At school, a gentle chime starts the earthquake drill. Rocket drops to his hands and knees under his desk.
Raven is already there, holding one desk leg and covering her neck with her other arm.
"We cannot stop earthquakes," Rocket whispers. "So what is the point?"
"What do you notice about what we are protecting?" Raven whispers back.
Nova hovers by the classroom door. "My hint," she says. "We cannot stop a hazard. But we can lower the harm."
Earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and volcanic eruptions are natural hazards. People cannot stop them, but people can reduce the harm.
Earthquakes: Building codes are rules that help buildings resist shaking. Families can also fasten heavy furniture to walls.
Tsunamis: Warning centers watch for earthquakes and changes in sea level. They send out tsunami messages.
Volcanoes: Scientists watch volcanoes with many instruments. They send forecasts and warnings when a volcano gets restless.
Floods: Levees are walls of earth built along rivers. They help reduce flooding, but they cannot stop every flood.
Near the ocean, a strong or long earthquake can be a tsunami warning. So can the ocean suddenly pulling back.
If that happens, move quickly to high ground or inland, away from the water. Do not wait.
| Hazard and solution | Does the solution match the hazard? |
|---|---|
| Earthquake: buildings made to resist shaking | ? |
| Tsunami: move to high ground | ? |
| Flood: levees along a river | ? |
| Volcano: hide under a table at the beach | ? |
Each hazard needs its own plan.
Building codes and fastened furniture help with earthquakes.
Warning centers help people get away from tsunamis.
Scientists watch restless volcanoes. Levees help hold back rivers.
You are thinking like a hazard engineer! Tomorrow is our final Launch Lab and a big celebration.