The Hazard: Tornadoes Tornadoes are violent, rotating,
funnel-shaped clouds that extend from thunderstorms to the ground.
Tornadoes are violent, rotating, funnel-shaped clouds that extend
from thunderstorms to the ground. They produce winds up to 300 MPH.
(Most are less than 100 MPH) They produce winds up to 300 MPH.
(Most are less than 100 MPH) More tornadoes occur in the United
States than anywhere else in the world; they occur in every state.
More tornadoes occur in the United States than anywhere else in the
world; they occur in every state. Related Websites: Related
Websites: FEMA and Tornadoes FEMA and Tornadoes Weather Wiz Kids:
Tornadoes Weather Wiz Kids: Tornadoes National Geographic: Natures
Fury National Geographic: Natures Fury Scholastic Weather Watch
Scholastic Weather Watch National Geographic: Tornado 101 (video)
National Geographic: Tornado 101 (video)
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The Disaster: Joplin, Missouri Joplin, Missouri was hit with an
E-5 tornado on May 22, 2011. The tornado was mile to mile wide and
traveled approximately 13 miles. Tornado winds were estimated in
excess of 200 mph. The National Weather Service indicated that the
tornado may have moved as slowly at 10 mph in some places. 161
people were killed. The tornado generated nearly 3 million cubic
yards of residential debris throughout the disaster area. 1,308
pets were displaced by the tornado & were picked up and taken
to emergency pet shelters by animal control staff. 529 pets were
returned to their owners. In Jasper and Newton counties, 10,746
individuals and businesses registered for disaster assistance to
help with uninsured or underinsured impacts from the tornado. 553
businesses were destroyed or severely damaged. About 5,000
employees were affected. As of May, 2012, 446 businesses had
reopened or were in the process of reopening. 39 businesses
indicated that they would not rebuild.
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Effects of Tornadoes Joplin, Missouri: May, 2011
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Tornado Preparation Visit the website below for tornado safety
tips for home, school, outdoors, mobile homes and large buildings.
Visit the website below for tornado safety tips for home, school,
outdoors, mobile homes and large buildings. National Weather
Service: Tornado! National Weather Service: Tornado!
Slide 9
The Hazard: Hurricanes Hurricanes are massive storms that occur
in the tropics. Hurricanes are massive storms that occur in the
tropics. They have winds greater than 75 MPH. They have winds
greater than 75 MPH. Clouds & winds spin around the eye of the
hurricane. Clouds & winds spin around the eye of the hurricane.
They produce heavy rains, high winds, large waves, and spin-off
tornadoes. They produce heavy rains, high winds, large waves, and
spin-off tornadoes. Related Websites: Related Websites: NOAA:
HurricanesTropical Twisters NOAA: HurricanesTropical Twisters
Weather Wiz Kids: Hurricanes Weather Wiz Kids: Hurricanes National
Geographic Kids Hurricanes 101 (video) National Geographic Kids
Hurricanes 101 (video) Scholastic Weather Watch: Hurricanes
Scholastic Weather Watch: Hurricanes
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Hurricanes (N. Atlantic Ocean, the NE Pacific Ocean east of the
dateline, or the S. Pacific Ocean east of 160E) Typhoon (the NW
Pacific Ocean west of the dateline) Severe Tropical Cyclone (the SW
Pacific Ocean west of 160E or SE Indian Ocean east of 90E), Severe
Cyclonic Storm (the North Indian Ocean), Tropical Cyclone (the SW
Indian Ocean) Hurricanes (N. Atlantic Ocean, the NE Pacific Ocean
east of the dateline, or the S. Pacific Ocean east of 160E) Typhoon
(the NW Pacific Ocean west of the dateline) Severe Tropical Cyclone
(the SW Pacific Ocean west of 160E or SE Indian Ocean east of 90E),
Severe Cyclonic Storm (the North Indian Ocean), Tropical Cyclone
(the SW Indian Ocean)
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Hurricanes (N. Atlantic Ocean, the NE Pacific Ocean east of the
dateline, or the S. Pacific Ocean east of 160E) Typhoon (the NW
Pacific Ocean west of the dateline) Severe Tropical Cyclone (SW
Pacific Ocean west of 160E or SE Indian Ocean east of 90E) Severe
Cyclonic Storm (North Indian Ocean) Tropical Cyclone (the SW Indian
Ocean) Hurricanes (N. Atlantic Ocean, the NE Pacific Ocean east of
the dateline, or the S. Pacific Ocean east of 160E) Typhoon (the NW
Pacific Ocean west of the dateline) Severe Tropical Cyclone (SW
Pacific Ocean west of 160E or SE Indian Ocean east of 90E) Severe
Cyclonic Storm (North Indian Ocean) Tropical Cyclone (the SW Indian
Ocean)
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The Disaster: Hurricane Katrina The Disaster: Hurricane Katrina
Katrina was one of the most devastating hurricanes in the history
of the U. S. It is the deadliest hurricane to strike the U. S.
since 1928. It produced catastrophic damage - estimated at $75
billion in the New Orleans area and along the Mississippi coast -
and is the costliest U. S. hurricane on record. Katrina caused 10
to 14 inches of rain & thirty- three tornadoes were reported.
Katrina is responsible for approximately 1,200 reported deaths
(about 1,000 in Louisiana & 200 in Mississippi). 7 additional
deaths occurred in southern Florida. Katrina caused catastrophic
damage in southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. Storm
surge along the Mississippi coast caused total destruction of many
structures, with the surge damage extending several miles inland.
Similar damage occurred in portions of southeastern Louisiana. The
surge also breached levees in the New Orleans area, resulting in
the flooding of much of the city and its suburbs.
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Effects of Hurricane Katrina (2005)
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Hurricane Preparations Visit this website to learn more about
preparing for the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms. Visit
this website to learn more about preparing for the effects of
hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane Preparedness for Kids
Hurricane Preparedness for Kids
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The Hazard: Earthquakes Earthquakes are the shaking caused by
movements of plates in the earths crust. Earthquakes are the
shaking caused by movements of plates in the earths crust. They
occur along faults - borders between 2 plates. They occur along
faults - borders between 2 plates. They occur most often along the
Ring of Fire. They occur most often along the Ring of Fire.Ring of
FireRing of Fire Related Websites: Related Websites: National
Geographic: Earthquakes National Geographic: Earthquakes Weather
Wiz Kids: Earthquakes Weather Wiz Kids: Earthquakes Scholastic
Weather Watch: Earthquakes Scholastic Weather Watch: Earthquakes
USGS: Earthquakes for Kids USGS: Earthquakes for Kids
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Earthquakes & The Ring of Fire About 90% of the worlds
earthquakes occur in The Ring of Fire.
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Earthquakes, Volcanoes & The Ring of Fire The Ring of Fire
is an area where large numbers of earthquakes & volcanic
eruptions occur in the Pacific Ocean. In a 40,000 km (25,000 mi)
horseshoe shape, it is associated with a nearly continuous series
of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts and/or plate
movements. The Ring of Fire has 452 volcanoes and is home to over
75% of the worlds active and dormant volcanoes. About 90% of the
worlds earthquakes and 80% of the worlds largest volcanoes occur
along the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is an area where large
numbers of earthquakes & volcanic eruptions occur in the
Pacific Ocean. In a 40,000 km (25,000 mi) horseshoe shape, it is
associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches,
volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts and/or plate movements. The Ring
of Fire has 452 volcanoes and is home to over 75% of the worlds
active and dormant volcanoes. About 90% of the worlds earthquakes
and 80% of the worlds largest volcanoes occur along the Ring of
Fire. 10% of the worlds active volcanoes are found in Japan.
Moreover, Japan dangerously lies at the intersection of four
tectonic plates. This is the reason why the country is extremely
vulnerable to earthquakes. There are approximately 1,500
earthquakes recorded yearly in Japan. Minor tremors occur almost
daily in various parts of the country, causing slight shaking of
buildings. 10% of the worlds active volcanoes are found in Japan.
Moreover, Japan dangerously lies at the intersection of four
tectonic plates. This is the reason why the country is extremely
vulnerable to earthquakes. There are approximately 1,500
earthquakes recorded yearly in Japan. Minor tremors occur almost
daily in various parts of the country, causing slight shaking of
buildings.
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The 2010 Chilean earthquake came in at a magnitude of 8.8 for
three minutes. Shaking and tremors were felt in much of Chile and
South America, including the cities of San Antonio and Buenos
Aires. As of February 28, 2010, 723 deaths were confirmed, with
many more reported missing. This earthquake was so powerful, it is
estimated that it shortened day lengths by 1.26 microseconds, and
altered Earths axis rotation by 3 inches. The Disaster: Chilean
Earthquake (2010)
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Effects of Chilean Earthquake
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Preparing for Earthquakes Visit this site to learn more about
earthquakes. Scroll down through the page to discover valuable tips
for earthquake safety. Visit this site to learn more about
earthquakes. Scroll down through the page to discover valuable tips
for earthquake safety. Weather Wiz Kids: Earthquakes Weather Wiz
Kids: Earthquakes
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The Hazard: Volcanoes There are more than 500 active volcanoes
in the world; over half of them are in The Ring of Fire. There are
more than 500 active volcanoes in the world; over half of them are
in The Ring of Fire. Pressure builds below the earths surface,
producing eruptions of lava, rock and volcanic gases. Pressure
builds below the earths surface, producing eruptions of lava, rock
and volcanic gases. Related Websites: Related Websites: National
Geographic Kids Volcano 101! (video) National Geographic Kids
Volcano 101! (video) Weather Wiz Kids: Volcanoes Weather Wiz Kids:
Volcanoes Eruption: Icelands Volcanoes Eruption: Icelands Volcanoes
Scholastic Weather Watch: Volcanoes Scholastic Weather Watch:
Volcanoes
Slide 22
Volcanoes & Plate Tectonics
Slide 23
Volcanic Eruptions
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The Disaster: Iceland Volcanic Eruption (2010) In 2010, one of
Icelands largest volcanoes, Eyjafjallajokull, erupted. It sent
clouds of ash into the air. By the next afternoon, most of Europes
major airports - crucial hubs for international travelers - were
closed. Thousands of flights were canceled, stranding or delaying
millions of passengers across airports from North America to Asia.
It was the worst air time travel disruption in history, a nearly
week long halt in flights that cost airlines hundreds of millions
of dollars.
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Volcanoes in Iceland
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Preparing for a Volcano Visit this site for safety tips before,
during, and after a volcano. Visit this site for safety tips
before, during, and after a volcano. Weather Wiz Kids: Volcano
Safety Weather Wiz Kids: Volcano Safety
Slide 27
The Hazard: Floods Floods result from heavy rains. Floods
result from heavy rains. They may involve rivers overflowing, storm
surge/ocean waves, & dams or levees breaking. They may involve
rivers overflowing, storm surge/ocean waves, & dams or levees
breaking. Floods are the most common natural hazard. Floods are the
most common natural hazard. Flashfloods are floods that happen very
fast. Flashfloods are floods that happen very fast. Related
websites: Related websites: PBS: In Focus Floods!Colorado Flooding
Info. PBS: In Focus Floods!Colorado Flooding Info. How TVA Stops
FloodsHow TVA Stops Floods Weather Wiz Kids: Floods Weather Wiz
Kids: Floods How TVA Stops FloodsWeather Wiz Kids: Floods Nova Hot
Science: The Rivers Gift Nova Hot Science: The Rivers Gift
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Colorado Floods (2013)
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The 2013 Colorado floods were a natural disaster that occurred
in the state of Colorado. During the week starting on September 9,
2013, a slow-moving cold front stalled over Colorado, clashing with
warm humid air from the south. This resulted in heavy rain and
catastrophic flooding in Colorado. The situation intensified on
September 11 th and 12 th. Boulder County was worst hit, with 9
inches recorded September 12 th and up to 17 inches of rain
recorded by September 15 th, which is comparable to Boulder
County's average annual precipitation for a whole year (20.7
inches)! The flood waters spread across a range of almost 200 miles
from north to south, affecting 17 counties. At least 10 deaths were
reported by the Colorado Office of Emergency Management. More than
11,000 people were evacuated. At least 1,750 people and 300 pets
were rescued by air and ground. Nearly 19,000 homes were damaged,
and over 1,800 were destroyed. The Colorado Department of
Transportation estimates that at least 30 state highway bridges
were destroyed and an additional 20 are seriously damaged, with
repairs for damaged bridges and roads expected to cost many
millions of dollars. Miles of freight and passenger rail lines were
also washed out or submerged. The damage is estimated at over $2
billion. The Disaster: Colorado Floods (2013)
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Effects of the Colorado Floods (2013)
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Flood Preparations Visit this site to learn more about floods,
and scroll down to discover important flood safety tips. Visit this
site to learn more about floods, and scroll down to discover
important flood safety tips. Weather Wiz Kids Rain and Floods
Weather Wiz Kids Rain and Floods
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The Hazard: Tsunamis Tsunamis form as a result of earthquakes,
volcanoes, or landsides under the ocean. Tsunamis form as a result
of earthquakes, volcanoes, or landsides under the ocean. Waves grow
taller as they reach the coast. Waves grow taller as they reach the
coast. Four out of five tsunamis occur in the Ring of Fire. Four
out of five tsunamis occur in the Ring of Fire. Over 200,000 people
were killed in the 12/26/04 Indian Ocean tsunami. Over 200,000
people were killed in the 12/26/04 Indian Ocean tsunami. Related
Websites: Related Websites: Discovery Kids: Tsunami Discovery Kids:
Tsunami Pacific Tsunami Museum Student Corner Pacific Tsunami
Museum Student Corner PBS Savage Earth: Tsunamis PBS Savage Earth:
Tsunamis Weather Wiz Kids: Earthquakes Weather Wiz Kids:
Earthquakes (scroll down to tsunami) Weather Wiz Kids:
Earthquakes
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About 90% of the worlds earthquakes occur in The Ring of Fire.
Earthquakes & The Ring of Fire (Earthquakes can cause
Tsunamis)
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High Risk Areas for Tsunamis
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The Disaster: Indian Ocean Tsunami of 12/26/04
Slide 37
The December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was caused by an
earthquake that is thought to have had the energy of 23,000
Hiroshima-type atomic bombs. The December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean
tsunami was caused by an earthquake that is thought to have had the
energy of 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs. The epicenter of the
9.0 magnitude quake was under the Indian Ocean near the west coast
of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The epicenter of the 9.0
magnitude quake was under the Indian Ocean near the west coast of
the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The violent movement of sections
of the Earths crusts known as tectonic plates displaced an enormous
amount of water, sending powerful shock waves in every direction.
The tectonic plates in this area had been pushing against each
other, building pressure for thousands of years they continue to do
so and will likely cause underwater earthquakes and tsunamis in the
future. The violent movement of sections of the Earths crusts known
as tectonic plates displaced an enormous amount of water, sending
powerful shock waves in every direction. The tectonic plates in
this area had been pushing against each other, building pressure
for thousands of years they continue to do so and will likely cause
underwater earthquakes and tsunamis in the future. Within hours of
the earthquake, killer waves radiating from the epicenter slammed
into the coastline of 11 Indian Ocean countries, damaging countries
from east Africa to Thailand. A tsunami is a series of waves, and
the first wave may not be the most dangerous. A tsunami wave train
may come as surges five minutes to an hour apart. The cycle may be
marked by the repeated retreat and advance of the ocean. Within
hours of the earthquake, killer waves radiating from the epicenter
slammed into the coastline of 11 Indian Ocean countries, damaging
countries from east Africa to Thailand. A tsunami is a series of
waves, and the first wave may not be the most dangerous. A tsunami
wave train may come as surges five minutes to an hour apart. The
cycle may be marked by the repeated retreat and advance of the
ocean. The Indian Ocean tsunami traveled as far as 3,000 miles to
Africa and still arrived with sufficient force to kill people and
destroy property. The Indian Ocean tsunami traveled as far as 3,000
miles to Africa and still arrived with sufficient force to kill
people and destroy property. The earthquake-induced tsunami
resulted in at least 155,000 fatalities, 500,000 injuries, and
damages that exceeded $10 billion. Also, it is estimated that 5
million people lost their homes or access to food and water. The
earthquake-induced tsunami resulted in at least 155,000 fatalities,
500,000 injuries, and damages that exceeded $10 billion. Also, it
is estimated that 5 million people lost their homes or access to
food and water. The Disaster: Indian Ocean Tsunami of 12/26/04
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Effects of Tsunamis Indian Ocean Tsunami: December 26,
2005
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Tsunami Preparedness Visit this website for important tips for
surviving a tsunami. Visit this website for important tips for
surviving a tsunami. Weather Wiz Kids: Tsunami Safety Weather Wiz
Kids: Tsunami Safety
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The Hazard: Winter Storms Winter storms may include snow, ice
storms, sleet, freezing rain and extremely cold temperatures.
Winter storms may include snow, ice storms, sleet, freezing rain
and extremely cold temperatures. Most deaths from winter storms
occur in automobiles. Most deaths from winter storms occur in
automobiles. Storms may cause widespread power outages. Storms may
cause widespread power outages. Related Websites: Related Websites:
Weather Wiz Kids: Winter Storms Weather Wiz Kids: Winter Storms
Blizzards & Winter Weather Blizzards & Winter Weather
Scholastic Winter Storms Scholastic Winter Storms Kids Connect:
Blizzard Kids Connect: Blizzard
Slide 41
The Disaster: Winter Super Storm of 1993
Slide 42
Described as one of the largest and most intense storms in a
century, the March, 1993 blizzard paralyzed the eastern seaboard
with record cold, snow, and wind. High wind, well in excess of
hurricane force, smashed the gulf coast, Appalachians, and eastern
seaboard. As heavy snow continued to cripple the deep south,
Tennessee and Ohio valleys, as well as the Appalachians, a tornado
outbreak developed and devastated parts of Florida. An estimated
twenty seven damaging tornadoes touched down across the state
killing four people and injuring many others. The tornadoes, in
conjunction with damaging winds, inflicted millions of dollars in
property damage. In fact, this storm turned out to be one of the
costliest non-tropical storms in Florida's history. Snow began over
upstate New York and New England. Light snow steadily increased in
intensity as the blizzard strengthened and raced through the Mid
Atlantic states. Blizzard conditions pounded the Eastern U.S. Just
like a summertime thundershower that produces very heavy rain, the
thunder snows produced snowfall rates of two to four inches per
hour. Snowflakes the size of a person's fist were reported for a
time with the passage of one of the thunder snow bands at
Bridgeport, CT. The combination of extremely heavy snow and high
wind produced widespread white- out conditions (zero visibility)
along with very rapid snow accumulations. As a result, New York and
the six New England States all declared disaster emergencies during
the height of the storm. All major highways were closed. Secondary
roads for all intents and purposes were left completely impassable.
At the peak of the storm, every major airport along the eastern
seaboard closed, causing colossal problems for air travelers. Snow
piled up to record levels for many cities in the Northeast. Albany,
NY measured 26.6 inches of new snow, the second greatest snowfall
from a single storm since records have been kept. Syracuse, NY
broke five snowfall records as a result of the blizzard. The
incredible breakdown is as follows: 35.6 inches of snow in twenty
four hours (10am Saturday - 10am Sunday.) 35.6 inches of snow in
twenty four hours (10am Saturday - 10am Sunday.) 22.1 inches of
snow on Saturday, March 13 th 22.1 inches of snow on Saturday,
March 13 th 19.9 inches of snow on Sunday, March 14 th 19.9 inches
of snow on Sunday, March 14 th Overall, the 1993 storm claimed a
total 310 lives and caused over 6 billion dollars worth of damage.
The Disaster: Super Storm of 1993
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Winter Super Storm of 1993
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Winter Storm Preparations Visit these sites for tips on how to
prepare for a winter storm. Visit these sites for tips on how to
prepare for a winter storm. Winter Storm: Safety Winter Storm:
Safety
Slide 45
The Hazard: Wildfires Wildfires occur in forests, grasslands,
and wooded areas. Wildfires occur in forests, grasslands, and
wooded areas. The most common causes are lightning & human
accidents. The most common causes are lightning & human
accidents. They burn more than 4 million acres in the U.S. each
year. They burn more than 4 million acres in the U.S. each year.
Related Websites: Related Websites: Smokey Bear: Kids Smokey Bear:
Kids National Geographic: Wildfires National Geographic: Wildfires
Wildfire Facts Wildfire Facts Weather Wiz Kids: Wild Fires Weather
Wiz Kids: Wild Fires
Slide 46
Black Saturday in Australia (2009) 8 th deadliest fire in the
world, with 173 deaths. 1,100,000 acres were burnt. There was $4.4
billion in damage.
Slide 47
The Black Saturday Bushfires is the name given to the bushfires
which started on February 7, 2009 in Victoria, Australia The
weather conditions on the day were some of the worst bushfire
weather conditions ever recorded. Temperatures reached 46 degrees
celsius (114 degrees fehrenheit), with winds in excess of 100 km
per hour (60 mph). Leading up to the disastrous conditions was 2
months of extremely low rainfall and hot dry conditions.
Approximately 400 fires started during the day of the Black
Saturday Bushfires, and there were winds in excess of 120 km per
hour. These winds turned the long flanks of the Black Saturday
Bushfires into large fire fronts. The Black Saturday Bushfires
killed 173 people, injured 414 people, destroyed 2,100 homes and
displaced 7,562 people. 120 people were killed by a single fire in
the Kinglake Area alone. It is estimated the energy released by the
Black Saturday Bushfires, was the equivalent of 1,500 Hiroshima
atomic bombs. In total 1,100,000 acres where burnt. On the morning
of 7th of February, 3,582 firefighters were put on standby for the
predicted weather conditions, with over 5,000 firefighters in total
used to fight the fires. These firefighters came from over
Australia, New Zealand and the United States. 1 Australian
firefighter was killed when a burnt out tree fell on him. The
Disaster: Black Saturday in Australia (2009) The Disaster: Black
Saturday in Australia (2009)
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The Disaster: Black Saturday in Australia (2009)
Slide 49
Black Saturday in Australia (2009)
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Preparing for Wildfires Visit this site to learn important tips
for protecting your family and home during a wildfire. Visit this
site to learn important tips for protecting your family and home
during a wildfire. Wildfires: Are You Prepared? Wildfires: Are You
Prepared?