| Preparing for Alabama Hazards: |
Alabama Hazards
Alabama is a great state. It has natural wonders as well as man-made attractions. Alabama is also subject to different kinds of hazards. These may be weather related (like hurricanes) or dangers produced by activities people are involved in every day. The list of hazards that are possible threats in Alabama are listed on your left. Click on any icon to find out about that hazard and get more information about how you can reduce the danger for you and your family. For additional information regarding the EMA planning and preparedness aspects click the "More" link to visit our Preparedness section.
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Biological
The threat of a biological attack results from the intentional release of germs or other biological agents. These biological agents, often invisible to the naked eye, can be inhaled, ingested or transferred through the skin and the results could be sickness or death. Many biological agents, such as the smallpox virus, can also cause contagious diseases, which could be transferred from person to person.[More]
Chemical
CSEPP stands for Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program. This program is a coordinated and cooperative effort among Federal, State and Local agencies, the private sector and volunteers. CSEPP is committed to saving lives and protecting property in the event of a chemical accident at Anniston Army Depot. The Depot uses extensive safety and security precautions while storing, inspecting, monitoring and handling these munitions. The Depot's safety record regarding these munitions is exemplary. However, your local EMA must be prepared to respond to and recover from any potential accident involving these chemical munitions. In 1986, Congress mandated that chemical munitions stored at the Anniston Army Depot (and seven other sites) be destroyed.[More]
Earthquake
The Earthquake program resides in the Natural Hazard's Branch of the Preparedness Division. Our primary partners are Geological Survey of Alabama, CUSEC, and FEMA. Alabama became a member of CUSEC in 2003. Each year AEMA works with CUSEC to host workshops and training opportunities for state responders and county directors. As a result of initial training opportunities, interest in more CUSEC sponsored training has increased. Alabama has made major progress in the past years with regards to earthquake awareness, but there is still much that needs to be done for preparedness.[More]
Fire
Each year, thousands of Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion annually. To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly leaving little time to gather valuable items or make a phone call. A fire can become life threatening in less than two minutes. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the super hot air can sear your lungs. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three to one ratio.
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Flood
In Alabama, flood hazards often result from severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, seasonal rains and other weather related conditions. Areas in proximity to rivers or lakes are often at the greatest risk of flooding when the flow of rainwater is greater than the carrying capacity of natural drainage systems. With Alabama's temperamental climate and unique geography, it is important that you plan and prepare for flooding year around.[More]
Hurricane
One of the most dramatic, damaging, and potentially deadly events that occur in this country is a hurricane.
During a hurricane, homes, businesses, public buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged or destroyed by many different storm hazards. Debris can break windows and doors, allowing high winds and rain inside the home. In extreme storms (such as Hurricanes Hugo, Andrew and Katrina), the force of the wind alone can cause tremendous devastation, as trees and power lines topple and weak elements of homes and buildings fail. Roads and bridges can be washed away and homes saturated by flooding. Destructive tornadoes can also be present well away from the storms center during landfall. Storm Surge alone poses the highest threat to life and destruction in many coastal areas throughout the United States and territories. And these threats are not limited to the coastline they can extend hundreds of miles inland, under the right conditions.[More]
Nuclear
A nuclear blast is a massive explosion of ferocious intensity with a destructive pressure wave and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground surfaces for miles around. While the threat of nuclear attack is certainly less with the end of the cold war, it is a popular opinion that terrorist networks have set their sights on obtaining nuclear weapons for mass destruction[More]
Radiological
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency works with various state agencies including the Alabama Department of Public Health and the utilities that operate two nuclear power plant facilities in the state. Those facilities are the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority in Limestone County and the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Power Plant operated by Southern Nuclear Company in Houston County.[More]
Snow and Ice
While areas in the higher elevations of North Alabama typically experience greater threats from wintry conditions, it is not unusual for areas throughout our state to face hazards presented by ice and snow. Because we are not faced with ice and snow on a regular basis, often many Alabamians find themselves ill prepared when faced with winter hazards. [More]
Terrorism
Since September 11, 2001, we are all sharply aware of how terrorism can affect our lives. It is now more important than ever before that we take the appropriate steps to protect ourselves from the threat of terrorist attack. Acts of terrorism in the United States and internationally have brought about large scale losses of life, the destruction of property, widespread illness and injury, the displacement of large numbers of people, and devastating economic loss.[More]
Tornado
In Alabama, we have seen first hand the destruction and devastation that can be caused by tornadoes. While we have seen significant advances in predicting possible tornadoes, we still recommend every household having a NOAA Weather Radio and a plan of action for your family. That plan needs to include your emergency supply kit, a communication plan and knowing your safe place if a storm is approaching. It is very important that you act quickly.[More]
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