Natural Disasters

Tropical Depressions; Tropical Storms; Storm Surge Tropical depressions are organized systems of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and with maximum sustained winds of 61km/hr (38mph) or less. Tropical storms are organized systems of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and with maximum sustained winds of 63 - 117 km/hr (39-73mph) or less. A storm surge is a large dome of water that sweeps across the coastline near where a hurricane makes landfall. It is often 50-100 miles wide.

An earthquake is a natural hazard which occurs when the ground shakes or the violent movement of rocks. Earth's Layers Inner core Outer core Mantle Crust - large tectonic plates and not one large , smooth, continuous layer. It is the outermost and thinnest layer of the Earth and is made out of rock. The tectonic plates move, bump, and slide around causing energy build up below the plates. The energy that breaks free results in shaking of the Earth, in other words, an Earthquake. Studies are being performed to show how to reduce the damage of an earthquake and how to predict an earthquake by historical information or data.

The Hurricane season lasts through June to November in the West Indies. Old people say March onward. August and September are the peak months. Emergency shelters nearest to home is always available to the public. Trim loose branches around your home. Remove loose garbage bins and objects. Keep your supplies in a large waterproof kit. Do not forget your checklist: have food & water for at least 3-5 days, clothes and bedding supplies, documents and keys, photo identification is all important. Keep them handy for during an emergency these may be lost , damaged or stolen. Sanitation and hygiene supplies, equipment and tools, kitchen items, prescription and non-prescription medicine, first aid supplies and pet supplies. Make a list of items in and around your yard to bring in or tie down when a tropical storm or hurricane approaches. Keep hurricane shutters working, main electrical breaker in service. Clear clogged drains and loose gutters. Keep all gas and water supply valves closed ...

Disaster strikes at any time.