TSUNAMI, VOLCANO, TORNADO

TSUNAMI


A tsunami is a series of destructive ocean waves affecting shorelines and is generally caused by an earthquake. On occasion, tsunamis have also been caused by underwater landslides, or underwater volcanic eruptions. Tsunami waves are destructive and could rise as high as 100 feet or more. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warning centers located in Hawaii and Alaska that can issue a tsunami warning within 15 minutes after an earthquake. This provides an effective warning for distant-source tsunamis. Because of this, education and awareness of tsunami threats become crucial.

During a Tsunami "WATCH" (Conditions may generate a tsunami):

  • Turn on your radio
  • Listen to your local radio, TV station, or NOAA Weather Radio for updates on the watch.
  • Know in advance what your safest evacuation routes will be.
During a Tsunami "WARNING" (Tsunami generated):
  • Evacuate coastal areas.
  • Evacuate to higher ground or to upper levels of reinforced buildings.
  • Continue to monitor your local radio, TV station, or NOAA Weather Radio for further information and instructions.

VOLCANO


Volcanoes generate a wide variety of phenomena that can alter the Earth's surface and atmosphere and endanger people and property. Volcanic dangers include not only an eruption of the mountain and associated lava flows, but also ash fall and debris flows. If you are near a mountain range be familiar with the following:

Before a volcanic eruption:

  • Plan ahead. Have emergency supplies, food and water stored.
  • Plan an evacuation route away from rivers or streams that may carry mud or debris flow.
  • Keep a battery-operated radio available at all times.
  • If there is an eruption predicted, monitor the radio, TV station, or NOAA Weather Radio for evacuation information and follow the advice given.
After a volcanic eruption:
  • Evacuate if advised to do so.
  • Be prepared to stay indoors and avoid downwind areas if ash fall is predicted.
  • Do not approach the eruption area, unless designated safe to do so by officials.
  • Be aware of stream and river channels when evacuating.
  • Move toward higher ground if mudflows are approaching.

TORNADO


Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that descend in a funnel shape and form during the early stages of rapidly developing thunderstorms. The best protection during a tornado is in an interior room on the lowest level of a building, preferably a basement or storm cellar.
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