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The American Sign Language Glossary

Deaf and hard of hearing populations have historically struggled to gain access to information in their daily lives. This struggle is intensified during disasters and emergencies. This American Sign Language (ASL) glossary aims to increase that access by defining terminology that certified ASL interpreters will use when delivering emergency information to the public during a disaster. The videos feature Certified Deaf Interpreters Shelley Herbold and Beca Bailey, who are qualified interpreters under the Emergency Response Interpreter Credentialing (ERIC) Program. 

The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) created the ASL glossary of emergency management terminology through a grant from the Arizona Department of Health Services.

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Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

All Hazards

Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

A pre-designated facility established by an agency or jurisdiction to coordinate the overall agency or jurisdictional response and support to an emergency.

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Containment

Wildfire

Containment

The status of a wildfire suppression action signifying that a control line has been completed around the fire, and any associated spot fires, which can reasonably be expected to stop the fire’s spread.

Control Line

Wildfire

Control Line

An inclusive term for all constructed or natural barriers and treated fire edges used to control a fire.

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Chronic Disease, Illness, or Condition

Public Health

Chronic Disease, Illness, or Condition

A type of sickness that goes on for a long time and often doesn’t go away completely. People’s symptoms may be better or worse over time, and they may use treatments to control symptoms and feel better.

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Condenser

Nuclear Incidents

Condenser

A component which serves to condense steam back into water so that the water can be reused. The main condenser serves to condense the steam exhausted from the main turbine so that it can be pumped back to the steam generators for reheating and conversion back to steam.

Containment Barriers

Nuclear Incidents

Containment Barriers

Fuel pellets contain radiation. There are three levels/barriers of containment that prevent radiation from being released: fuel cladding/rods, reactor coolant (water), and the containment building. The first barrier is the fuel rod/cladding, which contains the radioactive fuel pellets. A "loss of fuel cladding/first barrier" occurs if there is damage to the cladding that may result in a release of radiation into the reactor coolant system. A "loss of the reactor coolant system/second barrier" occurs if radioactive steam is released from the Reactor Pressure Valve or radioactive coolant water leaks from the Reactor Vessel. A "loss of containment/third barrier" occurs if radioactive steam is relased from the containment building's relief valve.

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Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

All Hazards

Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

A pre-designated facility established by an agency or jurisdiction to coordinate the overall agency or jurisdictional response and support to an emergency.