Solar Storm-Another catastrophe to hit in 2012
A new study from the National Academy of Sciences outlines grim possibilities on Earth for a worst-case scenario solar storm. Damage to power grids and other communications systems could be catastrophic, the scientists conclude, with effects leading to a potential loss of governmental control of the situation.
The worst storms can knock out power grids by inducing currents that melt transformers. Modern power grids are so interconnected that a big space storm the type expected to occur about once a century could cause a cascade of failures that would sweep across the United States, cutting power to 130 million people or more in this country alone. Such widespread power outages would affect other vital systems.
"Impacts would be felt on interdependent infrastructures with, for example, potable water distribution affected within several hours; perishable foods and medications lost in 12-24 hours; immediate or eventual loss of heating/air conditioning, sewage disposal, phone service, transportation, fuel resupply and so on," the report states.
Outages could take months to fix, the researchers say. Banks might close, and trade with other countries might halt. A remarkable 2003 rampage included 10 major solar flares over a two-week period, knocking out two Earth-orbiting satellites and crippling an instrument aboard a Mars orbiter.
"Without preventive actions or plans, the trend of increased dependency on modern space-weather sensitive assets could make society more vulnerable in the future."The report was commissioned and funded by NASA. Experts from around the world in industry, government and academia participated
TEST YOURSELF
1. is a person who is injured or killed in an accident.
a) leader b) accident c) casualty d) emergency
2. is someone whose responsibility is to control a dangerous situation.
a) leader b) accident c) casualty d) emergency
3. is an unforeseen event where one causing injury or death.
a) leader b) accident c) casualty d) emergency
4.. is an unforeseen or sudden occurrence, especially of a danger demanding immediate remedy or action.
a) leader b) accident c) casualty d) emergency
5. Leaders should to act in an emergency.
a) not hesitate b) think a long time c) assess d) cry
6. The leader must establish the nature and extent of. without delay.
a) life b) the emergency c) chance d) situation
7. If an accident or other emergency occurs it is necessary to.
a) hide somewhere b) to stay in one place c) assess the situation calmly d) to phone to friends
8. The leader must.. that all group members are safe.
a) ensure b) think c) go away d) save himself
9. is the systematic procedures that clearly detail what needs to be done, how, when, and by whom before and after the time an anticipated disastrous event occurs.
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a) casualty b) emergency c) emergency plan d) accident report
10 is a document describing any unplanned occurrence that leads to the injury of personnel.
a) casualty b) emergency c) emergency plan d) accident report
For Fun
Are you ready for emergency?
Read the test and answer the questions (tick one circle). Check your answers with keys. (page 101)
| 1. Which is the worst place to be during a tornado? | ||||||||
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| 2. When water at the beach recesses noticeably from the shoreline, you should: | ||||||||
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| 3. Which natural effect of a hurricane poses the biggest threat to human life? A. Wind B. Storm Surge C. Falling Trees | ||||||||
| 4. If trapped in your car during a snowstorm, what's the best strategy? | ||||||||
5. To keep cool in excessive heat, you should drink very cold water. | ||||||||
6. What are the signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning?
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7. How should you prepare your home for a wildfire?
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8. During an earthquake, you should try to get outdoors.
9. You're snowed in and are beginning to feel ill. Your symptoms are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation and incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. What do you have?
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| 10. Which foods can last up to one year? | ||||||||
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| 11. You are outside during a storm and your hair stands on end. What does that indicate? | ||||||||
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| 12. What kills more people on average than all other natural disasters combined? | ||||||||
13. You are evacuating from a flood when water begins to rise around your car. What to do?
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| 14. You should stock enough food and water in your emergency supply to last how long? | ||||||||
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Unit 8
Stress in the Workplace
Vocabulary list
abuse
sleep disturbances
domestic violence
suicidal behavior
anxiety
layoffs
retraining
mandatory overtime
