Understanding Natural Disasters: Preparedness and Response Guide by Clover Alert

1. NATURAL NATURAL DISASTERS DISASTERS Clover Alert

2. WHAT ARE WHAT ARE NATURAL NATURAL DISASTERS? DISASTERS? Natural disasters refer to extreme and catastrophic events caused by natural processes or forces, resulting in significant damage, destruction, and loss of life. These events occur without human intervention and can have severe impacts on the environment, infrastructure, and communities.

3. HURRICANE, TYPHOON, OR CYCLONE A hurricane is a large, powerful, and rotating storm system characterized by strong winds and intense rainfall. It is a tropical cyclone that forms over warm ocean waters. Hurricanes are known by different names in different regions. For example, in the Western Pacific, they are called typhoons, while in the Indian Ocean, they are referred to as cyclones. FLOOD OR FLASH FLOOD A flood is a natural disaster that occurs when an area becomes inundated with an excessive amount of water, typically due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or the overflow of rivers, lakes, or coastal areas. Floods can be slow-developing, lasting for days or even weeks, or they can be rapid and intense, known as flash floods.

4. VOLCANIC ERUPTION A volcanic eruption is a natural phenomenon in which molten rock, gas, and other materials are ejected from a volcano's vent or fissure onto the Earth's surface or into the atmosphere. Volcanic eruptions are a result of the buildup of pressure within the Earth's crust, often associated with the movement of tectonic plates. WILD FIRE, FOREST FIRE, OR BUSHFIRE A wildfire, also known as a forest fire or bushfire, refers to an uncontrolled and rapidly spreading fire that occurs in vegetation, such as forests, grasslands, or brushlands. Wildfires are typically ignited by natural causes like lightning strikes or human activities, including accidental fires or intentional acts.

5. EARTHQUAKE An earthquake is a sudden and violent shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's crust. It is a natural phenomenon resulting from the release of accumulated stress along fault lines. Earthquakes can occur along plate boundaries, where tectonic plates interact, or within the interior of tectonic plates. HEAT WAVE A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, typically accompanied by high humidity and often characterized by high temperatures during the day and limited cooling at night. Heat waves can occur in both urban and rural areas and are influenced by various meteorological factors.

6. TSUNAMI A tsunami is a series of ocean waves triggered by a significant disturbance, usually associated with underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. Tsunamis can travel across vast distances across the ocean and cause devastating damage and loss of life when they reach coastal areas. LANDSLIDE A landslide refers to the downward movement of a mass of soil, rocks, or debris along a slope. It is a geological phenomenon that can occur due to various factors such as gravity, heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, or human activities. Landslides can cause significant damage to infrastructure and pose risks to human lives and the environment.

7. TORNADO A tornado is a violent and rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud (thunderstorm cloud). Tornadoes are characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud extending downward from the thunderstorm, often accompanied by a visible condensation funnel or debris cloud. DROUGHT Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low precipitation, resulting in a shortage of water supply that significantly impacts ecosystems, agriculture, and human activities. It is a natural disaster that can occur in various regions around the world, leading to significant socioeconomic and environmental consequences.

8. HOW TO BE HOW TO BE READY DURING READY DURING A DISASTER A DISASTER

9. EMERGENCY PLAN EMERGENCY KIT STAY INFORMED Develop a family emergency plan that includes communication strategies and meeting points. Assign responsibilities to each family member, such as gathering supplies. Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit that includes essential items such as non- perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents. Keep informed about potential hazards or disasters that may occur in your area by monitoring local news, weather alerts, and emergency management websites.

10. DO THE DRILL SECURE THE HOME VOLUNTEER Take measures to protect your home, such as securing heavy furniture or appliances, reinforcing windows and doors, and installing an earthquake alarm system for early warning. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes in your community, both for your home and workplace. Practice evacuation drills with your family to ensure everyone is informed. Volunteer for local preparedness and response initiatives. Join community emergency response teams to contribute your skills and knowledge during times of crisis.

11. BEING READY IS OUR SECRET BEING READY IS OUR SECRET POWER, GUIDING US THROUGH POWER, GUIDING US THROUGH TOUGH TIMES WITH COURAGE. TOUGH TIMES WITH COURAGE.