Natural disasters can impact the safety of your family, friends and colleagues along with our facilities and business operations. Some disasters provide limited to no warning and immediate actions may be required to increase your safety and protection. Be aware of the different natural hazards that may impact you and learn steps you can take to help you safely respond if needed.
Emergency Response
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes
An earthquake is caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the Earth's surface. Ground shaking from earthquakes can collapse buildings and bridges; disrupt gas, electric, and phone service; and sometimes trigger landslides, avalanches, flash floods, fires, and huge, destructive ocean waves (tsunamis).
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning. Additional earthquakes (aftershocks) often follow the main shock at equal or less intensity. Most earthquake-related injuries result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
What to do before?
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1
Ensure large heavy objects are stored on the lowest possible shelves and not above work areas.
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2
Keep space open under your desk so that you can drop, cover and hold on if needed.
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3
Ensure bookcase and shelving is secured firmly to the wall.
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4
Know multiple evacuation routes to your assembly area for after the main earthquake stops and there is a need to evacuate.
What to do during?
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1
Drop, Cover and Hold On such as a sturdy desk during an earthquake to protect your head and body from falling objects and stay in-place until the shaking stops.
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2
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors or walls or areas with overhangs that could fall or collapse.
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3
If unable to get under a sturdy desk, use your backpack or something solid as a hard-hat.
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4
If outside, move to an open area, away from buildings, power lines or other objects that may collapse.
What to do after?
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1
Be prepared for aftershocks that will come without warning and could be as intense as the initial earthquake.
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2
Check for injuries of yourself and nearby colleagues and call for help if needed.
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3
If inside and the building looks to have damage (cracks, broken windows), evacuate out to a safe, open area.
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4
When outside, avoid areas with overhangs or near buildings that could still collapse. Stay away from the street and out of way of emergency responders.
Floods
Floods are one of the most common hazards across the world. Some floods develop slowly, over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached,
but still can be destructive especially due to debris and strong force of the water. Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you work, but especially if you are in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Many flash floods will channel outside the main flood path due to debris blockage.
What to do before?
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1
Become familiar with flood terms in your area and monitor to warnings from officials.
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2
Learn if you are in a flood risk area and ensure your household understands multiple evacuation routes out if needed.
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3
Have critical documentation in areas outside flood plain and/or in higher your home that may be above flood levels.
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4
Have a disaster kit for your home, car that you can easily grab by foot if needed.
What to do during?
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1
Monitor emergency information from officials and follow directions.
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2
Do NOT drive or walk through flood waters. Just up to 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet and 12 inches can move cars. Flood waters can also be contaminated.
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3
Evacuate away from the flood and go to higher ground. If trapped inside, go to higher ground.
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4
Be aware of debris and weakened soils that can cause trees to fall, objects to move creating additional hazards.
What to do after?
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1
Listen to authorities. Return home only when authorities say it’s safe.
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2
Avoid walking through floodwaters which can have many hazards not visible in the water.
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3
Be aware of live power lines and threat of electrocution. Do not touch wires if wet or standing in water.
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4
Be available to family, friends, colleagues or neighbors that may need help if you are able to do so safely.
Tropical Storms - Hurricanes or Typhoons
Tropical Storms (Hurricanes in northern hemisphere, typhoons in southern hemisphere) are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, and flooding.
They can happen along coasts and continue damage inland in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the leading cause of storm-related deaths.
What to do before?
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1
Learn your risk for tropical storms and evacuation zones.
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2
Know the alert system in your area and steps to take at different warning levels.
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3
Make a plan and have disaster kits for evacuation or shelter in place as needed for your household.
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4
Take steps to reduce hazards around your home including installing storm shutters or windows that can withstand storms, keeping gutters clear of debris, ready to move outside furniture inside.
What to do during?
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1
Monitor emergency information and alerts and follow direction.
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2
Evacuate early, stay with family/friends outside threatened areas if able to reduce impact at congregate shelters. Bring emergency supplies/kit.
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3
If trapped inside, seek shelter in storm shelter or interior room, away from windows/doors and go to higher level if flood risk.
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4
Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters.
What to do after?
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1
Listen to officials for information and special instructions.
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2
Avoid wading or driving through flooded water.
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3
Save phone calls for emergencies as system can be overloaded - use text or social media to communicate with family and friends.
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4
Be careful of hazards when returning home including down power lines, broken gas lines. Document any damage and stay away from hazards.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of
air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can have winds over 200 mph and move in erratic patterns.
What to do before?
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1
Know your areas tornado risk and signs of a developing and formed tornado... PLEASE
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2
Sign up for your community warning system and pay attention to weather reports and alerts from officials and media.
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3
Build and/or know where to go during a tornado including in your home and community/nearby storm shelters.
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4
Have an emergency kit in your home and for easy to grab if going to a nearby shelter.
What to do during?
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1
Follow direction from local officials and go to your safe shelter when advised.
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2
Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car.
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3
If trapped in a more open area or in your car, protect your head and neck with a blanket or sturdy object from flying debris.
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4
Continue to monitor alerts and warnings.
What to do after?
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1
Keep listening to alerts and warnings for updated information.
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2
If trapped, cover your mouth with cloth or mask to protect from breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on something loud or use a whistle instead of shouting.
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3
Stay clear of fallen power lines, debris.
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4
Do not enter your home or building if damaged until authorities have determined its safe.
Wildfires
Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests or grasslands. These dangerous fires can spread quickly with
intense heat and can devastate not only wildfire and natural areas, but also spread to homes and nearby communities.
What to do before?
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1
Know your risk for wildfire where you live and alerts and warnings to monitor.
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2
Reduce fire risk to your home and surrounding area including upgrades to make your home more fire resistant and fire resistant zone around your home at least 30 feet out.
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3
Have an emergency plan with multiple evacuation routes including on foot in case car would be trapped by fire and safety zones where you can safely wait for a fire to pass.
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4
Have emergency kit on the ready for evacuation if needed.
What to do during?
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1
Evacuate immediately if authorities advise and bring your emergency kit.
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2
If trapped, call emergency services but be advised they may not be able to get to you. Turn on lights outside and inside so it's easier for responders to find you in the smoke and fire
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3
Protect your eyes and mouth from superheated gas, smoke and burning embers.
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4
Continue to monitor alerts and warnings and stay in a safe area outside the fire threat.
What to do after?
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1
Do not return home until authorities deem it’s safe.
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2
Avoid walking through floodwaters which can have many hazards not visible in the water.
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3
Be aware of live power lines and threat of electrocution. Do not touch wires if wet or standing in water.
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4
Be available to family, friends, colleagues or neighbors that may need help if you are able to do so safely.
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.
Know that extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning. Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat. Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.
What to do before?
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1
Learn your risk for extreme heat and add protection to your home including covers for windows, adding insulation and fans or air conditioners.
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2
Monitor weather where traveling for excessive heat warnings and try to pre-identify modes of travel and staying in places with adequate cooling options.
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3
Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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4
Keep an emergency kit ready including water in case excessive heat causes power outages.
What to do during?
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1
Monitor emergency information and alerts for heat emergencies.
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2
Find places with air conditioning including libraries, malls, community cooling centers if need to evacuate your home.
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3
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, reduce excessive activity and avoid high heat areas.
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4
Be available to family, friends, neighbors if needed and can support.
What to do after?
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1
Listen to officials for information and special instructions.
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2
Monitor self, family, friends and neighbors for heat-related illnesses and call for help if needed.
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3
Be prepared for extended or returning excessive heat weather including power outages.
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4
Rehydrate and replenish used supplies as needed.
Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds.
A winter storm can: Last a few hours or several days; Knock out heat, power, and communication services; and Place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk.
What to do before?
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1
Learn your risk for winter storms.
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2
Know the alert system in your area and monitor weather.
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3
Make a plan and have disaster kits for evacuation or shelter in place as needed for your household with extreme cold including power loss.
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4
Prepare your home for extreme cold including added weather stripping and insulation and protecting pipes from freezing.
What to do during?
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1
Monitor emergency information and alerts and follow direction.
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2
Evacuate early, stay with family/friends at safer location if able to reduce impact at congregate shelters. Bring emergency supplies/kit.
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3
Stay off roads if possible. If trapped in your car, stay inside.
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4
Stay inside and be aware of frostbite and hyperthermia for yourself and checking on family, friends and neighbors.
What to do after?
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1
Listen to officials for information and special instructions.
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2
Monitor self, family, friends and neighbors for cold-related illnesses and call for help if needed.
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3
Be prepared for extended or returning cold weather including power outages.
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4
Rehydrate and replenish used supplies as needed.
Tsunamis
Tropical Storms (Hurricanes in northern hemisphere, typhoons in southern hemisphere) are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, and flooding.
They can happen along coasts and continue damage inland in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the leading cause of storm-related deaths.
What to do before?
-
1
Learn your risk for tropical storms and evacuation zones.
-
2
Know the alert system in your area and steps to take at different warning levels.
-
3
Make a plan and have disaster kits for evacuation or shelter in place as needed for your household.
-
4
Take steps to reduce hazards around your home including installing storm shutters or windows that can withstand storms, keeping gutters clear of debris, ready to move outside furniture inside.
What to do during?
-
1
Monitor emergency information and alerts and follow direction.
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2
Evacuate early, stay with family/friends outside threatened areas if able to reduce impact at congregate shelters. Bring emergency supplies/kit.
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3
If trapped inside, seek shelter in storm shelter or interior room, away from windows/doors and go to higher level if flood risk.
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4
Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters.
What to do after?
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1
Listen to officials for information and special instructions.
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2
Avoid wading or driving through flooded water.
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3
Save phone calls for emergencies as system can be overloaded - use text or social media to communicate with family and friends.
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4
Be careful of hazards when returning home including down power lines, broken gas lines. Document any damage and stay away from hazards.
Landslides and Debris Flow (mudslide)
Landslides can be caused by many factors including earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, fire and human modification of land. The most deadly landslides are the ones that occur quickly, often with little notice. In a landslide, masses of rock, earth or debris move down a slope. Debris and mud flows are rivers of rock, earth and other debris saturated with water. They develop during intense rainfall, runoff, or rapid snowmelt, changing the earth into a flowing river of mud or “slurry.” They can flow rapidly, striking with little or no warning at avalanche
speeds (faster than a person can run). They also can travel many miles from their source, growing in size as they pick up trees, boulders, cars and other materials. Debris flows don’t always stay in stream channels and they can flow sideways as well as downhill. When a wildfire burns a slope, it increases the chance of debris flows for several years. Although some landslides require lengthy rain and saturated slopes, a debris flow can start on a dry slope after only a few minutes of intense rain. “Intense” rain means a burst of rain at a fast rate, about half an inch in an hour. With debris flows, the rate matters more than total rainfall.
What to do before?
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1
Learn your risk for landslides or debris flow, in the land around you.
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2
Know alert and warning systems in your community and sign up if needed.
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3
Make an evacuation plan and have a disaster kit available.
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4
Take steps to protect your home from debris flow and flooding if able.
What to do during?
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1
Monitor emergency information and alerts and follow direction, staying awake if in high alert.
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2
Evacuate early once a landslide has started, it may be too late. Stay with family/friends outside threatened areas if able to reduce impact at congregate shelters. Bring emergency supplies/kit.
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3
Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas during times of danger.
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4
Stay far away from any slide areas, as additional slides can be triggered.
What to do after?
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1
Listen to officials for information and special instructions before returning to the area.
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2
Use trained professionals to assess risks and impacts to your home and land.
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3
Be careful and report hazards including downed power lines, broken pipes or roadway damage.
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4
Reduce further erosion with structural improvements, planting vegetation and other steps recommended by experts.
Volcanoes
A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface. Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Oregon have the most active volcanoes, but other states and territories have active volcanoes, too. A volcanic eruption may involve lava and other debris that can flow up to 100 mph,
destroying everything in their path. Volcanic ash can travel 100s of miles and cause severe health problems. A volcanic eruption can: Contaminate water supplies. Damage machinery. Reduce visibility through smog and harmful gases that may threaten low-lying areas. Make it hard to breathe and irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.
What to do before?
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1
Learn your areas risk for volcanoes.
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2
Sign up for alert and warning systems in your community.
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3
Have evacuation and shelter-in-place plans and a disaster kit on the ready.
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4
Keep important documents in a safe place and know your homeowner insurance policy for volcanoes.
What to do during?
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1
Monitor emergency information and alerts and follow direction.
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2
Evacuate early and stay with family/friends outside threatened areas if able to reduce impact at congregate shelters. Bring emergency supplies/kit.
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3
If outside, protect yourself from falling ash to skin, breathing passages, eyes and open wounds.
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4
Avoid areas downwind and down valley where rubble and ash will travel and avoid driving in heavy ash fall.
What to do after?
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1
Listen to officials for information and special instructions before returning to the area.
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2
Use text messages or social media to contact family or friends as phone lines will be busy and priority needed for life saving emergencies.
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3
If having any breathing problems, seek medical attention.
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4
Check on family, friends or neighbors as able, report anyone missing.
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