Talking to your friends, parents or other relatives, and recognizing where you live will help you to become aware of what type of natural disaster hits your area of the country the most. Generally speaking, the West Coast has the most serious and frequent earthquakes. The mid-west and plains areas in the middle of the country have the most serious and frequent tornadoes. The east and southeast are more at risk of hurricanes. But before you start worrying that your hometown is going to be hit by an earthquake, or destroyed by a tornado, it is important to take a “reality check!” Natural disasters are pretty rare, and our country is always getting better at preparing for them. We construct buildings that are resistant to the effects of natural disasters, we monitor weather conditions, and we look for ways to predict and then avoid natural disasters. Unlike a hundred years ago, these days we can predict a storm, get the word out to people who might be affected, and then evacuate the area before the storm even hits. So although it is a good idea to know about all these types of natural disasters (just to be on the safe side), chances are you won’t ever be seriously affected by one!

Earthquakes – Because earthquakes are hard to predict, being fully prepared for one is nearly impossible. But when one does occur, there are a few things you can do to keep safe. If you feel you are in a serious earthquake, the best thing to do is to drop to the ground and grab onto something sturdy. It is also safer to stand under a doorway than to remain in a room, uncovered. In either case, be sure to watch out over your head for falling objects. Stay low to the ground, and cover your face. These are the best ways to keep safe during an earthquake. You might try practicing these tactics at school or home, or simply make sure you know where to go in every room. If you are outdoors you must also be careful for any buildings or trees that might fall. Being in an open field is probably the safest place you could be during an earthquake.

Hurricanes – Because of our amazing weather prediction capabilities these days, you will usually be well aware when a hurricane is coming your way. So what should you do? Your parents or teachers will usually take care of evacuation and preparation, but if you are alone, try to get underground. For example, you might take cover in a sturdy basement, or in the underground parking lot of a mall. This is where you will be safest. NEVER go outside (or try to peek outside) during a hurricane.

Tornadoes – Although somewhat predictable, you will usually have little time to prepare for a tornado. Again, your parents or school officials will usually direct your evacuation, but if you are alone, try to get to a sturdy underground location. You never want to be above the ground level in a tornado. If you are outside, try to find a solid sturdy object that is well imbedded in the ground, and grab on tightly. Otherwise, just hit the ground and cover your head.  Because tornadoes are small, it may often seem like they have passed when they haven’t, so be extra cautious when going outside afterwards.

Natural disasters are no laughing matter, and it is important to be prepared for anything.  These are the three most common natural disasters in the US. In regard to other major storms or weather events, use your best judgment and follow the directions of safety officials and your parents or teachers. It is usually a good idea to stay indoors, if possible, below ground level.  Be safe, because natural disasters can be fascinating, but when one hits, they are dangerous!      

Remember to Smile! 
Reading about natural disasters is both important and a little scary. Sometimes it can be easy to become worried about what could happen. But you should remember that natural disasters are very rare, and that as a society we are as prepared as we can be for them! After all, natural disasters are just one aspect of our earth. They have positive sides, like forming the majestic mountain ranges and leaving behind amazing structures like Crater Lake. So remember to enjoy our natural world!