Name:
Date:
Graded Assignment
Hazard Preparedness
Total Score: 25 points
Instructions
Research the topic of emergency preparedness. Complete this worksheet using FEMA’s Guide to Citizen Preparedness as well as at least one other online resource of your choice. Add the citations for the sources you used to complete this assignment to this document. Only include sources that are credible and relevant to your submission. Submit this document for grading and teacher feedback.
Questions
According to your research, what should you include in your family’s disaster supplies kit? Did anything on this list surprise you?
Describe one of the online resources you found on the topic of emergency preparedness. What kind of information is available on this site?
Select three hazards to research in detail.
Hazard Type Where is this type of emergency most likely to occur? What protective measures are recommended to prepare for this type of emergency? What did you learn about the recommended response to this type of emergency that you didn’t already know?
Name:
Date:
Graded Assignment
Hazard Preparedness
Total Score: 25 points
Instructions
Research the topic of emergency preparedness. Complete this worksheet using FEMA’s Guide to Citizen Preparedness as well as at least one other online resource of your choice. Add the citations for the sources you used to complete this assignment to this document. Only include sources that are credible and relevant to your submission. Submit this document for grading and teacher feedback.
Questions
According to your research, what should you include in your family’s disaster supplies kit? Did anything on this list surprise you?
Describe one of the online resources you found on the topic of emergency preparedness. What kind of information is available on this site?
Select three hazards to research in detail.
Hazard Type Where is this type of emergency most likely to occur? What protective measures are recommended to prepare for this type of emergency? What did you learn about the recommended response to this type of emergency that you didn’t already know?
According to my research, the following items should be included in a family's disaster supplies kit:
1. Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days.
2. Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
3. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
4. Flashlight and extra batteries.
5. First aid kit.
6. Whistle to signal for help.
7. Dust mask to filter contaminated air.
8. Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
9. Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
10. Manual can opener for food.
11. Local maps.
12. Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
13. Cash or traveler's checks.
14. Important documents such as copies of identification, insurance policies, and bank account records.
15. Emergency contact information.
I was surprised to learn that it is recommended to include a whistle in the disaster supplies kit. This makes sense as it can be a useful tool to attract attention and call for help in case of an emergency.
One of the online resources I found on the topic of emergency preparedness is Ready.gov, which is maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. This website provides a wide range of information on emergency preparedness for different types of disasters, including natural disasters, severe weather, and terrorist attacks. It offers guidance on how to create an emergency plan, build an emergency kit, and stay informed during emergencies. The website also provides specific resources for different groups such as individuals with disabilities, older adults, and pet owners.
Three hazards to research in detail are hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires.
Hazard Type: Hurricanes
Where is this type of emergency most likely to occur? Hurricanes are most likely to occur along coastal areas, particularly in regions such as the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
What protective measures are recommended to prepare for this type of emergency? The recommended protective measures for hurricanes include creating an evacuation plan, securing your home, gathering emergency supplies, and staying informed through trusted sources such as the National Hurricane Center.
What did you learn about the recommended response to this type of emergency that you didn’t already know? I learned that it is important to bring outdoor furniture and other loose items inside and trim trees and shrubs before a hurricane to prevent them from becoming projectiles during high winds.
Hazard Type: Earthquakes
Where is this type of emergency most likely to occur? Earthquakes can occur in many regions around the world, but they are most common along tectonic plate boundaries. Some areas prone to earthquakes include the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Alpine-Himalayan belt.
What protective measures are recommended to prepare for this type of emergency? The recommended protective measures for earthquakes include securing heavy furniture and appliances to the walls, creating an emergency plan and communication strategy, and training on how to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" during an earthquake.
What did you learn about the recommended response to this type of emergency that you didn’t already know? I learned that it is important to have designated meeting places for your family members both inside and outside your home in case of an earthquake. This can help reunite everyone and ensure their safety.
Hazard Type: Wildfires
Where is this type of emergency most likely to occur? Wildfires can occur in areas with dry vegetation and high temperatures. They are most likely to occur in regions such as the western United States, Australia, and parts of Southern Europe.
What protective measures are recommended to prepare for this type of emergency? The recommended protective measures for wildfires include creating defensible space around your home, keeping flammable materials away from structures, having a plan for evacuation, and ensuring your home has a sufficient water supply and proper emergency access.
What did you learn about the recommended response to this type of emergency that you didn’t already know? I learned that it is important to have a designated "Firewise Zone" around your home to reduce the risk of wildfire damage. This involves creating a buffer zone by removing flammable materials and maintaining vegetation in a fire-resistant manner.
Citations:
1. FEMA's Guide to Citizen Preparedness: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1494007144395-b0e215ae1ba6ac1b556f084e190e5862/FEMA_IS_22_Guide_to_Citizen_Preparedness.pdf
2. Ready.gov: https://www.ready.gov/
3. National Hurricane Center: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
4. United States Geological Survey: https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards
5. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/