Preparing for Disaster

Floods and tsunamis are terrifying and destructive natural disasters caused by the power of water. Humans will probably never be able to prevent floods and tsunamis, but tools provided by STEM fields enable scientists and engineers to mitigate their damage. STEM principles inform every level of flood and tsunami preparedness, from detection or prediction by federal agencies to the recommendations for individuals. This book describes what happens during a natural disaster and engineering solutions including the use of computer models, building of dams, levees, and permeable pavement, and restoring wetlands. All are tremendous solutions to safeguard lives, property, ecosystems, and world economies.

As global warming intensifies, experts warn of an increase in the number and severity of droughts around the world. This volume uses accessible language and engaging examples to inform middle-grade readers of what drought is and how scientists and engineers are learning ways to predict where it will occur and mitigate its consequences. Tools such as the U.S. Drought Monitor, U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook, and Drought Impact Reporter are explained. Irrigation, soil sensor, and gene engineering technologies are also explored. The final chapter offers suggestions for what readers can do to help, ending the narrative on a hopeful note.

Wildfires are exploding as climate change results in hotter, drier weather and longer fire seasons. There is a growing need for creative engineering solutions to better fight these disasters. This revealing volume begins with an overview of the 2018 California fire season. Readers then investigate the causes and effects of wildfires and learn about the methods engineers use to predict including the reliance on computer fire models and satellites. They will learn about the solutions to prevent and prepare for, and fight wildfires. The narrative relates the specific ways individuals and communities can protect themselves, including the adoption of fire-adapted ecosystems.

Although infectious disease outbreaks have long threatened the well-being of human societies, the realization that such epidemics and pandemics can be controlled or even prevented in the first place is recent. With advances in scientific understanding of disease and the development of technologies for the early detection of infectious agents, health agencies are better equipped for disease prevention and surveillance. This volume explores epidemic and pandemic threats and approaches to disease detection, prevention, and surveillance, relating them to concepts that lie at the foundation of STEM education. It also describes the steps readers can take to prepare for disease outbreaks.

In some parts of the world, earthquakes are a serious threat to cities and towns. Their destructive power and unpredictable nature give them the power to bring about widespread devastation. Earthquake engineering is a branch of engineering that is dedicated to limiting the damage that quakes can bring. By working to establish guidelines and standards, earthquake engineers can help reduce the risk of injuries caused by collapsing structures. This resource describes how earthquakes occur and the disciplines that go into earthquake engineering, while examining some of the engineering principles that go into designing strong and resilient buildings.

Hurricanes are increasing in frequency and intensity, bringing massive destruction in their wake. This resource provides readers with insight into the nature of hurricanes and the solutions engineers are using to prepare for hurricanes and protect people and property when they occur. It explains the technological tools such as NASA satellites, computer modeling, and aircraft and field missions that scientists and engineers are using to predict when and where hurricanes will occur. It also describes how engineers are creating improved building codes and innovative structures and redesigning cities to withstand hurricanes' violence and save lives when disaster strikes.