Red Cross Disaster Newsletter
Arizona has many natural disasters that can devastate people, land and animals. The Red Cross is greatly concerned about people's awareness of why and how natural disasters occur and that people are not prepared for these events. Due to the fact that disasters can occur at any time, it is urgent that you do something now.
You are going to be responsible for helping people become more prepared and able to deal successfully with one of the following disasters: forest fires, tornadoes, severe heat, floods, earthquakes, or thunderstorms and lightning.
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When you are finished with your research, you will create a newsletter to distribute to the people of Arizona. You will research the causes and effects of one of these disasters: tornadoes, earthquakes, forest fires, thunderstorms and lightning, severe heat, or floods. You will also need to do research on how people can save their families and protect their belongings during this disaster. You will list steps that people can take when a disaster occurs and what they can do to be ready.
These newsletters will be given to the Red Cross for distribution to help people learn why and when disasters occur. Through these newsletters, people will learn preventative measures to possibly save their family and protect their belongings. Another part of your newsletter will list steps for people to take when a natural disaster occurs.
If you are successful, you will save lives!
While doing your research be prepared to answer the following questions:
1. What are the causes of an earthquake?
2. How often do earthquakes occur in the world?
3. When was the last large earthquake in Arizona? What is the likelihood of an earthquake happening in Arizona in the future?
4. What can people do to prevent becoming injured during an earthquake?
5. How can you earthquake-proof your house?
6. After an earthquake, what should people do?
Arizona Earthquake Information
CBS News Disaster Links To find earthquake information push Control-F and type earthquake.
Earthquake Planning Be sure to click on Emergency Supply Kit
FEMA Earthquake Information Be sure to click on the links in the orange box!
Homeowners Guide from Homeowner's Insurance
Just in Case Arizona - How to Survive an Earthquake
Floods and Flash Floods:
While doing your research be prepared to answer the following questions:
1. What causes floods?
2. What is a "flash flood"? How is it different from a flood?
3. Where does flooding occur? Where do flash floods occur?
4. What should someone do to prevent getting caught in flooding? in a flash flood?
5. What should someone do, if caught in a flood situation?
CBS News Disaster Links To find flood information push Control-F and type flood
Homeowners Guide from Homeowner's Insurance
Just in Case Arizona - How to Survive Flooding
While doing your research be prepared to answer the following questions:
1. When is forest fire "season" in Arizona?
2. How many forest fires were there in Arizona last year? How many acres were involved?
3. What are the causes of forest fires?
4. How many national forests are located in Arizona? Name them.
5. What are the effects of forest fires on land? on air quality? economy?
6. How fast do wildfires burn?
Arizona Interagency Wildfire Information Page - Be sure you click on 'Prevention News'
AZ Central.com Watch video "Protecting Your Home"
Homeowners Guide from Homeowner's Insurance
Just in Case Arizona - How to Survive Wildfires
Southwest Coordination Center What can you find out here?
While doing your research be prepared to answer the following questions:
1. What are the causes of severe heat?
2. What can people do to prevent getting sick from extreme heat?
3. If they do happen to get sick from heat what are the steps to take?
4. What is the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion?
5. What should people do about their pets during extreme heat?
6. How many people are admitted to hospitals in Arizona for a heat related illness each year?
Arizona Department of Health Services
Extreme Heat - CDC
Extreme Heat - FEMA
Frequently Asked Questions About Extreme Heat
How to Survive a Heat Wave - Without Air Conditioning
Just In Case Arizona! How to Survive Extreme Heat
Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness
While doing your research be prepared to answer the following questions:
1. What are the causes of the thunderstorms and lightning?
2. How often does lightning strike the earth everyday?
3. After getting struck by lightning, what should someone do?
4. What should people do in the event of a severe thunderstorm?
5. What can people do to prevent getting struck by lightning?
6. What is the "30-30 Rule"?
How to Protect Yourself From Lightning
Lightning -- The Underrated Killer Click on the subtopics on the right-hand side including Indoors, Outdoors, Science and Medical
National Severe Storms Laboratory
Severe Weather Scroll down to Lightning and then to Straight-line Winds
USA Today: Thunderstorms Scroll down to "Types of thunderstorms" and "Lightning and thunder".
While doing your research be prepared to answer the following questions:
1. What causes tornadoes?
2. What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
3. When during the year can tornadoes occur?
4. What is a "supercell"?
5. What should you do if you are told a tornado has been sighted near you?
6. What should be included in a tornado shelter?
CBS News Disaster Links To find information on tornadoes push Control-F and type tornado.
Homeowners Guide from Homeowner's Insurance
Just in Case Arizona - How to Survive a Tornado
Tornadoes Impact Our Lives Make sure you click on "Found Out How Tornadoes Are Formed"
Tornadoes....Nature's Most Violent Storms
Created by Linda DeVore
Last Updated Thursday, July 19, 2012
