Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Preparation and Planning
Although extreme heat can be common in certain areas, it is necessary for the
Emergency Manager to become familiar with watches and warnings associated
with extreme heat events. These include
Excessive Heat Outlook—Issued when the potential exists for an excessive
heat event in the next three to seven days. An outlook is used to indicate
that a heat event may develop.
Excessive Heat Watch—Issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive
heat event in the next 12 to 48 hours. A watch is used when the risk of a heat
wave has increased, but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.
Excessive Heat Warning—Issued when an excessive heat event is expected in
the next 36 hours. A warning is issued when an excessive heat event is occur-
ring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence.
Emergency Managers must work with the public to ensure that they have an emer-
gency supplies kit that can assist them should an extreme heat event occur. This can
include battery-operated fans for cooling, plenty of water, battery-operated radios,
and plenty of nonperishable foods. The public must also be encouraged to stay
indoors. If there is a need from a person to go outdoors, they should wear appropri-
ate clothing and sunscreen to protect themselves, and stay hydrated. Because of the
possibility of droughts, it may also be decided that water restrictions are necessary
in order to conserve water.
Tsunamis
Description and History
A tsunami is a series of ocean waves triggered by a sudden shift in the ocean floor
(earthquake), landslide, or volcanic eruption. Tsunami waves in the deep ocean can
be only a few inches tall and can travel 400 miles per hour (and sometimes higher).
Most ships in the ocean would not feel this type of wave because of the wavelength
being potentially hundreds of miles long and the amplitude (wave height) being
that of only a few feet. These types of waves are not usually visible from the air.
However, as the wave moves ashore into shallower waters, these waves decrease in
speed and their amplitude increases. The first wave of the series is typically not the
largest. Damages from the tsunami waves vary from location to location, depen-
dent on several factors. One area could be inundated with deadly waves, while
another area not that far away could miss the effects of the tsunami.
On December 6, 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami was triggered by a 9.3-
magnitude earthquake that had its hypercenter (point on Earth's surface directly
above the epicenter) located just north of Simeulue Island, of the western coast of
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