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.
Advisory, Watch, Warning
Advisory, Watch, Warning
Advisory: Highlights special weather conditions that are less serious than a warning. They are for events that may cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property. Watch: The environmental conditions are such that an extreme weather event (extreme heat, tornado, thunderstorm, flooding, etc.) *may* occur and residents in the watch area should get prepared just in case. Warning: An extreme weather event *is occurring* and residents should take immediate action (shelter in place, evacuate, etc.).
All Hazard Incident
All Hazard Incident
An incident, natural or human-caused, that requires an organized response by a public, private, and/or governmental entity to protect life, public health and safety, values to be protected, and to minimize any disruption of governmental, social and economic services. One or more kinds of incident (fire, flood, mass casualty, search, rescue, evacuation, etc.) may occur simultaneously as part of an all-hazard incident response.
Backfiring
Backfiring
A tactic associated with indirect attack, intentionally setting fire to fuels inside the control line to slow, knock down, or contain a rapidly spreading fire. Backfiring provides a wide defense perimeter and may be further employed to change the force of the convection column. Intended to change the direction of the fire.
Brush Fire
Brush Fire
A fire burning in vegetation that is predominantly shrubs, brush, and scrub growth.
Adverse Events
Adverse Events
Possible side effect or reaction after getting a shot or taking medicine.
Agent Biological or Chemical
Agent Biological or Chemical
A natural or living thing (biologica) or chemical that can cause an event or result such as disesase, illness, or death.
Atmospheric Relief Valve
Atmospheric Relief Valve
A valve which serves to reduce pressure in a steam generator by allowing steam to be relieved to the atmosphere. The released steam is not radioactive.
Central Alarm System
Central Alarm System
The central location from which plant security activities are monitored and controlled. Like the control room, the central alarm station is continuously manned.
Advisory, Watch, Warning
Advisory, Watch, Warning
Advisory: Highlights special weather conditions that are less serious than a warning. They are for events that may cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property. Watch: The environmental conditions are such that an extreme weather event (extreme heat, tornado, thunderstorm, flooding, etc.) *may* occur and residents in the watch area should get prepared just in case. Warning: An extreme weather event *is occurring* and residents should take immediate action (shelter in place, evacuate, etc.).
All Hazard Incident
All Hazard Incident
An incident, natural or human-caused, that requires an organized response by a public, private, and/or governmental entity to protect life, public health and safety, values to be protected, and to minimize any disruption of governmental, social and economic services. One or more kinds of incident (fire, flood, mass casualty, search, rescue, evacuation, etc.) may occur simultaneously as part of an all-hazard incident response.