Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 5.6 Collapse of bridge following Northridge earthquake, January 1994.
(California Emergency Management Agency.)
hits. Because earthquakes give very little advance warning, preparations should
be made as soon as possible. These include encouraging residents and employees
of businesses to build emergency kits that will sustain them for a minimum of 72
hours. These kits should include utility shut-off tools, nonperishable food, water,
personal hygiene items, medications, cash, important papers, a battery-operated
radio, supplies for pets, and supplies for infants and children (just for starters).
Emergency Managers can also work with building officials to ensure that structures
are built to be earthquake-resistant.
Winter Storms
Description and History
Winter storms affect regions across the United States each year. These storms cause
mass amounts of snow, winds, coinciding blizzards, ice, avalanches, below freezing
temperatures, and hypothermic conditions for those outdoors, those without heat-
ing abilities, children, and pets. Each year, dozens of people die due to exposure
to winter weather conditions. This does not include the number of people who die
from heater-related fires, fatalities from vehicle accidents, and deaths from carbon
monoxide poisoning due to unmaintained or misused heating systems. All of these
factors make winter storms a significant threat to the public. Severe weather storms
can last for many days, weeks, and even months. These storms can also trap people
in their homes or cars, with no utilities or assistance available to them.
Emergency Managers must know the definitions associated with winter storms
in order to be able to prepare and respond to these events. These definitions include
Blizzard—Winds of 35 miles per hour or more with snow and blowing snow,
reducing visibility to less than ¼ mile for more than 3 hours.
