Mount St. Helens.
Photo by Steve Schilling, U.S. Geological Survey
Oct. 27, 2004
Warning, Warning!
Many popular science fiction movies and novels look at how a natural disaster, such as a volcano eruption, might affect us. A common plot device is to have a lone scientist trying to warn those around him or her, only to be ignored. Another is to have people in the area unprepared for the disaster until it strikes. The combination leads to panic and confusion. This makes an exciting and dramatic story. In real life, however, no one wants panic or confusion to occur. Lives could be lost.
In real life, groups of scientists and other observers work together to predict natural events and provide warnings of potential threats, from major storms and heat waves to earthquakes and volcanoes. For examples of such predictions and warnings, see www.disastercenter.com/ (National Disaster Education Coalition).
People can prepare for such possible disasters as well. What can they do?
Challenge: An Evacuation Plan
Imagine you live near a volcano, such as Mount St. Helens. The volcano has been quiet for many years, but scientists are warning that an explosive eruption may occur soon. They ask local residents to create an evacuation plan for their families. Make one for your family. Think about the following aspects.
- How will you stay aware of the situation? Hint: How will you continue to receive information, even in a power failure?
- What should you have in your home? Hint: What if you are ordered to stay indoors for several days because of falling ash?
- What should you have ready to take if you have to leave? Hint: What can you easily carry?
- How would you prepare your home for the time that you would be away? Hint: What might threaten your home while you are gone? Power failures? Water damage?
- If told to evacuate, where will you go and how will you get there? Hint: Where would you look for information on how best to leave your area?
You can find helpful information on evacuation plans at www.disastercenter.com/guide/landslide.html (National Disaster Education Coalition).
Show your plan to others and ask for input. Make any changes to improve your plan. When you are satisfied, turn your evacuation plan into a poster or Web page for your family or friends.
If you wish, send your plan to challenge@snkids.com. Please include your first name, age, city or town, and state. If you are under 13 years old, get your parent's permission to write to us. You may be eligible to win a prize!
You can get an idea of what's happening at Mount St. Helens by checking the webcam at www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volcanocams/msh/ (U.S.D.A. Forest Service).
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