)Keep clear of things that could possibly fall or are not bolted down 4)Stay away from tall buildings, power lines, and streetlights

Volcanoes The molten rock, gas, and ash released during a volcanic eruption can cause significant damage and loss of life in nearby cities and towns

Molten rock can cover large areas of land Volcanoes Damage: Molten rock can cover large areas of land Gas and ash can be spewed into the atmosphere and disrupt insolation as well as global wind patterns

Damages

Preparing for an eruption Scientists cannot predict when or how big an eruption will be in the future Scientists CAN sometimes warn people with enough time to move away from an area

Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Thunderstorms

Tornadoes A type of windstorm in which a funnel of rotating air drops down from a cloud and touches Earth’s surface

Tornadoes can cause devastating damage Tornado Damage Tornadoes can cause devastating damage Examples: Flattening houses, lifting cars, and lifting and throwing other objects

Seek shelter in lowest floor of building Tornado Safety Seek shelter in lowest floor of building If in a car, find nearest sturdy, low point and lie down, protecting your head

Hurricanes Powerful storms that form over the oceans that brings high winds, heavy rain, and a storm surge

Hurricane Damage Destroy buildings, wash away beaches, blow away trees, severe flooding, and blowing roofs off of homes

Hurricane Safety Secure your home before it hits, we CAN predict where and when they will hit once they form over the ocean Possible evacuations.

Thunderstorms Storm that produces lightning and thunder Also produces heavy rain, sometimes hail

Thunderstorm damage Heavy rain can cause flooding Strong winds can blow down power lines and trees Large hail can damage houses, cars, and hurt people

Thunderstorm safety Stay indoors in severe thunderstorms If you are outside, stay away from trees and tall power-lines

A large mass of snow sliding down a slope Avalanches A large mass of snow sliding down a slope In North America, avalanches can send 300,000 cubic yards of snow crashing down a mountain (roughly equal to about 20 football fields each filled with 10 feet of snow)

Avalanche Conditions Unstable snowpack on slopes with a degree of 30 or more are susceptible to avalanches Heavy snowfall can also increase susceptibility because of the weight of the snowpack

In 2008 and 2009, 27 Americans died in avalanches Avalanche Damage Avalanches can both bury people and places in large masses of snow. Also, can block roads, rail roads, and damage bridges or power-lines In 2008 and 2009, 27 Americans died in avalanches