PREPARING FOR DISASTERS

Transcription

1 PREPARING FOR DISASTERS Learning Workbook Name

2 Connect With Us: Web: Copyright 2018, Province of British Columbia. All rights reserved. This material is owned by the Government of British Columbia and protected by copyright law. It may not be reproduced or redistributed without the prior written permission of the Province of British Columbia. Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

3 Learning Workbook Table of Contents 2 Top 10 Hazards in B.C. 3 Earthquakes 5 Tsunamis 7 Floods 9 Landslides 11 Avalanches 13 Power Outages 15 Hazardous Material Spills 17 Wildfires 19 Severe Weather 21 Disease Outbreaks 25 Gathering Supplies & Making a Plan 25 Build a Home Emergency Kit 26 Build a Grab-and-Go Bag 26 Create a Home Emergency Plan 29 Working Together & Helping Others 29 Community Strengths 29 Personal Strengths 29 Vulnerable People Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

4 Top 10 Hazards in B.C. A hazard is a danger or a risk. It s a word you can use to refer to a whole range of emergencies and disasters. It s important to know which hazards could happen in your community because this will help you get prepared. Of course, the hazards that might affect you will depend on where you live. Let s start by learning about the most common hazards. Here are the TOP 10 hazards in B.C.: 1. Earthquakes 2. Tsunamis 3. Floods 4. Landslides 5. Avalanches 6. Severe Weather 7. Power Outages 8. Hazardous Material Spills 9. Wildfires 10. Disease Outbreaks In the following pages, you ll learn a little bit about each hazard. You can also do your own research to find out even more. Then, see if you can answer the important questions about each one. Let s get started! 2 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

5 Earthquakes Did you know the Pacific Coast is the most earthquake-prone region in Canada? More than 100 earthquakes of a magnitude greater than 5.0 on the Richter scale have occurred in the past 70 years. Why so many? Our coast is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire a large arc around the Pacific Ocean where about 90% of the world s earthquakes occur. The ring is made up of many active faults, or breaks in the earth s crust. The plates that make up the earth s crust are constantly moving at a speed of 2-10 cm per year. That s about as fast as your fingernails grow! An earthquake occurs when the plates slide against each other. If you feel strong shaking, follow three steps: 1. DROP onto your hands and knees. 2. COVER your head and neck (and your body if possible) under a table or desk. 3. HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking stops. Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 3

6 Earthquakes Answer these questions using what you ve learned from this book and through your own research. 1. Write a description of how this hazard happens and why: 2. Are there any warning signs that this hazard is on its way or may occur where you live? 3. Name a time and place where this hazard occurred in the past and one thing we can learn from that event: Place: What we can learn: Time/Year: 4. What can you do to prepare for this hazard before it happens? 5. What did you learn about this hazard that you didn t know before? 6. What do you still wonder about this hazard? 4 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

7 Tsunamis Tsunami is Japanese for Harbour Wave. Tsunamis are made up of a series of waves not just one big one and are caused by a displacement of water beneath the ocean floor. Usually a tsunami is generated by an earthquake, but they can also be caused by an underwater landslide. The time between waves can range from minutes to hours. The height of the waves can range from a few centimetres to several metres. If you re told a tsunami is coming, move to higher ground or the designated safe area in your community. Stay there until you receive the All Clear message from your local government. Never go to the beach to watch the waves. A tsunami can move faster than you can run! In the deep ocean, waves can travel about 800 kilometres per hour that s 10 times faster than cars drive on the highway and more than 20 times faster than a BC ferry! Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 5

8 Tsunamis Answer these questions using what you ve learned from this book and through your own research. 1. Write a description of how this hazard happens and why: 2. Are there any warning signs that this hazard is on its way or may occur where you live? 3. Name a time and place where this hazard occurred in the past and one thing we can learn from that event: Place: What we can learn: Time/Year: 4. What can you do to prepare for this hazard before it happens? 5. What did you learn about this hazard that you didn t know before? 6. What do you still wonder about this hazard? 6 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

9 Floods Floods are common, natural events in B.C. Although they can happen at any time, the most severe floods usually occur during the spring and early summer months (April to July) when there is heavy rain and snow is melting. Floods can also be caused by storm surges, ice jams or damage to structures like dikes or dams. Most floods develop slowly, but flash floods can happen in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods are the most dangerous kind of floods because they combine the destructive power of a flood with incredible speed and unpredictability. During a flood, never go down to watch the rushing water. If you notice trees beginning to lean or bend strangely near the water, or cracks developing in the hillside, tell an adult. Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 7

10 Floods Answer these questions using what you ve learned from this book and through your own research. 1. Write a description of how this hazard happens and why: 2. Are there any warning signs that this hazard is on its way or may occur where you live? 3. Name a time and place where this hazard occurred in the past and one thing we can learn from that event: Place: What we can learn: Time/Year: 4. What can you do to prepare for this hazard before it happens? 5. What did you learn about this hazard that you didn t know before? 6. What do you still wonder about this hazard? 8 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

11 Landslides During a landslide, pieces of rock, earth or other debris move down a slope, such as a mountain or hillside. The volume of a single landslide can range from a few cubic metres (that s about 5 bathtubs) to more than 10 cubic kilometres (that s about 65 billion bathtubs!). Landslides can move very slowly, but they can also reach speeds greater than 100 kilometres per hour that s faster than an Olympic downhill skier! Changes in the landscape and in nearby waterways can sometimes warn you a landslide is going to occur. Warning signs include sudden changes in the volume of water in streams and rivers, water changing from clear to murky, cracks near the top of a slope, sliding soil and falling rocks or boulders. If you see these warning signs, leave the area immediately and tell an adult. If you re ever caught in a landslide, curl in a tight ball and protect your head and neck. Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 9

12 Landslides Answer these questions using what you ve learned from this book and through your own research. 1. Write a description of how this hazard happens and why: 2. Are there any warning signs that this hazard is on its way or may occur where you live? 3. Name a time and place where this hazard occurred in the past and one thing we can learn from that event: Place: What we can learn: Time/Year: 4. What can you do to prepare for this hazard before it happens? 5. What did you learn about this hazard that you didn t know before? 6. What do you still wonder about this hazard? 10 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

13 Avalanches Avalanches are caused by four factors: a slope, snow cover, a weak layer in the snow cover and a trigger. The trigger is usually a person a snowmobiler, climber, snowboarder, snowshoer, skier or hiker. Unlike what you see in the movies, loud noises don t trigger avalanches! Dry slab avalanches are the most dangerous kind of avalanche. Dry slab avalanches occur when a single chunk of solid snow slides on top of weaker, softer snow. These avalanches can travel up to 130 kilometres per hour. Once the snow stops moving, it settles like concrete and makes it very hard for anyone trapped inside to move. Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 11

14 Avalanches Answer these questions using what you ve learned from this book and through your own research. 1. Write a description of how this hazard happens and why: 2. Are there any warning signs that this hazard is on its way or may occur where you live? 3. Name a time and place where this hazard occurred in the past and one thing we can learn from that event: Place: What we can learn: Time/Year: 4. What can you do to prepare for this hazard before it happens? 5. What did you learn about this hazard that you didn t know before? 6. What do you still wonder about this hazard? 12 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

15 Power Outages In B.C., we have many different kinds of power including hydroelectric, natural gas, biomass, wind, solar and tidal. A power outage (also known as a blackout or power failure) is a short or long-term loss of electric power to an area. Power outages occur frequently in some communities and very rarely in others. There are many causes of power outages, including wind, snow and damage to infrastructure like power lines. To stay safe during a power outage make sure you have a flashlight and a battery-powered radio so you can listen for advice and updates. Be sure to store some extra batteries too! Fireplaces, woodstoves, barbecues and camp stoves can be used for emergency cooking, but never use a barbecue or camp stove indoors. Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 13

16 Power Outages Answer these questions using what you ve learned from this book and through your own research. 1. Write a description of how this hazard happens and why: 2. Are there any warning signs that this hazard is on its way or may occur where you live? 3. Name a time and place where this hazard occurred in the past and one thing we can learn from that event: Place: What we can learn: Time/Year: 4. What can you do to prepare for this hazard before it happens? 5. What did you learn about this hazard that you didn t know before? 6. What do you still wonder about this hazard? 14 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

17 Hazardous Material Spills A hazardous material spill means something dangerous has spilled onto land or into water. These spills can include things like chemicals, oil and gas, propane, and radioctive and biological materials. Some hazardous spills can cause fires or explosions. Other hazardous spills can cause sickness and other health problems. If a hazardous material spills in your community, you may need to evacuate your home. In other cases, hazardous materials could enter the air and you may be asked to shelter in place this means staying inside and sealing off doors, windows and vents. Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 15

18 Hazardous Material Spills Answer these questions using what you ve learned from this book and through your own research. 1. Write a description of how this hazard happens and why: 2. Are there any warning signs that this hazard is on its way or may occur where you live? 3. Name a time and place where this hazard occurred in the past and one thing we can learn from that event: Place: What we can learn: Time/Year: 4. What can you do to prepare for this hazard before it happens? 5. What did you learn about this hazard that you didn t know before? 6. What do you still wonder about this hazard? 16 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

19 Wildfires Wildfires are large, destructive fires that can spread quickly through trees and brush. When it s hot and dry, these fires can be very hard to contain. Nearly half of all wildfires in B.C. are caused by people being careless. To help prevent wildfires, follow fire bans and fire restrictions. When you have a campfire, keep a shovel or water nearby and make sure your campfire is completely out before you leave. In 2017, B.C. had the most destructive wildfire season in recent history. These wildfires burned more than 1.2 million hectares of land and more than 65,000 people had to evacuate their homes. If you see smoke, flames or an unattended wildfire, report it by calling or *5555 on a cellphone. Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 17

20 Wildfires Answer these questions using what you ve learned from this book and through your own research. 1. Write a description of how this hazard happens and why: 2. Are there any warning signs that this hazard is on its way or may occur where you live? 3. Name a time and place where this hazard occurred in the past and one thing we can learn from that event: Place: What we can learn: Time/Year: 4. What can you do to prepare for this hazard before it happens? 5. What did you learn about this hazard that you didn t know before? 6. What do you still wonder about this hazard? 18 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

21 Severe Weather Severe weather can happen at any time of the year. There are many kinds of severe weather, including blizzards, thunderstorms and tornadoes. These extreme weather events can hurt people, damage property and cause power outages. Severe weather usually develops quickly and can last a long time, so it s important to be prepared at home. Make an emergency kit with everything you need to be on your own for at least three days. Did you know the lowest temperature in B.C. was recorded in Smith River on January 31 st, 1947? It was a chilling 58.9 C. At that temperature, exposed skin freezes in less than three minutes! Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 19

22 Severe Weather Answer these questions using what you ve learned from this book and through your own research. 1. Write a description of how this hazard happens and why: 2. Are there any warning signs that this hazard is on its way or may occur where you live? 3. Name a time and place where this hazard occurred in the past and one thing we can learn from that event: Place: What we can learn: Time/Year: 4. What can you do to prepare for this hazard before it happens? 5. What did you learn about this hazard that you didn t know before? 6. What do you still wonder about this hazard? 20 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

23 Disease Outbreaks Diseases are a part of nature and they affect both humans and animals. Extreme weather, bacteria, viruses and parasites cause most diseases. Other diseases spread through industrial accidents or even through intentional, criminal acts. When a disease outbreak occurs, a large number of people in an area get sick. Outbreaks can be limited to one small community or they can spread across several countries. These outbreaks can happen suddenly and threaten people s health and safety. Some outbreaks last just a few days while others can last for years. Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 21

24 Disease Outbreaks Answer these questions using what you ve learned from this book and through your own research. 1. Write a description of how this hazard happens and why: 2. Are there any warning signs that this hazard is on its way or may occur where you live? 3. Name a time and place where this hazard occurred in the past and one thing we can learn from that event: Place: What we can learn: Time/Year: 4. What can you do to prepare for this hazard before it happens? 5. What did you learn about this hazard that you didn t know before? 6. What do you still wonder about this hazard? 22 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

25 Can you think of another hazard that could happen where you live? What do you know about this hazard? Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 23

26 Answer these questions using what you ve learned from this book and through your own research. 1. Write a description of how this hazard happens and why: 2. Are there any warning signs that this hazard is on its way or may occur where you live? 3. Name a time and place where this hazard occurred in the past and one thing we can learn from that event: Place: What we can learn: Time/Year: 4. What can you do to prepare for this hazard before it happens? 5. What did you learn about this hazard that you didn t know before? 6. What do you still wonder about this hazard? 24 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

27 Gathering Supplies & Making a Plan There are many ways you can prepare for emergencies and disasters. Learning about the hazards that could happen where you live is an important first step. You can also prepare by gathering and storing the things you might need during a disaster, and by working with the adults you live with to create a household emergency plan. Build a Home Emergency Kit If a disaster happens, how will you see in the dark? How will you stay warm? How will you get information without the Internet or TV? And what will you eat and drink? If someone gets hurt, how will you help them? You can get prepared for an emergency by building a home emergency kit a collection of tools and supplies to help keep everyone in your household comfortable and safe for at least three days. It s important to gather these items before you need them, and to keep them together in a place you can easily access. What tools and supplies could you include in your emergency kit? Add your own ideas too! Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 25

28 Emergencies can last a long time and sometimes they can be stressful. What could you add to your emergency kit to help you stay calm and pass the time? Build a Grab-and-Go Bag During some emergencies, you may not be able to return to your home or you may be asked to evacuate with very little notice. That s why each person in your home should have additional supplies packed into a grab-and-go bag. A grab-and-go bag is a smaller, lighter version of an emergency kit designed to carry with you. It s smart to prepare a grab-and-go bag for home, for school and even for your vehicle. To create a grab-and-go bag, use a strong backpack with lots of pockets. Include smaller emergency kit items, as well as other things you might need while you re away from home. Some examples include warm clothing, a pen and some paper, a photo of everyone you live with, and medicine. What could you include in your grab-and-go bag? Create a Home Emergency Plan During an emergency, it s important to connect with the people you live with to make sure everyone is accounted for and safe. It s possible that you won t all be together when disaster strikes. Creating a home emergency plan will help you find each other, locate support and care for one another during an emergency. A home emergency plan should include contact information for each person you live with, as well as designated friends and neighbours. It should also include where you ll meet if separated and specify an out-of-area contact. This is someone who lives outside your community and wouldn t be affected by the same emergencies. To get you started, complete the simple Emergency Contacts & Emergency Meeting Places poster on the next page. You can remove this poster and hang it on your fridge at home. The second book in your folder is a detailed Home Emergency Plan to take home and complete with the people you live with. 26 Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters

29 EMERGENCY CONTACTS Record important contact information here to help you connect with each other and make sure everyone is accounted for and safe during an emergency. Hang this somewhere visible in your home, like on the fridge. Home Name Phone Friends & Neighbours Name Phone School(s) Name School Address Phone Workplace(s) Name Work Address Phone Out-of-Area Contact Name City & Province Phone

30 EMERGENCY MEETING PLACES You may not be together when disaster strikes. Make it easier to find each other by choosing emergency meeting places ahead of time. Choose one emergency meeting place near your home (for example, a neighbour s house, a nearby hill or big tree). Choose a second emergency meeting place away from your home, in case you re unable to return home or you re asked to evacuate (for example, a restaurant, a library or a community hall). The emergency meeting place NEAR our home is: Our Emergency Meeting Place Map bourhood Map LEGEND The emergency meeting place AWAY FROM our home is:

31 Working Together & Helping Others When an emergency happens it can take a long time for outside help to arrive. The most important and immediate help will usually come from people around you, like your friends, neighbours and other people in the community. In return, you may have opportunities to help. When a community is in it together everyone wins! Community Strengths Your community may already be prepared for some emergencies and disasters. For example, you may have a local fire department ready to respond to wildfires. Or, you may have a tsunami warning system, or a chosen community safe place, to help people reach high-ground quickly. How is your community prepared for disasters? Personal Strengths During an emergency people need to stick together, cooperate and help one another. Everyone has something they can contribute! What strengths, abilities or skills could you use to safely help other people during an emergency? Vulnerable People During an emergency some people will need extra help to stay safe and comfortable. For example, people with physical disabilities and the elderly may need additional support. Do you know any vulnerable people who might need help during an emergency? Master of Disaster Preparing for Disasters 29

32 CONNECT WITH US: Web: