Bioterrorism Preparedness
Illinois Department of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Children, Terrorism & Disasters
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
Surviving Disasters: A Citizens Emergency Handbook
Earth Photo Caption
Earthquakes
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Southern Illinois and the surrounding area is located on top of the new Madrid Fault, because of this it is important to be prepared for an earthquake. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and planning ahead can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake.
Fire Safety
Fire is fast, in less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and can turn into a major fire. It only takes a minute for thick black smoke to fill a house. Most fires occur at night when everyone is asleep. If you wake up to a fire the only thing you will have time for is to escape.
The heat from fire alone can kill; room temperature can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this hot air will scorch your lungs; the heat can also melt the clothes to your skin.
Tornado Safety
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes have rotating winds of 250 miles per hour or more. They are capable of causing extreme destruction, including uprooting trees and well-made structures (houses and buildings). Tornadoes have been reported in every state, and though they generally occur during the spring and summer, they can happen any time of the year.
Tips from the American Red Cross.