EARTHQUAKES

One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible aftereffects. An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of subterranean rock as it releases strain that has accumulated over a long time.

For hundreds of millions of years, the forces of plate tectonics have shaped the earth, as the huge plates that form the earths surface slowly move over, under and past each other. Sometimes, the movement is gradual. At other times, the plates are locked together, unable to release accumulated energy. hen the accumulated energy grows strong enough, the plates break free. !f the earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause many deaths and in"uries and e#tensive property damage.

All $% states and $ &.S. territories are at some risk for earthquakes. 'arthquakes can happen at any time of the year.

(he )%** 'ast +oast earthquake illustrated the fact that it is impossible to predict when or where an earthquake will occur, so it is important that you and your family are prepared ahead of time.

Familiari,e yourself with these terms to help identify an earthquake ha,ard-

Aftershock . An earthquake of similar or lesser intensity that follows the main earthquake.

'arthquake . A sudden slipping or movement of a portion of the earths crust, accompanied and followed by a series of vibrations.

'picenter . (he place on the earths surface directly above the point on the fault where

the earthquake rupture began. Once fault slippage begins, it e#pands along the fault during the earthquake and can e#tend hundreds of miles before stopping.

Fault . (he fracture across which displacement has occurred during an earthquake. (he slippage may range from less than an inch to more than *% yards in a severe earthquake.

/agnitude . (he amount of energy released during an earthquake, which is computed from the amplitude of the seismic waves. A magnitude of 0.% on the 1ichter Scale indicates an e#tremely strong earthquake. 'ach whole number on the scale represents an increase of about 2% times more energy released than the previous whole number represents. (herefore, an earthquake measuring 3.% is about 2% times more powerful than one measuring $.%.

Seismic aves . 4ibrations that travel outward from the earthquake fault at speeds of several miles per second. Although fault slippage directly under a structure can cause considerable damage, the vibrations of seismic waves cause most of the destruction during earthquakes.

Before A seismograph showing the seismic waves of an earthquake5efore an 'arthquake

(he following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of an earthquake.

(o begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Fasten shelves securely to walls. 6lace large or heavy ob"ects on lower shelves. Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches. Fasten heavy items such as pictures and mirrors securely to walls and away from

beds, couches and anywhere people sit. 5race overhead light fi#tures and top heavy ob"ects. 1epair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. (hese are potential fire risks. 7et appropriate professional help. 8o not work with gas or electrical lines yourself. !nstall fle#ible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Fle#ible fittings are more resistant to breakage. Secure your water heater, refrigerator, furnace and gas appliances by strapping them to the wall studs and bolting to the floor. !f recommended by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut.off valve installed that is triggered by strong vibrations. 1epair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. 7et e#pert advice if there are signs of structural defects. 5e sure the residence is firmly anchored to its foundation. Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves. 9ocate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. 1einforce this information by moving to these places during each drill. :old earthquake drills with your family members- 8rop, cover and hold on.

8uring an 'arthquake

8rop, cover and :old On. /inimi,e your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure e#iting is safe. !f !ndoors

81O6 to the ground; take +O4'1 by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and :O98 O< until the shaking stops. !f there isnt a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fi#tures or furniture. Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. :old on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fi#ture that could fall. !n that case,

move to the nearest safe place. 8o not use a doorway e#cept if you know it is a strongly supported, load.bearing doorway and it is close to you. /any inside doorways are lightly constructed and do not offer protection. Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. 8o not e#it a building during the shaking. 1esearch has shown that most in"uries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave. 8O <O( use the elevators. 5e aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

!f Outdoors

Stay there. /ove away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. (he greatest danger e#ists directly outside buildings, at e#its and alongside e#terior walls. /any of the *)% fatalities from the *=22 9ong 5each earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. 7round movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or in"ury. /ost earthquake.related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling ob"ects.

!f in a /oving 4ehicle

Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. 6roceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

!f (rapped &nder 8ebris

8o not light a match. 8o not move about or kick up dust. +over your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. (ap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. &se a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Extreme Heat
4iew of a dead tree and fence row in a summer sunset.

!nspire others to act by being an e#ample yourself, 6ledge to 6repare > tell others about it? 6ledge to 6repare

:eat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. !n e#treme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work e#tra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

/ost heat disorders occur because the victim has been overe#posed to heat or has over.e#ercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to e#treme heat.

+onditions that can induce heat.related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. +onsequently, people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural areas. Also, asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release heat at night, which can produce higher nighttime temperatures known as the @urban heat island effect.@

A heat wave is an e#tended period of e#treme heat, and is often accompanied by high humidity. (hese conditions can be dangerous and even life.threatening for humans who

donAt take the proper precautions.

Familiari,e yourself with these terms to help identify an e#treme heat ha,ard-

:eat ave . 6rolonged period of e#cessive heat, often combined with e#cessive humidity.

:eat !nde# . A number in degrees Fahrenheit BFC that tells how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature. '#posure to full sunshine can increase the heat inde# by *$ degrees.

:eat +ramps . /uscular pains and spasms due to heavy e#ertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.

:eat '#haustion . (ypically occurs when people e#ercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. 5lood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. (his results in a form of mild shock. !f not treated, the victimAs condition will worsen. 5ody temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.

:eat Stroke . A life.threatening condition. (he victimAs temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. (he body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

Sun Stroke . Another term for heat stroke.

'#cessive :eat atch . +onditions are favorable for an e#cessive heat event to meet or e#ceed local '#cessive :eat arning criteria in the ne#t )D to 0) hours.

'#cessive :eat arning . :eat !nde# values are forecast to meet or e#ceed locally defined warning criteria for at least ) days Bdaytime highsE*%$.**%F FahrenheitC.

:eat Advisory . :eat !nde# values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for * to ) days Bdaytime highsE*%%.*%$F FahrenheitC.

5efore

5oy drinking bottled water5efore '#treme :eat

(o prepare for e#treme heat, you should-

(o begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. !nstall window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary. +heck air.conditioning ducts for proper insulation.

!nstall temporary window reflectors Bfor use between windows and drapesC, such as aluminum foil.covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside. eather.strip doors and sills to keep cool air in. +over windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. BOutdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to G% percent.C Heep storm windows up all year. 9isten to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes. Hnow those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. (hey are more likely to become victims of e#cessive heat and may need help. 5e aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a

prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas. 7et trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat.related emergencies.

hat you should do if the weather is e#tremely hot-

9isten to <OAA B< SC.

eather 1adio for critical updates from the <ational

eather Service

<ever leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Stay indoors as much as possible and limit e#posure to the sun. Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available. 6ostpone outdoor games and activities. +onsider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. +irculating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation. 'at well.balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician. 8rink plenty of water; even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. 6ersons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid.restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. 9imit intake of alcoholic beverages. 8ress in loose.fitting, lightweight, and light.colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the suns rays. 6rotect face and head by wearing a wide.brimmed hat. Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. &se a buddy system when working in e#treme heat, and take frequent breaks. +heck on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

Avoid e#treme temperature changes. +heck on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. 7o to a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of e#treme heat. (e#t S:'9('1 I your J!6 code to D223) BDF'/AC to find the nearest shelter in your area Be#ample- shelter *)2D$C.

Floods
Flood waters rising in a neighborhood of houses

!nspire others to act by being an e#ample yourself, 6ledge to 6repare > tell others about it? 6ledge to 6repare

Floods are one of the most common ha,ards in the &nited States, however not all floods are alike. Some floods develop slowly, while others such a flash floods, can develop in "ust a few minutes and without visible signs of rain. Additionally, floods can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.

Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours of e#cessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release of water held by an ice "am. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water carrying rocks, mud and other debris. Overland flooding, the most common type of flooding event typically occurs when waterways such as rivers or streams overflow their banks as a result of rainwater or a possible levee breach and cause flooding in surrounding areas. !t can also occur when rainfall or snowmelt e#ceeds the capacity of underground pipes, or the capacity of streets and drains designed to carry flood water away from urban areas.

5e aware of flood ha,ards no matter where you live or work, but especially if you are in low.lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam. 'ven very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low.lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.

5efore

Flood waters pouring through a broken levee into a neghborhood of houses5efore a Flood

hat would you do if your property were floodedK Are you preparedK

'ven if you feel you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, remember that anywhere it rains, it can flood. Lust because you havenAt e#perienced a flood in the past, doesnAt mean you wonAt in the future. Flood risk isnAt "ust based on history; itAs also based on a number of factors including rainfall , topography, flood.control measures, river.flow and tidal.surge data, and changes due to new construction and development.

Flood.ha,ard maps have been created to show the flood risk for your community, which helps determine the type of flood insurance coverage you will need since standard homeowners insurance doesnAt cover flooding. (he lower the degree of risk, the lower the flood insurance premium.

!n addition to having flood insurance, knowing following flood ha,ard terms will help you recogni,e and prepare for a flood.

(o prepare for a flood, you should-

5uild an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home. 'levate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk. +onsider installing @check valves@ to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home. !f feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.

8uring a Flood

!f a flood is likely in your area, you should-

9isten to the radio or television for information. 5e aware that flash flooding can occur. !f there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. 8o not wait for instructions to move. 5e aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

!f you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following-

Secure your home. !f you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. /ove essential items to an upper floor. (urn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. 8isconnect electrical appliances. 8o not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

!f you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips-

8o not walk through moving water. Si# inches of moving water can make you fall. !f you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. &se a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. 8o not drive into flooded areas. !f floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. Mou and the vehicle can be swept away quickly. 8o not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.

After the Flood

Mour home has been flooded. Although floodwaters may be down in some areas, many dangers still e#ist. :ere are some things to remember in the days ahead-

&se local alerts and warning systems to get information and e#pert informed advice as soon as available. Avoid moving water. Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organi,ation. 'mergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. Mou can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way. 6lay it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. 9isten for local warnings and information. !f your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground. 1eturn home only when authorities indicate it is safe. 1oads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. 5arricades have been placed for your protection. !f you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way. !f you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded. Stay on firm ground. /oving water only 3 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and itAs also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it. 5e aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. 1oads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters. &se e#treme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

Staying :ealthy

A flood can cause physical ha,ards and emotional stress. Mou need to look after yourself and your family as you focus on cleanup and repair.

Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. 8amaged sewer systems are serious health ha,ards. 9isten for news reports to learn whether the communitys water supply is safe to drink +lean and disinfect everything that got wet. /ud left from floodwaters can contain sewage and chemicals. 1est often and eat well. Heep a manageable schedule. /ake a list and do "obs one at a time. 8iscuss your concerns with others and seek help. +ontact 1ed +ross for information on emotional support available in your area.

+leaning &p and 1epairing Mour :ome

(urn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse bo#, even if the power is off in your community. (hat way, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn it back on. 7et a copy of the book 1epairing Mour Flooded :ome B020H5 68FC which is available free from the American 1ed +ross or your state or local emergency manager. !t will tell you:ow to enter your home safely. :ow to protect your home and belongings from further damage. :ow to record damage to support insurance claims and requests for assistance. :ow to check for gas or water leaks and how to have service restored. :ow to clean up appliances, furniture, floors and other belongs.

(he 1ed +ross can provide you with a cleanup kit- mop, broom, bucket, and cleaning supplies.

+ontact your insurance agent to discuss claims. 9isten to your radio for information on assistance that may be provided by the state or federal government or other organi,ations. !f you hire cleanup or repair contractors, check references and be sure they are qualified to do the "ob. 5e wary of people who drive through neighborhoods offering help in cleaning up or repairing your home. +A&S'S OF F9OO8!<7

(ropical Storms and :urricanes . :urricanes pack a triple punch- high winds, soaking rain, and flying debris. (hey can cause storm surges to coastal areas, as well as create heavy rainfall which in turn causes flooding hundreds of miles inland. hile all coastal areas are at risk, certain cities are particularly vulnerable and could have losses similar to or even greater than those caused by the )%%$ hurricane, Hatrina, in <ew Orleans and /ississippi.

hen hurricanes weaken into tropical storms, they generate rainfall and flooding that can be especially damaging since the rain collects in one place. !n )%%*, (ropical Storm Allison produced more than 2% inches of rainfall in :ouston in "ust a few days, flooding over 0%,%%% houses and destroying ),0DD homes.

Spring (haw . 8uring the spring, fro,en land prevents melting snow or rainfall from seeping into the ground. 'ach cubic foot of compacted snow contains gallons of water and once the snow melts, it can result in the overflow of streams, rivers, and lakes. Add spring storms to that and the result is often serious spring flooding.

:eavy 1ains . Several areas of the country are at heightened risk for flooding due to heavy rains. (he <orthwest is at high risk due to 9a <iNa conditions, which include snowmelts and heavy rains. And the <ortheast is at high risk due to heavy rains produced from <orAeasters. (his e#cessive amount of rainfall can happen throughout the year, putting your property at risk.

est +oast (hreats . Although floods can occur throughout the year, the est +oast rainy season usually lasts from <ovember to April. (his window increases the chance of

heavy flooding and flash flood risks.

ildfires have dramatically changed the landscape and ground conditions on the est +oast, causing fire.scorched land to develop in to mudflows under heavy rain. '#perts believe it will take years for the vegetation to be fully restored, which in turn will help stabili,e these areas.

!n addition to the heavy rains and wildfires, the est +oast has thousands of miles of levees, which were constructed to help protect homes and land in case of a flood. :owever, levees are not fail.proof and can, weaken, or overtop when waters rise, often causing catastrophic results.

A dam releasing water9evees > 8ams . 9evees are designed to protect hold back a certain level of water. :owever, levees can and do fail; and when they fail, they can fail catastrophically. eakening of levees over time, or as a result of weather events e#ceeding the levees level of support, can cause the levee to be overtopped or breached, thus increasing the chance for flooding. :omeowners and renters insurance policies usually do not cover flood loss, therefore F'/A strongly encourages those who live and work behind levees to consider flood insurance as a dependable financial security from a flood event

Flash Floods . Flash floods are the O* weather.related killer in the &.S. since they can roll boulders, tear out trees, and destroy buildings and bridges. A flash flood is a rapid flooding of low.lying areas in less than si# hours, which is caused by intense rainfall from a thunderstorm or several thunderstorms. Flash floods can also occur from the collapse of a man.made structure or ice dam.

<ew 8evelopment . +onstruction and development can change the natural drainage and create brand new flood risks. (hatAs because new buildings, parking lots, and roads mean less land to absorb e#cess precipitation from heavy rains, hurricanes, and tropical storms. Flood :a,ard (erms

Familiari,e yourself with these terms to help identify a flood ha,ard-

Flood atch . Flooding is possible. (une in to <OAA or television for information.

eather 1adio, commercial radio

Flash Flood atch . Flash flooding is possible. 5e prepared to move to higher ground; listen to <OAA eather 1adio, commercial radio or television for information.

Flood arning . Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood

arning . A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

8riving- Flood Facts

(he following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions-

Si# inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles (wo feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles BS&4sC and pick.ups. 8o not attempt to drive through a flooded road. (he depth of water is not always obvious. (he road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped. 8o not drive around a barricade. 5arricades are there for your protection. (urn around and go the other way. 8o not try to take short cuts. (hey may be blocked. Stick to designated evacuation routes. 5e especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recogni,e flood dangers.

Hurricanes
:urricane in the 7ulf of /e#ico seen from space.

!nspire others to act by being an e#ample yourself, 6ledge to 6repare > tell others about it? 6ledge to 6repare

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone or severe tropical storm that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, +aribbean Sea, 7ulf of /e#ico, and in the eastern 6acific Ocean. A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms, and in the <orthern :emisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earths surface.

All Atlantic and 7ulf of /e#ico coastal areas are sub"ect to hurricanes. 6arts of the Southwest &nited States and the 6acific +oast also e#perience heavy rains and floods each year from hurricanes spawned off /e#ico. (he Atlantic hurricane season lasts from Lune to <ovember, with the peak season from mid.August to late October. (he 'astern 6acific hurricane season begins /ay *$ and ends <ovember 2%.

:urricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. :urricane can produce winds e#ceeding *$$ miles per hour as well as tornadoes and mircrobursts. Additionally, hurricanes can create storm surges along the coast and cause e#tensive damage from heavy rainfall. Floods and flying debris from the e#cessive winds are often the deadly and destructive results of these weather events. Slow moving hurricanes traveling into mountainous regions tend to produce especially heavy rain. '#cessive rain can trigger landslides or mud slides. Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall.

5efore A man nailing plywood over the windows of his home.5efore a :urricane

(o prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures-

(o begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Hnow your surroundings. 9earn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood.prone. (his will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted. !dentify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a ha,ard to you. 9earn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. 8etermine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate. /ake plans to secure your property+over all of your homes windows. 6ermanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with $PGQ marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. (ape does not prevent windows from breaking. !nstall straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. (his will reduce roof damage. 5e sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant. +lear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. 1einforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and e#pensive structural damage. 6lan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down. 8etermine how and where to secure your boat. !nstall a generator for emergencies. !f in a high.rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the *%th floor. +onsider building a safe room.

:urricanes cause heavy rains that can cause e#tensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. 'veryone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. (o learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal !nsurance and /itigation Administration B<F!6C eb

site,www.floodsmart.gov or call *.G%%.D)0.)D*=.

8uring a :urricane

!f a hurricane is likely in your area, you should-

9isten to the radio or (4 for information. Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor ob"ects or bring them indoors. (urn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed. (urn off propane tanks Avoid using the phone, e#cept for serious emergencies. /oor your boat if time permits. 'nsure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water. Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.

Mou should evacuate under the following conditions-

!f you are directed by local authorities to do so. 5e sure to follow their instructions.

!f you live in a mobile home or temporary structure R such shelter are particularly ha,ardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground. !f you live in a high.rise building R hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations. !f you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway.

1ead more about evacuating yourself and your family. !f you are unable to evacuate, go

to your wind.safe room. !f you do not have one, follow these guidelines-

Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors. +lose all interior doors R secure and brace e#ternal doors. Heep curtains and blinds closed. 8o not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm R winds will pick up again. (ake refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level. 9ie on the floor under a table or another sturdy ob"ect. Avoid elevators.

After a :urricane

+ontinue listening to a <OAA

eather 1adio or the local news for the latest updates.

Stay alert for e#tended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended. !f you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or contact the American 1ed +ross at *.G%%.1'8.+1OSSP*.G%%.022.)030 or visit the American 1ed +ross Safe and ell site- www.safeandwell.org (he American 1ed +ross also maintains a database to help you find family. +ontact the local American 1ed +ross chapter where you are staying for information. 8o not contact the chapter in the disaster area. !f you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe. !f you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. (e#t S:'9('1 I your J!6 code to D223) BDF'/AC to find the nearest shelter in your area Be#ample- shelter *)2D$C. For those who have longer.term housing needs, F'/A offers several types of assistance, including services and grants to help people repair their homes and find replacement housing. Apply for assistance or search for information about housing rental resources 8rive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washedS out bridges. Stay off the streets. !f you must go out watch for fallen ob"ects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.

Heep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company. alk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering. Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe. !nspect your home for damage. (ake pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes. !f you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering. &se battery.powered flashlights in the dark. 8o <O( use candles. <ote- (he flashlight should be turned on outside before entering . the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present. atch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. atch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. &se a stick to poke through debris. Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure its not contaminated. +heck refrigerated food for spoilage. !f in doubt, throw it out. ear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid in"ury. &se the telephone only for emergency calls. <'4'1 use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. 8eadly levels of carbon mono#ide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

Familiari,e yourself with these terms to help identify a hurricane ha,ard-

(ropical +yclone- A warm.core non.frontal synoptic.scale cyclone, originating over tropical or subtropical waters, with organi,ed deep convection and a closed surface wind circulation about a well.defined center. Once formed, a tropical cyclone is maintained by the e#traction of heat energy from the ocean at high temperature and heat e#port at the

low temperatures of the upper troposphere.

(ropical 8epression- A tropical cyclone in which the ma#imum sustained surface wind speed Busing the &.S. *.minute averageC is 2G mph B22 knotC or less.

(ropical Storm- A tropical cyclone in which the ma#imum sustained surface wind speed Busing the &.S. *.minute averageC ranges from 2= mph B2D knotsC to 02 mph B32 knotsC.

:urricane- A tropical cyclone in which the ma#imum sustained surface wind Busing the &.S. *.minute averageC is 0D mph B3D knotsC or more.

Storm Surge- An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm, and whose height is the difference between the observed level of the sea surface and the level that would have occurred in the absence of the cyclone. Storm surge is usually estimated by subtracting the normal or astronomic high tide from the observed storm tide. Storm surge can reach heights well over )% feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline.

Storm (ide- (he actual level of sea water resulting from the astronomic tide combined with the storm surge.

:urricane arning- An announcement that hurricane conditions Bsustained winds of 0D mph or higherC are e#pected somewhere within the specified area. 5ecause hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 23 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical. storm.force winds.

:urricane atch- An announcement that hurricane conditions Bsustained winds of 0D mph or higherC are possible within the specified area. 5ecause hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued DG hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical.storm.force winds.

(ropical Storm

arning- An announcement that tropical storm conditions Bsustained

winds of 2= to 02 mphC are e#pected somewhere within the specified area within 23 hours.

(ropical Storm atch- An announcement that tropical storm conditions Bsustained winds of 2= to 02 mphC are possible within the specified area within DG hours.

Short (erm atches and arnings- (hese watchesPwarnings provide detailed information about specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and tornadoes.

Landslides & Debris Flo

Aerial view of a land slide down a mountain with earth covering

!nspire others to act by being an e#ample yourself, 6ledge to 6repare > tell others about it? 6ledge to 6repare

9andslides occur in all &.S. states and territories and can be caused by a variety of factors including earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, fire and by human modification of land. 9andslides can occur quickly, often with little notice and the best way to prepare is to stay informed about changes in and around your home that could signal that a landslide is likely to occur.

!n a landslide, masses of rock, earth or debris move down a slope. 8ebris and mud flows are rivers of rock, earth, and other debris saturated with water. (hey develop when water rapidly accumulates in the ground, during heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt, changing the earth into a flowing river of mud or Tslurry.Q (hey can flow rapidly, striking with little or no warning at avalanche speeds. (hey also can travel several miles from their source, growing in si,e as they pick up trees, boulders, cars and other materials.

9andslide problems can be caused by land mismanagement, particularly in mountain, canyon and coastal regions. !n areas burned by forest and brush fires, a lower threshold of precipitation may initiate landslides. 9and.use ,oning, professional inspections, and

proper design can minimi,e many landslide, mudflow, and debris flow problems.

5efore A house destroyed by a landslide.5efore a 9andslide

(he following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property from the effects of a landslide or debris flow-

(o begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. 6repare for landslides by following proper land.use procedures . avoid building near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near drainage ways or along natural erosion valleys. 5ecome familiar with the land around you. 9earn whether debris flows have occurred in your area by contacting local officials. Slopes where debris flows have occurred in the past are likely to e#perience them in the future. 7et a ground assessment of your property. +onsult a professional for advice on appropriate preventative measures for your home or business, such as fle#ible pipe fittings, which can better resist breakage. 6rotect your property by planting ground cover on slopes and building retaining walls. !n mudflow areas, build channels or deflection walls to direct the flow around buildings. 5e aware, however, if you build walls to divert debris flow and the flow lands on a neighborAs property, you may be liable for damages. !f you are at risk from a landslide talk to your insurance agent. 8ebris flow may be covered by flood insurance policies from the <ational Flood !nsurance 6rogram B<F!6C.

8uring a 9andslide

8uring a severe storm, stay alert and awake. /any deaths from landslides occur while people are sleeping. 9isten to local news stations on a battery.powered radio for warnings of heavy rainfall.

9isten for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. /ove away from the path of a landslide or debris flow as quickly as possible. (he danger from a mudflow increases near stream channels and with prolonged heavy rains. /udflows can move faster than you can walk or run. 9ook upstream before crossing a bridge and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching. Avoid river valleys and low.lying areas. !f you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and notice whether the water changes from clear to muddy. Such changes may mean there is debris flow activity upstream so be prepared to move quickly. +url into a tight ball and protect your head if escape is not possible.

After a 9andslide

7o to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. (e#t S:'9('1 I your J!6 code to D223) BDF'/AC to find the nearest shelter in your area Be#ample- shelter *)2D$C. Stay away from the slide area. (here may be danger of additional slides. 9isten to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information. atch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same event. +heck for in"ured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. 8irect rescuers to their locations. 9ook for and report broken utility lines and damaged roadways and railways to appropriate authorities. 1eporting potential ha,ards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further ha,ard and in"ury. +heck the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage. 8amage to foundations, chimneys, or surrounding land may help you assess the safety of the area. 1eplant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding and additional landslides in the near future. Seek advice from a geotechnical e#pert for evaluating landslide ha,ards or designing corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk. A professional will be able to advise you of

the best ways to prevent or reduce landslide risk, without creating further ha,ard. 9andslides arning Signs

+hanges occur in your landscape such as patterns of storm.water drainage on slopes Bespecially the places where runoff water convergesC land movement, small slides, flows, or progressively leaning trees. 8oors or windows stick or "am for the first time. <ew cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations. Outside walls, walks, or stairs begin pulling away from the building. Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such as streets or driveways. &nderground utility lines break. 5ulging ground appears at the base of a slope. ater breaks through the ground surface in new locations. Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move. A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears. (he ground slopes downward in one direction and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet. &nusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris. +ollapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flow can be seen when driving Bembankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslidesC.

T!understorms & Li"!tnin"

9ightning storm at night

!nspire others to act by being an e#ample yourself, 6ledge to 6repare > tell others about it?

6ledge to 6repare

All thunderstorms are dangerous. 'very thunderstorm produces lightning. hile lightning fatalities have decreased over the past 2% years, lightning continues to be one of the top three storm.related killers in the &nited States. !n )%*% there were )= fatalities and *G) in"uries from lightning. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long.term, debilitating symptoms.

Other associated dangers of thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail and flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities R more than *D% annually R than any other thunderstorm.associated ha,ard. 8ry thunderstorms that do not produce rain that reaches the ground are most prevalent in the western &nited States. Falling raindrops evaporate, but lightning can still reach the ground and can start wildfires.

5efore 5efore (hunderstorm and 9ightning

(o prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following-

(o begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. 1emove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause in"ury or damage during a severe thunderstorm. 6ostpone outdoor activities. 1emember the 2%P2% 9ightning Safety 1ule- 7o indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 2% before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 2% minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. Secure outdoor ob"ects that could blow away or cause damage. 7et inside a home, building, or hard top automobile Bnot a convertibleC. Although you may be in"ured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

1emember, rubber.soled shoes and rubber tires provide <O protection from lightning. :owever, the steel frame of a hard.topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal. Shutter windows and secure outside doors. !f shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains. &nplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

8uring (hunderstorms and 9ightning

!f thunderstorm and lightning are occurring in your area, you should-

&se your battery.operated <OAA

eather 1adio for updates from local officials.

Avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those plugged into electric for recharging. +ordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are OH to use. Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. &nplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. 6ower surges from lightning can cause serious damage. Avoid contact with plumbing. 8o not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. 6lumbing and bathroom fi#tures can conduct electricity. Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches. 8o not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls. Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area. Avoid hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water. (ake shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas. Avoid contact with anything metalUtractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles. !f you are driving, try to safely e#it the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.

After a (hunderstorm or 9ightning Strike

!f lightning strikes you or someone you know, call =.*.* for medical assistance as soon as possible. (he following are things you should check when you attempt to give aid to a victim of lightning-

5reathing . if breathing has stopped, begin mouth.to.mouth resuscitation. :eartbeat . if the heart has stopped, administer +61. 6ulse . if the victim has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible in"uries. +heck for burns where the lightning entered and left the body. Also be alert for nervous system damage, broken bones and loss of hearing and eyesight.

After the storm passes remember to-

<ever drive through a flooded roadway. (urn around, dont drown? Stay away from storm.damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms. +ontinue to listen to a <OAA eather 1adio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked. :elp people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or those with access or functional needs. Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately. atch your animals closely. Heep them under your direct control. Facts about thunderstormshey may occur singly, in clusters or in lines. Some of the most severe occur when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an e#tended time. (hunderstorms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period, anywhere from 2%

minutes to an hour. arm, humid conditions are highly favorable for thunderstorm development. About *% percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe R one that produces hail at least an inch or larger in diameter, has winds of $G miles per hour or higher or produces a tornado.

Facts about 9ightning

9ightnings unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property. 9ightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as *% miles away from any rainfall. T:eat lightningQ is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away from thunder to be heard. :owever, the storm may be moving in your direction. /ost lightning deaths and in"uries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening. Mour chances of being struck by lightning are estimated to be * in 3%%,%%% but could be reduced even further by following safety precautions. 9ightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately.

Familiari,e yourself with these terms to help identify a thunderstorm ha,ard-

Severe (hunderstorm atch . (ells you when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. atch the sky and stay tuned to <OAA eather 1adio, commercial radio or television for information.

Severe (hunderstorm arning . !ssued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. arnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.

Tornadoes
A tornado funnel cloud

!nspire others to act by being an e#ample yourself, 6ledge to 6repare > tell others about it? 6ledge to 6repare

(ornadoes are natures most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel.shaped cloud that e#tends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 2%% miles per hour. 8amage paths can be in e#cess of one mile wide and $% miles long. 'very state is at some risk from this ha,ard. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low.hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. 5efore a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. (ornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. !t is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

5efore

Storm clouds gathering over a rural area5efore a (ornado

(o begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. 9isten to <OAA eather 1adio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. !n any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials. 5e alert to changing weather conditions. 9ook for approaching storms. 9ook for the following danger signs-

8ark, often greenish sky 9arge hail A large, dark, low.lying cloud Bparticularly if rotatingC 9oud roar, similar to a freight train. !f you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately. 8uring a (ornado

!f you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately? /ost in"uries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head. !f you are in(hen-

A structure Be.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high.rise buildingC

7o to a pre.designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. !f there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level Bcloset, interior hallwayC away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. 6ut as many walls as possible between you and the outside. 7et under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. !n a high.rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. 6ut on sturdy shoes. 8o not open windows.

A trailer or mobile home

7et out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. /obile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

(he outside with no shelter

!mmediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. !f your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. 6ut your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible. !f you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands 8o not get under an overpass or bridge. Mou are safer in a low, flat location. <ever try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. !nstead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. atch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and in"uries.

After a (ornado

!n"ury may result from the direct impact of a tornado or it may occur afterward when people walk among debris and enter damaged buildings. A study of in"uries after a tornado in /arion, !llinois, showed that $% percent of the tornado.related in"uries were suffered during rescue attempts, cleanup and other post.tornado activities. <early a third of the in"uries resulted from stepping on nails. 5ecause tornadoes often damage power lines, gas lines or electrical systems, there is a risk of fire, electrocution or an e#plosion. 6rotecting yourself and your family requires promptly treating any in"uries suffered during the storm and using e#treme care to avoid further ha,ards. !n"uries

+heck for in"uries. 8o not attempt to move seriously in"ured people unless they are in immediate danger of further in"ury. 7et medical assistance immediately. !f someone has stopped breathing, begin +61 if you are trained to do so. Stop a bleeding in"ury by applying direct pressure to the wound. :ave any puncture wound evaluated by a physician. !f you are trapped, try to attract attention to your location. 7eneral Safety 6recautions

:ere are some safety precautions that could help you avoid in"ury after a tornado-

+ontinue to monitor your battery.powered radio or television for emergency information. 5e careful when entering any structure that has been damaged. ear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris. 5e aware of ha,ards from e#posed nails and broken glass. 8o not touch downed power lines or ob"ects in contact with downed lines. 1eport electrical ha,ards to the police and the utility company. &se battery.powered lanterns, if possible, rather than candles to light homes without electrical power. !f you use candles, make sure they are in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood or other flammable items. <ever leave a candle burning when you are out of the room. <ever use generators, pressure washers, grills, camp stoves or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal.burning devices inside your home, basement, garage or camper . or even outside near an open window, door or vent. +arbon mono#ide B+OC . an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if you breathe it . from these sources can build up in your home, garage or camper and poison the people and animals inside. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect +O poisoning and are feeling di,,y, light.headed or nauseated. :ang up displaced telephone receivers that may have been knocked off by the tornado, but stay off the telephone, e#cept to report an emergency. +ooperate fully with public safety officials. 1espond to requests for volunteer assistance by police, fire fighters, emergency management and relief organi,ations, but do not go into damaged areas unless assistance has been requested. Mour presence could hamper relief efforts and you could endanger yourself.

!nspecting the 8amage

After a tornado, be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas.leak ha,ards in your home. +ontact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards. (hey may also offer suggestions on finding a qualified

contractor to do work for you. !n general, if you suspect any damage to your home, shut off electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution or e#plosions. !f it is dark when you are inspecting your home, use a flashlight rather than a candle or torch to avoid the risk of fire or e#plosion in a damaged home. !f you see frayed wiring or sparks, or if there is an odor of something burning, you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker if you have not done so already. !f you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows and leave the house immediately. <otify the gas company, the police or fire departments, or State Fire /arshalAs office and do not turn on the lights, light matches, smoke or do anything that could cause a spark. 8o not return to your house until you are told it is safe to do so.

Safety 8uring +lean &p

ear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves. 9earn proper safety procedures and operating instructions before operating any gas. powered or electric.powered saws or tools. +lean up spilled medicines, drugs, flammable liquids and other potentially ha,ardous materials. (O1<A8O FA+(S

Vuick facts you should know about tornadoes-

(hey may strike quickly, with little or no warning. (hey may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel. (he average tornado moves Southwest to <ortheast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.

(he average forward speed of a tornado is 2% mph, but may vary from stationary to 0% mph. (ornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land. aterspouts are tornadoes that form over water. (ornadoes are most frequently reported east of the 1ocky /ountains during spring and summer months. 6eak tornado season in the southern states is /arch through /ay; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer. (ornadoes are most likely to occur between 2 pm and = pm, but can occur at any time.

Hnow the (erms

Familiari,e yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado ha,ard-

(ornado atch . (ornadoes are possible. 1emain alert for approaching storms. atch the sky and stay tuned to <OAA eather 1adio, commercial radio or television for information.

(ornado arning . A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. (ake shelter immediately.(sunamis 4iew of tsunami waves hitting a shoreline.

!nspire others to act by being an e#ample yourself, 6ledge to 6repare > tell others about it? 6ledge to 6repare

TSU#A$%S
(sunamis Bpronounced soo.nW.meesC, also known as seismic sea waves Bmistakenly called Ttidal wavesQC, are a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance such as an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or meteorite. A tsunami

can move hundreds of miles per hour in the open ocean and smash into land with waves as high as *%% feet or more.

From the area where the tsunami originates, waves travel outward in all directions. Once the wave approaches the shore, it builds in height. (he topography of the coastline and the ocean floor will influence the si,e of the wave. (here may be more than one wave and the succeeding one may be larger than the one before. (hat is why a small tsunami at one beach can be a giant wave a few miles away.

All tsunamis are potentially dangerous, even though they may not damage every coastline they strike. A tsunami can strike anywhere along most of the &.S. coastline. (he most destructive tsunamis have occurred along the coasts of +alifornia, Oregon, ashington, Alaska and :awaii.

'arthquake.induced movement of the ocean floor most often generates tsunamis. !f a ma"or earthquake or landslide occurs close to shore, the first wave in a series could reach the beach in a few minutes, even before a warning is issued. Areas are at greater risk if they are less than )$ feet above sea level and within a mile of the shoreline. 8rowning is the most common cause of death associated with a tsunami. (sunami waves and the receding water are very destructive to structures in the run.up ,one. Other ha,ards include flooding, contamination of drinking water, and fires from gas lines or ruptured tanks.

5efore

reckage after a tsunami5efore a (sunami

(he following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property from the effects of a tsunami-

(o begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. (alk to everyone in your household about what to do if a tsunami occurs. +reate

and practice an evacuation plan for your family. Familiarity may save your life. 5e able to follow your escape route at night and during inclement weather. Mou should be able to reach your safe location on foot within *$ minutes. 6racticing your plan makes the appropriate response more of a reaction, requiring less thinking during an actual emergency. !f the school evacuation plan requires you to pick your children up from school or from another location. 5e aware telephone lines during a tsunami watch or warning may be overloaded and routes to and from schools may be "ammed. Hnowing your communityAs warning systems and disaster plans, including evacuation routes. Hnow the height of your street above sea level and the distance of your street from the coast or other high.risk waters. 'vacuation orders may be based on these numbers. !f you are a tourist, familiari,e yourself with local tsunami evacuation protocols. Mou may be able to safely evacuate to the third floor and higher in reinforced concrete hotel structures. !f an earthquake occurs and you are in a coastal area, turn on your radio to learn if there is a tsunami warning.

8uring a (sunami

Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities and evacuate immediately. (ake your animals with you. /ove inland to higher ground immediately. 6ick areas *%% feet B2% metersC above sea level or go as far as ) miles B2 kilometersC inland, away from the coastline. !f you cannot get this high or far, go as high or far as you can. 'very foot inland or upward may make a difference. Stay away from the beach. <ever go down to the beach to watch a tsunami come in. !f you can see the wave you are too close to escape it. +A&(!O< . !f there is noticeable recession in water away from the shoreline this is natureAs tsunami warning and it should be heeded. Mou should move away immediately. Save yourself . not your possessions. 1emember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance . infants, elderly people, and individuals with access or functional needs.

After a (sunami

1eturn home only after local officials tell you it is safe. A tsunami is a series of waves that may continue for hours. 8o not assume that after one wave the danger is over. (he ne#t wave may be larger than the first one. 7o to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. (e#t S:'9('1 I your J!6 code to D223) BDF'/AC to find the nearest shelter in your area Be#ample- shelter *)2D$C. Avoid disaster areas. Mour presence might interfere with emergency response operations and put you at further risk from the residual effects of floods. Stay away from debris in the water; it may pose a safety ha,ard to people or pets. +heck yourself for in"uries and get first aid as needed before helping in"ured or trapped persons. !f someone needs to be rescued, call professionals with the right equipment to help. /any people have been killed or in"ured trying to rescue others. :elp people who require special assistanceUinfants, elderly people, those without transportation, people with access and functional needs and large families who may need additional help in an emergency situation. +ontinue using a <OAA eather 1adio or tuning to a +oast 7uard station or a local radio or television station for the latest updates. Stay out of any building that has water around it. (sunami water can cause floors to crack or walls to collapse. &se caution when re.entering buildings or homes. (sunami.driven floodwater may have damaged buildings where you least e#pect it. +arefully watch every step you take. (o avoid in"ury, wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up.

Familiari,e yourself with these terms to help identify a tsunami ha,ard-

arning

A tsunami warning is issued when a tsunami with the potential to generate widespread inundation is imminent or e#pected. arnings alert the public that dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents is possible and may continue for several hours after initial arrival. arnings alert emergency management officials to take action for the entire tsunami ha,ard ,one. Appropriate actions to be taken by local officials may include the evacuation of low.lying coastal areas, and the repositioning of ships to deep waters when there is time to safely do so. arnings may be updated, ad"usted geographically, downgraded, or canceled. (o provide the earliest possible alert, initial warnings are normally based only on seismic information.

Advisory

A tsunami advisory is issued when a tsunami with the potential to generate strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or very near the water is imminent or e#pected. (he threat may continue for several hours after initial arrival, but significant inundation is not e#pected for areas under an advisory. Appropriate actions to be taken by local officials may include closing beaches, evacuating harbors and marinas, and the repositioning of ships to deep waters when there is time to safely do so. Advisories are normally updated to continue the advisory, e#pandPcontract affected areas, upgrade to a warning, or cancel the advisory.

atch

A tsunami watch is issued to alert emergency management officials and the public of an event which may later impact the watch area. (he watch area may be upgraded to a warning or advisory . or canceled . based on updated information and analysis. (herefore, emergency management officials and the public should prepare to take action. atches are normally issued based on seismic information without confirmation that a destructive tsunami is underway.

!nformation Statement

A tsunami information statement is issued to inform emergency management officials and the public that an earthquake has occurred, or that a tsunami warning, watch or advisory has been issued for another section of the ocean. !n most cases, information

statements are issued to indicate there is no threat of a destructive tsunami and to prevent unnecessary evacuations as the earthquake may have been felt in coastal areas. An information statement may, in appropriate situations, caution about the possibility of destructive local tsunamis. !nformation statements may be re.issued with additional information, though normally these messages are not updated. :owever, a watch, advisory or warning may be issued for the area, if necessary, after analysis andPor updated information becomes available.