Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters Lesson 4 of 4

Instant Activity Identify a natural disaster that is common in your region of the country, and make a list of safety precautions that you should follow during such an emergency.

Severe Weather They sky turns dark, and an ominous funnel appears on the horizon. You’re driving home when a sudden thunderstorm strikes, and visibility is drastically reduced. These situations can occur without warning. However, careful planning and preparation can help you survive weather emergencies and natural disasters. Severe weather refers to harsh or dangerous weather conditions. When severe weather threatens, the National Weather Service (NWS) uses the media to issue watches and warnings.

Severe Weather cont. A watch means that the weather conditions are right for a specific weather event to occur. A warning means that severe weather has been sighted and is heading toward your area.

Emergency Survival Preparation Discuss with your family where to go during an emergency, where to meet if family members get separated, and who to contact if help is needed. Prepare an emergency survival kit a group of items that can be used for a short time until an emergency situation has stabilized.

Emergency Survival Preparation cont. Some supplies to collect before disaster strikes: Water and food. Phone, radio, lighting, and blankets. Other supplies. Items such as medications and money may need to be added to your kit at the last minute.

Hurricanes A hurricane is a powerful storm that originates at sea, characterized by winds of at least 74 miles per hour, heavy rains, flooding, and sometimes tornadoes. The National Weather Service tracks hurricanes and issues warnings when they are approaching. If a hurricane warning has been issued, secure your property. Board up windows and doors, or tape any glass if you are unable to cover it.

Floods Floods occur throughout the United States and can happen at any time of the year. Flooding is often the result of severe rains that accompany hurricanes. Listen to radio bulletins while you watch for rising water, and be prepared to evacuate. Before leaving, turn off the utilities in your home. Never walk, swim, ride a bike, or drive a car through flood waters.

Flash Floods A flash flood is a flood with great volume and of short duration that is usually caused by heavy rainfall. Do not attempt to drive through flood waters or to cross police barricades. Stay away from streams, creeks, storm drains, and irrigations ditches, all of which become treacherous during flash floods.

Severe Thunderstorm Thunderstorms can occur anywhere in the United States. If you are on the water, go to shore. If you are outdoors, get inside. If you can’t get inside, take shelter to avoid being struck by lightning. Stay away from tall structures and trees.

Tornadoes Tornadoes have occurred in every state and can occur at any time of year. A tornado is a whirling, funnel-shaped windstorm that drops from the sky to the ground and produces a narrow path of destruction on land. If you are outside or in a car, seek shelter inside a sturdy building, not a tent or mobile home. If you cannot get to a shelter, lie down in a ditch or low-lying area (be aware of flooding waters). If you are indoors, stay away from windows. A storm cellar, basement, or crawl space is the safest place to be. If such a place is not available, go to an interior room, such as a bathroom, hallway, or closet.

Winter Storms A severe winter storm called a blizzard, a snowstorm with winds of at least 35 miles per hour, is common in the northern areas of the United States. Follow these steps: Stay inside. Wear protective clothing. Avoid getting lost. Use landmarks to find your way where you are until help arrives.

Earthquakes An earthquake is a violent shaking movement of the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can occur in all parts of the United States, but they are most common west of the Rocky Mountains. Most casualties during earthquakes are caused by falling objects or collapsing structures. Follow these safety procedures in the event of an earthquake: inside a building, stand or crouch in a strongly supported doorway, brace yourself in an inside corner of the building, or get under a piece of sturdy furniture. If you are outdoors when the earthquake hits, stay away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Use caution after the tremors have stopped. Be prepared for aftershocks.

Exit slip Define severe weather, and list three examples. What is an emergency survival kit? How does a hurricane differ from a tornado? Imagine that a tornado is approaching your home. What strategies can help prevent accidental injuries during this severe weather event? Explain how technology and the media have impacted the health status of communities by improving the chances of surviving a severe weather event. What suggestions might you make to further improve their ability to reach a wide range of population?

References Hilborn, Michael, Mary Bronson. Merki, and Don Merki. (2004). Injury Prevention and Safe Behaviors, Glencoe Health (pp.706-729). Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.