W5 - Hazard Adjustment Discussion Initial Post

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American Military University *

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220

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Geography

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by VooDoo_Ninja

Good afternoon class, Earlier in the semester, I briefly explained the EOP format that would be best suited for my hometown of Cary, NC. This week, I will discuss hazard adjustments that I would recommend for three of the most prevalent hazards in my hometown: severe thunderstorms, extreme heat, and tornados. Upon further research, I have discovered that the county in which my city resides does not include either of these hazards in their EOP however, they do cover all three in their county Hazard Mitigation Plan. To begin, I will first review the hazard of severe thunderstorms and several ways to help prepare for one. All thunderstorms are dangerous, and every thunderstorm generates lightning. Lightning strikes are one of the top three storm-related killers in the United States. ( County Emergency Plans . Wake County Government. (n.d.)) According to the North Carolina State Hazard Mitigation Plan, Wake County suffers from approximately $182,000 (North Carolina Department of Public Safety. (n.d.)) in damages caused by thunderstorms annually. Prior to a thunderstorm, it is a good rule of thumb to remember the 30/30 rule. If you see lightening, go indoors. If you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, then stay inside for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. Do your best to secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage. Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives. Get inside a home, building or hard top vehicle (not a convertible). Although you may be hurt if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside. Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires DO NOT provide protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal. During a Thunderstorm, avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those plugged into electric for recharging. You can use cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets. Don’t go near electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers. Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage. Stay away from the plumbing. Don’t wash your hands, take a shower, wash dishes or do the laundry; plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity. And finally, stay away from windows and doors and stay off porches. After a thunderstorm, if you must drive somewhere, be cautious of flooded areas; do not attempt to drive through them, turn around and find another route. Stay away from downed power lines; report these lines quickly to the power company. Stay away from storm- damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk; allow for emergency services to do their job without interference. And lastly, help people who may need special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or those with access or functional needs. (North Carolina Emergency Management. (n.d.)) The next hazard that tends to be highly prevalent in my hometown is extreme heat. Let’s review the hazard and go over ways to reduce the risk of being affected. Heat can kill people because it pushes the human body past what it can handle. In extreme heat and high humidity, water evaporation is slowed, and the body must work extra hard to keep a normal temperature. Most heat problems occur because the person has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children and those who are sick, or overweight are more likely to give in to extreme heat. Conditions that can bring on heat-related illnesses include still atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. People who live cities may be

at greater risk from the effects of a long heat wave than those living in rural areas. Asphalt and concrete store heat longer and slowly release heat at night. This can make temperatures rise at night in a city, called the "urban heat island effect." A heat wave is a long time of extreme heat. It is often with high humidity. These conditions can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t do what they ought to do to keep themselves safe. ( County Emergency Plans . Wake County Government. (n.d.)) Prior to a heat wave coming through the area, each family should make an emergency kit and a family communications plan. Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies. Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to be harmed by excessive heat and may need help. Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation. Install short-term window reflectors for use between windows and drapes, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside. Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in. Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can lower the heat that comes in a home by up to 80 percent. And finally, listen to local weather forecasts and stay alert about upcoming temperature changes. During a Heat wave or while experiencing extreme heat, stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Postpone outdoor games and activities. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Stay away from drinks with caffeine. Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. Limit the number of alcoholic beverages you drink. Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover a lot of skin. Try not to wear dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. Avoid hard work during the warmest part of the day. And remember to check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone; don't forget to check on your animals often to make sure that they are not suffering from the heat. (North Carolina Emergency Management. (n.d.)) Finally, the third hazard that tends to be highly prevalent in my hometown is tornadoes. The area I am from is the fourth most common area for tornadoes in the United States and has even been coined Carolina Alley. I'll now review the hazard and cover some mitigations to prepare yourself and your family for a tornado should one touch down. Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms and are formed from powerful thunderstorms. Tornadoes show up as spinning, funnel- shaped clouds that reach from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour and their paths of damage can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. In North Carolina, tornadoes can occur with little or no warning at any time during the year; the peak season, however, is March through May. Sometimes, tornadoes develop so quickly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the place of a tornado even if a funnel is not seen. Tornadoes occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm and it's not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado. If you see a tornado coming, you only have a short time to make life-or-death choices. Know the basics of tornado safety. Plan ahead; hold annual tornado drills. Doing these will lower the chance of injury or death if a tornado strikes your area. ( County Emergency Plans . Wake County Government. (n.d.)) According to the North Carolina State Hazard Mitigation Plan, Wake County suffers from approximately $1,648,000 (North Carolina Department of Public Safety. (n.d.)) in damages caused by tornadoes annually. Before a tornado hits, know what danger signs to look for: a dark, often greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating); a loud roar, much like a freight train; or if you see

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