Natural Hazard Warnings

One important key to building resilient communities is an effective warning system. Warnings are designed to give people ample time to find shelter from a natural hazard or to evacuate when necessary. They are also helpful for those who do not pay much attention to weather and/or weather forecasts. Predictions are a large part of being able to produce these warnings. Each community or region has a different warning system depending on the hazard. Although it may seem obvious, it is critical that the public listens and responds in an appropriate manner. 

When a tornado vortex signature (TVS) is present in a storm, the national weather service will make the decision to issue a tornado warning for a particular county. These warnings are loud sirens informing the people that there is a tornado hazard, and that they should take cover immediately. Local news stations also will generally interrupt regularly scheduled programming to keep the public updated on where the storm is and where it's going. 

Severe thunderstorm warnings could be issued because of storms featuring strong winds, hazardous hail, or cloud to ground lightning. It is best to stay away from windows in case they are busted by hail or blown out by wind. If there is heavy rainfall, travel is discouraged. Once a tornado warning is issued, people are encouraged to take shelter underground. If that is not an option, there are other forms of protection: moving to the lowest, most interior part of their house, wearing protective head gear, etc. 

As you can see--and as you have most likely experienced in the past--these warnings serve a purpose in communities. They let you know when to take the necessary precautions that could potentially decrease loss and/or injury, thus reducing the severity of a natural disaster. Unfortunately, there isn't always enough time to take cover during a natural hazard. It's important not to take advantage of the warnings that are given. 

Community Resilience in the Face of Natural Hazards

Natural disasters strike everywhere. They cause thousands of dollars in structural and property damage but more importantly, they often take the lives of thousands of people. The resilience of a community is critical when natural hazards become natural disasters. There are several things a community can do not only to be more prepared in the face of natural hazards but also to become more resilient. Because, the reality is, there will be times when not everyone in a community is prepared, or willing to take necessary precautions. When this happens, communities need to be able to recognize the issues and learn from mistakes.

No matter what the hazard is, some essential factors that communities need to consider include (but are not limited to) the following:

• a deep understanding of the natural hazard(s) that poses a threat to the community
• the proximity of a community to the natural hazard(s) or where they most often occur
• how natural resources are being used in a community
• an effective warning system for the natural hazard(s)
• the number of people who will respond to the warnings
• the number and location of safe areas/shelters
• the strength and quality of the materials being used to build structures and homes
• how available natural hazard information is to the public

There are also a few things that individuals, including myself, can do for their communities. It would be wise to make sure you have a disaster kit prepared at home. You can also perform practice drills with your family and even with the community. 

Remember: Natural hazards are inevitable, but there are ways to prevent them from becoming natural disasters.