Space Apps Challenge 2018

STORM:

Before:

Disconnect the electronic equipment.

Collect your belongings from the outside.

If you are in the water (fishing or swimming), leave.

Calculate the distance to the lightning.

Prepare an kit as it may run out of power(like some candles and flashlights).

Take your generic emergency kit.

During:

Find a shelter immediately. (Large buildings, closed car).

If you can not, move to a lower place, avoid open spaces, stay away from isolated objects (tree or pole).

Stay away from metal structures.

Wear rubber boots.

If you are in a group of people: keep a distance of at least 50 to 100 meters between each person.

lightning crouch posture: Crouch with your feet together, with your head resting on your chest or between your knees and your hands covering your ears or resting on your knees. Do not lie on the ground as this gives the lightning a bigger target.

AVOID: Stand under a tree or stand in small structures, stand near windows, touch metal or electric objects.

What to do in case of Tsunami:

Before:

Altitude is an indicator of risk, it is necessary to know the altitude of the place and the proximity to the coast (to define time)

Signs that indicate if the area is prone to tsunamis:

Tremors on the ground ocean water often wanders off the coast, exposing shells and other sea creatures, before returning.

Set up an evacuation plan: Let several safety routes be provided, as roads and other infrastructure may be destroyed. (Save routes to a site of high ground, about 30 meters above sea level and 3km away from the coast).

Take your generic emergency kit.

Keep the animals in collars or transport baskets so you do not lose them.

During

Listen to official local evacuation orders, by TV or Radio.

keep whit you, your emergency Kit.

After

Tsunamis usually last a few hours, making sure the tsunami REALLY is over.

Return only if local authorities have ensured that it is safe to return.

Keep away from buildings with water (look out the windows).

Make sure your house is safe.

The smell and noise can help you identify a gas leak.

How to mount an generic emergency Kit:

For each item, if it is for evacuation it is for 3 days and if it is to stay at home it is for two weeks.

3 liters of water per person for each day.

Feeds nonperishable and easy to prepare.

Kit first aid, with medical supplies for the case of some lesion and take personal remedies.

Flashlight.

Radio battery to keep up with the news.

Multipurpose tools.

Hygiene products

Sleeping bags, raincoats, some clothes and blankets.

Print map.

Incase of baby: include diapers, baby food and milk powder.

Incase of Pets: leash, ration and pots to feed it.

A small definition of Tsunami

Tsunami come from Japonese words "Tsu" (Harbor) e "nami" (Wave).

According to National Ocean Service, A tsunami is a series of waves caused by earthquakes or undersea volcanic eruptions

Also called seismic sea wave;

Tsunamis are giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea. Out in the depths of the ocean, tsunami waves do not dramatically increase in height. But as the waves travel inland, they build up to higher and higher heights as the depth of the ocean decreases. The speed of tsunami waves depends on ocean depth rather than the distance from the source of the wave. Tsunami waves may travel as fast as jet planes over deep waters, only slowing down when reaching shallow waters. While tsunamis are often referred to as tidal waves, this name is discouraged by oceanographers because tides have little to do with these giant waves.

Tsunamis occur most often in the Pacific Ocean and Indonesia because the Pacific Rim bordering the Ocean has a large number of active submarine earthquake zones. However, tsunamis have also occurred recently in the Mediterranean Sea region and are expected in the Caribbean Sea as well.

Sources:

Dr. Hal Mofjeld, interview in March 13, 2005, NOAA Center for Tsunami Research,

https://nctr.pmel.noaa.gov/

National Ocean Service.