6.5 Hazard Communication Test

Read through the Natural Hazards from around the world and then choose one of them to complete all of the questions on. You only need to answer each question about your chosen hazard.

About Wildfires

When an uncontrolled fire burns vegetation (trees, brush, or other plants), it is called a wildfire. Sometimes wildfires start if people use fire without care or safety. Other times they start naturally, such as when lightning strikes. Wildfires happen most frequently when a lot of dry vegetation and extreme heat come together. They can spread fast when hot dry wind is blowing in the area of a fire.

In general, scientists know that wildfires tend to be larger during drier seasons, or droughts. Scientists predict that the amount of land burned by wildfires will increase in the future due to climate change. As global temperatures rise and dry areas become drier, wildfires will burn longer and hotter and destroy more land than before. For the past 20 years in the United States, approximately 5–10 million acres of land have burned due to wildfires each year. In early 2020, Australia experienced very large wildfires that burned 46 million acres of land.

Wildfires can travel up to 14 miles per hour, which is faster than most people can run. They are also very hot. Wildfires can reach temperatures of 1000oF (590oC), which is hot enough to completely destroy nearly everything in its path.

We often think of fire as destructive, but naturally occurring wildfires help many ecosystems. Some trees need fire to release their seeds, and fire can increase the health of a forest by clearing away dry and dead vegetation. Indigenous people in North, Central, and South America have carefully used fire to restore nutrients to soil for centuries.

Forecast and Detect

Most wildfires are detected by visual contact, such as seeing smoke. They can be observed by people nearby or by aerial surveillance and satellite imagery.

Wildfires begin suddenly, and when conditions are dry and windy, they spread quickly.

Scientists can forecast conditions that are favorable for wildfire: warm temperatures, low humidity in the air, high winds, and a source of "fuel"such as trees and brush.

When these conditions exist, local agencies will put up notifications that the area has "high fire danger." Often, this means no outdoor fires.

Warn and Communicate

When a wildfire starts, local community firefighters and law enforcement often coordinate warnings and evacuations with neighborhoods most at risk.

If you live in a place at risk of wildfire, have an evacuation bag packed so that your family can evacuate quickly if you must do so.

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio provide wireless alerts to people's cell phones.

Often communication includes warnings about air quality and how to protect yourself when going outside. Smoke from wildfires can spread out over large areas, affecting more residents than the fire alone.

Reduce Damage

Use fire-resistant materials to build or repair homes.

Create a fire-resistant zone free of leaves, debris, or flammable materials for at least 30 feet away from home.

Shut off all gas and propane to the house.

Wet your roof and areas at least 50 feet away from home to keep air moisture high.

Have a plan for pets and any livestock or animals.

About Severe Thunderstorms

A short-lived rain shower that produces lightning is called a thunderstorm. In the United States, thunderstorms usually form when dry, cold air from the north meets with warm, moist air from the south. These conditions commonly occur in late spring and early summer. Some thunderstorms are severe and can produce winds of over 50 miles per hour, hail, tornadoes, and lightning. Hailstones are chunks of ice that fall from strong thunderstorms. A tornado is a column of rotating air that is in contact with the ground. Even though they are made of air, they are visible because you see the dust and debris that are caught in them.

Conditions associated with thunderstorms:

Tornadoes occur most often in the Great Plains and Midwest, but they also occur in other parts of the country. Tornadoes move very fast (up to 50 miles per hour) and can destroy or cause severe damage to structures on the ground.

Hail does about 1 billion dollars in damage to crops and property each year in the United States. The National Weather Service classifies hail as “severe” if the hailstones have a diameter of 1 inch or more, but smaller hail can damage crops by bruising fruit meant to be sold to a store or restaurant.

Humans are involved in lightning strikes over 200,000 times a year. Most lightning victims survive but often have long-term health issues, such as hearing damage. About 44 people die from lightning strikes each year in the United States. Because Florida experiences more thunderstorms than any other state, it has the most lightning fatalities each year.

Depending on the type of storm, different notifications can be issued at different times. Here are what some of the notifications mean:

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch indicates that conditions are favorable for the formation of severe thunderstorms.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A severe thunderstorm warning means that the area has or will have severe thunderstorm conditions. This includes wind speeds of 58 miles per hour or greater and/or hail that is 1 inch in diameter or larger.

Tornado Watch: A tornado watch is issued when weather conditions could lead to tornadoes. A watch can cover parts of a state or several states.

Tornado Warning: A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been reported by spotters or has shown up on radar images. A warning will be issued for the area that would be in the path of the tornado and means people and animals should find a safe place.

Forecast and detect

Thunderstorms are common worldwide and at all times of year. There are about 100,00 thunderstorms in the United States each year alone, but only 10% of these become severe.

Satellites track clouds and their data and send that information to meteorologists and the National Weather Service.

Data on the storm's wind speed, direction, amount of precipitation, density, and movement help meteorologists determine what might be happening.

Lightning, hail, strong winds, and circular cloud rotation data is sensed by radar and satellites. Computers and storm experts analyze this data and issue warnings.

Watch for tornado danger signs: dark, often greenish clouds-a phenomenon caused by hail; wall cloud-an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm; cloud of debris; rotating funnel-shaped clouds; loud roar.

Warn and Communicate

Get a weather radio or app and know your alert sounds and sirens: Weather radios Phone apps TV Radio Torando sirens Local emergency management (police, fire, and other government organizations) patrol areas with sirens on to help alert families, if necessary. Take cover-find the sturdiest, closest shelter and go inside during a severe storm. Protect yourself with blankets or your arms. Avoid flooded roads. Do not touch metal.

Reduce Damage

Bring outdoor items like patio furniture and plants inside, so they do not become flying objects.

Add extra support to roofs and check to make sure sheds are bolted to the concrete.

Use hail-resistant siding, storm windows, and roofing materials.

Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of following on your home.

Consider buying surge protectors or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.

Unplug electrical appliances.

About Winter Storms

Winter storms are combinations of very cold temperatures, large amounts of frozen precipitation, and high winds. There are several types of winter storms:

Blizzards are dangerous winter storms that come with blowing snow and wind, making it hard to see. They often have heavy snowfalls and severely cold temperatures.

An ice storm is a storm that places at least .25” of ice on surfaces. This can be hazardous for driving and walking. Tree branches and powerlines can easily snap under the weight of the ice.

Lake effect storms are cold, dry air masses that move over the Great Lakes regions and pick up a lot of moisture from the water. The water in the air becomes snow, and the storm dumps the snow in areas generally to the south and east of the lakes.

Snow squalls are brief, intense snow showers that come with strong, gusty winds.

Cold air, moisture, and lift are all needed to form a winter storm. Lift happens when cold and warm fronts meet, or as air travels up a mountainside. These storms happen every year in the United States from mid to late fall through late spring.

Winter storms and blizzards can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. They can be small and concentrated in one area, or can be large and stretch across several states. These storms can knock out heat, power, and communication to homes and businesses. People who leave home during winter storms are at risk for car accidents, hypothermia, and frostbite. People who heat their homes using gas are at a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Depending on the conditions, different notifications can be issued at different times. Here are what some of the notifications mean:

Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather is expected, but it is not going to be hazardous enough to meet warning criteria.

Winter Storm Watch: A significant winter storm could happen. Watch out for weather conditions to change.

Winter Storm Warning: Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.

Blizzard Warning: Winds and wind gusts of 35 miles per hour or more are happening right now. There is a lot of falling or blowing snow that makes it impossible to see more than a quarter of a mile. This is expected to happen for 3 hours or longer.

Forecast and Detect

The United States has satellite and radar imaging, along with hundreds of weather stations throughout the United States. The sensors track air conditions and alert meteorologists when conditions are right for a winter storm to occur. Generally, people have several days of warning based on this detections system.

Warn and Communicate

If your National Weather Service local location detects a winter storm, they will send out a watch or a warning for your area. Some ways people are notified include the following: Cell phone alerts and apps Radio alerts TV alerts Newspapers (if known far enough in advance)

Reduce Damage

Many cities plow or clear roads and have response systems in place to keep roads clear of snow to reduce hazardous driving conditions.

Homes should use good insulation to protect water pipes (from bursting) and keep the home warmer during winter storms.

Cut tree branches away from power lines.

About Hurricanes

Rotating storm systems that develop over warm ocean water are called tropical depressions or tropical storms. Once the winds inside reach 74 miles per hour or more, it is called a hurricane. This type of storm has different names, depending on where it forms: hurricanes form in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific Oceans; cyclones form over the South Pacific and Indian Oceans; and typhoons form over the Northwest Pacific Ocean.

Some hurricanes are small and others are large. The smallest hurricane recorded was only 22 miles across. The largest (Typhoon Tip) was over 1,250 miles wide. The strength of a hurricane can change as time goes on. Scientists use wind speed to classify the strength of a hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale:

Category 1: Winds range from 74-95 miles per hour making them as fast as a Major League Baseball throw. Can cause damage to roofs, shingles, gutters, and siding. Large branches of trees and some full trees may fall. Power lines will be damaged, leaving people without electricity for several days. The storm surge is generally 4-5 feet above normal.

Category 2: Winds range from 96-110 miles per hour, making them as fast as a fastball pitch. Causes major roof and siding damage, trees are snapped or uprooted and power outages can last days to weeks. The storm surge is generally 6-8 feet above normal.

Category 3: Winds range from 111-129 miles per hour, making winds as fast as a professional tennis serve. Homes suffer major damage, and roofs will be removed. Trees will be uprooted or snapped, electricity and water will be unavailable for days or weeks after. Storm surge is generally 9-13 feet above normal. Some roads may be damaged or blocked by trees.

Category 4: Winds range from 130-156 miles per hour, making them faster than the world's fastest roller coaster. Homes can lose roofs and some outside walls. Most trees will be uprooted and power poles will come down. Power outages and water will last weeks or month, making the areas unsafe until the repairs are made. Storm surge is generally 13-18 feet above normal. Most Category 4 storms come with orders to evacuate the coastal region as far as 6 miles inland. Some roads and bridges are damaged.

Category 5: Winds range at or above 157 miles per hour, making them as fast or faster than a skydiver falling head first, or a high-speed train. Most homes and trees are completely destroyed. Power and water will be out for weeks or months, making the area unsafe to live in. All Category 5 storms come with evacuation orders. Storm surge will be 19 or more feet above normal. Evacuations are generally required for those living 5-10 miles from the shoreline. Damage to roads, bridges, and other structures cause safety issues for the communities.

Depending on the conditions, different notifications can be issued at different times. Here are what some of the notifications mean: Hurricane Watch: hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or more) are possible in the area. Hurricane Warning: hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles pre hour or more) are expected in the area.

Forecast and Detect

Hurricane season for the United States is from June 1st through September 30th; 97% of hurricanes occur during this time.

Storms that can form hurricanes can be detected roughly 5 days in advance.

Satellites collect data about the storm.

Drifter buoys send data about ocean currents and sea levels to scientists.

Planes drop special tools into the hurricane to collect additional data.

Supercomputers use all the data to create models of the hurricane path and severity.

Warn and Communicate

People normally receive 2 days of warning to prepare for the storm.

A potential path of the hurricane is predicted by scientists.

Meteorologists evaluate and communicate information to the community and government.

Watches and warning are given for the storm.

Storm surge watches/warnings are issued to help coastal communities prepare for potential flooding.

Reduce Damage

Sandbags can help prevent flooding.

Cover or board up windows with shutters to protect against flying objects. Reinforce doors.

Secure or bring in objects that could fly or float away (i.e., outdoor furniture and boats).

Trim old or dead trees and tree limbs.

Do NOT climb into a closed attic.

Stay off bridges over fast moving water.

About Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity for at least 2–3 days. These events are caused when high pressure air in the upper atmosphere traps heat at the surface of the Earth.

A certain temperature and humidity level might be considered extreme in one area but typical in another. This means the definition of extreme heat varies by location. For example, 86oF high temperatures in Anchorage, Alaska broke a record in 2019, but the same temperature is common in parts of Florida.

Extreme heat events can last for several days without a break in the temperatures. In some places, temperatures could exceed 130oF. Heat waves are becoming more common today than they were in the past. Extreme heat events can develop quickly in an area, but they are often predicted several days ahead of time. This can give people time to prepare. Depending on the conditions, different notifications can be issued at different times. Here are what some of the notifications mean:

Excessive Heat Warning: issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this warning is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105° or higher for at least 2 days and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75°. However, these criteria vary across the country, especially for areas not used to extreme heat conditions.

Excessive Heat Watch: issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.

Heat Advisory: issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this advisory is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100° or higher for at least 2 days, and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75°. These criteria vary across the country, especially for areas that are not used to dangerous heat conditions.

Excessive Heat Outlook: issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3–7 days. An outlook provides information to those who need considerable lead-time to prepare for the event.

Forecast and Detect

Extreme heat tends to happen in the summer months, but there is no official "heat season."

Satellites actively monitor and send data about temperature and precipitation changes all over the world.

Meteorologists can use temperature and weather patterns from all over the world to forecast heat waves.

Heat waves can be forecast about 10 days from when they will occur.

If the heat wave comes from over an ocean, sometimes the heat wave can be forecasted as much as 6 weeks in advance.

Warn and Communicate

Extreme heat advisories, watches, and warnings are broadcast over television and radio.

Push notifications can also go out on cell phones and other devices.

Weather apps also keep up-to date information regarding the temperature for easy access by anyone with a devices.

Reduce Damage

Using what we know about light and energy, we know dark surfaces will be warmer than lighter surfaces during an extreme heat event. Some cities are painting dark surfaces white to reduce the amount of energy transferred to the surface. Roads, train tracks, and roofs are some of the many things painted white to help cool cities and reduce temperatures. Green spaces, such as parks and areas with trees, can also provide cooler areas within cities.

About Droughts

Droughts are long periods without water or access to water in an area. Droughts occur because of a lack of precipitation, groundwater, or other water sources in an area. There is no specific drought season. Many times droughts are part of heat waves, which dry out areas and cause a water shortage. See About Extreme Heat for more details.

Droughts can cover areas from the size of a county to an entire country. They can last from weeks to years depending on the size and location of the drought. If farming and ranching areas are without water for long periods of time, it can result in crop damage, loss of livestock, and loss of income for many farmers. This results in reduced access to food for people who live in the area and people who buy food produced there. Droughts can vary in how much they impact an area. If water resources are well maintained, the impact of a drought can be less dramatic. The most widely discussed drought in United States history is the Dust Bowl, which occured in the 1930s and ruined millions of acres of farmland.

The United States Drought Monitor is a map released weekly that shows both the intensity and impact of drought conditions in the United States. Drought intensity is measured on a scale from D0 (abnormally dry) to D4 (exceptional drought). Impact is described as either short- term or long-term.

Forecast and Detect

The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) watches different areas for signs of drought.

The Drought Early Warning Systems (DEWS) is monitored to determine if a drought might happen.

Seasonal drought and climate outlooks are published by climate scientists.

Satellites monitor the amount of evaporation in an area which can provide early warning signs of fast-occurring droughts.

Warn and Communicate

Scientists communicate drought conditions and risks to local emergency management and news agencies.

Local governments and news agencies inform the public.

Reduce Damage

Aquifer storage: Water from the surface is stored in aquifers during a drought. This water can be used during and after a drought.

Check plumbing for breaks and leaks to conserve water when drought conditions exist.

Homes can reduce water usage with conservative appliances, such as water efficient toilets and shower heads.

Increase awareness and support for water conservation efforts.

Cover pools and spas to reduce water loss.

About Flooding

When large amounts of water overflow onto land that is normally dry, it is called flooding. Flooding can happen at any time of the year.

Floods happen for several different reasons. Floods that are not near coasts are usually caused by weather events like heavy rain or melting snow, which causes rivers and creeks to overflow. Coastal flooding can be caused by these, too, but also by storm surges from hurricanes and large ocean waves like tsunamis.

Areas at a lower elevation (“low-lying”) and near a source of water, like a creek, river, or lake, flood before higher ground. Some floods happen more slowly, and some floods happen more quickly. When water rises very quickly and people have very little time to respond, it is called a “flash flood.”

Sometimes floods can be only a few inches of water on the ground, but in some places it can reach as high as the tops of roofs on houses. Flooding often damages homes and businesses, causes power outages, and disrupts transportation networks.

Flooding is the most common natural hazard in the United States, and often the costliest. Because all parts of the country are at risk of flooding, the federal and state governments, and local communities, have developed many solutions to prevent or reduce flood damage and also protect people when it happens.

Depending on the conditions, different notifications can be issued at different times. Here are what some of the notifications mean:

Flood watch: A flood watch means a flood may occur in an area. Monitor conditions and prepare to respond if a warning occurs.

Flood warning: A flood warning means a flood will occur in the area and to respond appropriately.

Forecast and Detect

Rainfall amounts are constantly tracked.

River levels are constantly tracked.

Dams are inspected for weakness.

Duration of potential storms that could cause flooding are monitored.

River drainage basins are monitored for leaking or breakage.

The soil moisture is monitored to see if the soil can absorb more rainfall or water.

Ground temperature and snowpack are monitored.

Warn and Communicate

Flood alerts are issued in a number of ways: Weather radios Phone apps TV Radio Newspaper (if there is time) Local emergency management patrol areas to help alert and evacuate families, if necessary.

Reduce Damage

Dams can release water slowly so that downstream communities are flooded less.

If reservoirs are full when a flood happens the reservoir water can be added to the aquifer and the new flood waters can go into reservoirs.

Wetlands slow the flow of flood waters and let sediments settle, and also, microorganisms in wetlands can filter pollutants from the water.

Barriers can be built to prevent floodwaters from entering an area and can divert water to specific areas.

About Earthquakes

An earthquake happens when two plates slip, slide, or crumble as they move past each other. About 90% of earthquakes occur on plate boundaries. There are places in the world with more active plate movement, and these places tend to have more earthquake activity.

How much shaking is felt as the result of an earthquake is called the intensity. The intensity of an earthquake depends on the location where the earthquake started, the features of the plate(s), and the magnitude of the earthquake. Also, as you move further away from the earthquake’s epicenter, its intensity decreases. Earthquake magnitude is measured using the Richter scale and is based near the epicenter of the earthquake.

Magnitude up to 2.9: These earthquakes are so small that they are rarely felt by people and cause no damage to buildings.

Magnitude 3.0–3.9: These earthquakes can be felt by people and may shake indoor objects slightly.

Magnitude 4.0–4.9: These earthquakes shake and rattle indoor objects, and some objects may fall. Very little is felt outside.

Magnitude 5.0–5.9: Everyone feels these earthquakes, and it can cause damage to buildings that are not well-built.

Magnitude 6.0–6.9: These earthquakes have strong to violent shaking. Most buildings will be damaged, but buildings built for earthquakes will be only slightly damaged.

Magnitude 7.0–7.9: These earthquakes cause damage to most buildings, and some may collapse. These can be felt from far away.

Magnitude 8.0–8.9: These earthquakes cause major damage to buildings, destroying most average buildings. These earthquakes can damage large areas.

Magnitude 9.0 and above: These earthquakes cause total destruction of large regions. Heavy damage extends far and can be felt hundreds of miles away. This magnitude tends to occur only once every 10–50 years.

Earthquakes happen suddenly and cannot be predicted. With larger earthquakes, several aftershocks can be expected within the first hour, and earthquakes of decreasing magnitude can last for days after the large earthquake.

Forecast and Detect

ShakeAlert: Warning systems exist all over the world. The United States Geological Survey has an early warning system called ShakeAlert. This system works by monitoring ground movement in different locations. The data is sent to monitoring stations, and warnings are sent out as quickly as possible.

Smartphone apps: Certain smartphone apps can detect earthquake movement while an earthquake is happening. If an earthquake happes and this app is on a large group of user's phones, it can be used to sense the movement of the people and alert others farther away, potentially giving them time to get to safety.

Warn and Communicate

Earthquake sensors can provide a warning of 2-10 seconds before the ground starts shaking in certain areas.

ShakeAlert sends out warning to computers and cell phones that include the expected magnitude and time before the earthquake begins in your location.

Cities that normally experience earthquakes may have sirens to warn citizens of a coming earthquake.

Reduce Damage

Buildings and homes can apply more earthquake-resistant design features, such as features like "shocks" or "seismic dampers" that can absorb the energy released in an earthquake.

If living in an earthquake-prone area, make sure that all heavy shelves, pictures, and other items are secured.

Now that we have assessed what needs our stakeholders might have, we can think about what the stakeholders need to know about our hazard. Use the template below to help collect data about your hazard and determine what information might need to be communicated to your stakeholders. Part 1: Gathering Information about Your Natural Hazard

What hazard are you sharing information about with your stakeholder group(s)?

Where and when does the hazard occur? Other questions to investigate: How often does it happen? Does it happen fast, or is there time to prepare? How strong or severe can it get?

What type of damage can this hazard cause?

Is there a rating scale or something else to communicate the threat levels to our stakeholders?

Are there certain areas that are more likely to get damaged from this natural hazard?

How can we detect this hazard?

How will your stakeholders know this natural hazard is coming?

How much time do your stakeholders have between the warning and the hazard striking?

Are there structures or plans already in place to help protect your stakeholders during a natural hazard?

What should your stakeholders know about these structures or plans?

Now that you know more about the hazard and our stakeholders, we can use the tables below to help plan our communication project. Consider each stakeholder group, and think about the information they need to know about your chosen natural hazard. Looking back to Lesson 7, we know talking about natural hazards can be scary for some people, especially if they have experienced a natural hazard in the past. This hazard awareness plan needs to be helpful and should make sure that the information does not cause panic or fear, so we need to plan our hazard awareness plan carefully. Use the areas below to help you develop a plan and determine how you will present your information:

What criteria did you identify on Determining Stakeholder Needs for communicating with your stakeholders? What do we need to communicate with them?

What method are you going to use to communicate with your stakeholders?

What will you tell your stakeholders about the cause(s) of the natural hazard?

What will you tell the stakeholders about warning signs and detection methods?

How will this group of stakeholders know that the hazard is going to happen?

What can you mention that is already in place to help keep them safe?

What should stakeholders do to prepare for the hazard?