Glossary of Terms Was Assembled for Use by Students Enrolled in an Agrosecurity Class at Purdue University

Glossary of AgroSecurity Terms1

The following glossary of terms was assembled for use by students enrolled in an agrosecurity class at Purdue University. The terms and definitions were drawn from numerous sources both private and public. It was developed to help students better understand the terminology used in the field.

1The glossary was originally assembled by Bill Field, Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Purdue University. The document was revised and updated in May 2020 by: Professor Field; Shawn Ehlers, Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Ed Sheldon, Indiana PREPared and National AgrAbility Project; and Cassidy Johnson, National AgrAbility Project. May 2020

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

ABC Fire Extinguisher: An extinguisher that Aerosol: A substance that can become airborne can be used for all types of fires. The “A” under pressure such as paint from an aerosol rating is for wood, textiles (material and can that is sprayed under pressure. The clothing), paper, and rubbish. The “B” rating is substance can be either fine solid particles or for burning liquids, and the “C” rating is for liquid drops. Fine agricultural dusts, such as electrical equipment. from grain, can be suspended in the air forming a respiratory risk or a risk of explosion. AC: an abbreviation referring to alternating electrical current. Electricity used in most Aftershock: An earthquake of lesser homes and businesses is AC or alternating magnitude, usually one of a series, following a current. Nearly all power tools that plug into a large quake in the same area. After shocks can wall receptacle are powered by AC current. still cause considerable damage. Contact with overhead wiring or power tools with faulty wiring may cause electrocution or Agrosecurity: An area of specialization related death, especially in a wet environment. to protecting agricultural production and the food supply from intentional attacks or natural Accident: A deviation from normal operations disasters. It addresses basic emergency or activities associated with a hazard, which management strategies, including prevention, has the potential to result in an emergency. preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. Acute Toxicity: The ability of a substance to cause poisonous effects resulting in severe Agro-terrorism: The act of any person biological harm or death soon after a single knowingly or maliciously using biological exposure or dose. agents or violence as weapons against the agricultural industry and the food supply. Automated External Defibrillator (AED): A device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest or Airborne Particles: A solid or liquid material heart attack. Current models provide verbal suspended in the air. Commonly found in commands/instructions for appropriate use. agriculture in the form of dust, chemical spray, AED placement in work places, especially biological material, or other pollutants. These when isolated from emergency medical particles can irritate eyes, nose, throat, or lungs services is becoming more common. and pose minor to severe health risks. Respiratory protection should be worn when Aerobic: Characterizing organisms able to live there is excessive exposure to airborne and grow in conditions where there is the particles. presence of air or oxygen. Alert: An emergency class within the Operational and Energy categories of emergency. An Alert is declared when events are predicted, are in progress, or have occurred.

May 2020

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs): Motor-driven, off-road, recreational vehicle capable of cross- Anhydrous ammonia: A pressurized and country travel on land, snow, ice, marsh, liquefied form of undiluted ammonia used to swampland, or other natural terrain. They add nitrogen to soils. It is injected into the soil include, but are not limited to, a multi-track, with pressurized equipment. Exposure can multi-wheel, or low pressure tire vehicles. cause blindness, lung damage, skin damage ATVs are useful following a disaster to reach similar to burns and death. Flooding with water areas not accessible to other vehicles. is the most effective first aid measure. Pressurized anhydrous ammonia is sometimes Ammonia (NH3): A colorless gas in the natural stolen for use as an ingredient in the illegal state that has a sharp, pungent odor, is severely production of methamphetamine. irritating to eyes and breathing passages and is deadly at 5,000 ppm. It is extensively used to Anhydrous: That which is without water. manufacture fertilizers and a wide variety of Anhydrous ammonia is ammonia not diluted nitrogen-containing organic and inorganic with water. chemicals. It is also used to illegally manufacture certain drugs such as Anthrax: An acute infectious disease caused methamphetamines. by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthraces. Anthrax most commonly occurs in Ammonium hydroxide: A highly reactive hoofed mammals and can also infect humans. It alkali that readily causes chemical burns of has also been used by terrorists in America and human tissue, especially eyes and lungs. has been developed as a weapon by the militaries of several countries. Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3): A chemical compound long used as a source of nitrogen Antidote: A remedy to counteract the effects of fertilizer in agricultural production. It is sold as a poison. If the antidote for a poison can be a granular material that can be harmful to the administered quickly after a poison has been respiratory track and eyes. It can be modified to ingested, serious health consequences may be be used as a high explosive, including for use avoided. in acts of terrorism. Antimicrobial: That which is capable of Anaerobic: Characterizing organisms able to destroying or inhibiting the growth of live and grow in conditions that exist only in microorganisms. A chemical that kills or the absence of air or free oxygen. inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Anaerobic fermentation: A chemical process from which air is excluded. The anaerobic Anxiety: The state of being worried or anxious. fermentation process occurs during the It means to be full of worry and not being able formation of silage inside a silo. to think clearly and function properly. During a time of disaster many people understandably become anxious.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS): A department of the USDA that is responsible for enforcing regulations governing the import and export of plants, animals, and other agricultural products.

May 2020

Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The regulatory Aqueous: Water based; an aqueous solution is flood elevation. one consisting of a component dissolved in Bilingual: The ability to use two languages water. with fluency. Bilingual individuals are often used as interpreters during emergencies. Assault: Unlawful intentional inflicting, or attempted or threatened inflicting of injury, Biological agent: Biological agents that can be upon another person. One form of violence in used in bioterrorism or biological warfare listed the workplace is assault. by the CDC. Category A – agents easily transmitted and result in high morbidity and Assessment: The process of placing a value on mortality rates and panic with serious potential property. Assessments are made by for large-scale dissemination (e.g. anthrax); professionals to determine the appraised value Category B – agents moderately easy to of losses after a disaster. transmit and result in moderate morbidity and mortality rates with moderate dissemination Asset: Tangible or intangible property that can (e.g. Escherichia coli O157:H7); and Category be converted into cash. C – agents that have the potential to be used because they are available and accessible and Auto-Ignition Temperature: The minimum have potential for high morbidity and mortality temperature at which the material will ignite (e.g. Listeria monocytogenes). without a spark or flame being present. Along with the flashpoint, auto-ignition temperature Biological/chemical shelter: A shelter gives an indication of relative flammability. designed to protect from biological and chemical attacks. Portable shelters of different Avalanche entrapment: The trapping of a designs are commercially available. person that occurs when a large pile of material collapses and engulfs the person to the extent Bio-security: Protection from the risks posed that he cannot escape by himself. Out-of- by biological organisms to the economy, condition grain along a bin wall can collapse environment, and the health of people and and cause an avalanche entrapment of farm animals. Posting livestock production sites can workers. enhance biosecurity.

Bacteria: A type of biological cell that is Bio-terrorism: The use of biological agents, widely present throughout nature. Some are such as pathogenic organisms or agricultural beneficial as a means of decomposing pests, for terrorism purposes. biological materials, while other forms of bacteria can be extremely harmful to humans Blast Effect: A pulse of air in which the by causing infections. Botulism, typhoid, pressure increases sharply at the front, pneumonia, and tuberculosis are all caused by accompanied by winds, propagated from an the toxins released by bacteria. Bacterial explosion. infections are treated by antibiotics.

Barrier: The various “layers of protection” afforded facility and site personnel, the general public and the environment by the design and operational controls of each facility.

May 2020

Bleach: A widely used disinfectant to destroy Bridging entrapment: The trapping of a microorganisms such as bacteria and fungus. A person who falls through the crusted bridge of common brand name for bleach is Clorox. It is out-of-condition grain (or other flowing a diluted solution of sodium hypochlorite or material) into the cavity that formed below the hydrogen peroxide. Dairy farmers and bridge when the storage structure had been veterinarians use bleach to disinfect milking partially unloaded. equipment and instruments used to treat animals in order to prevent infection. Brush fire: A fast-moving fire that ignites grass, shrubs, and other low-lying vegetation. If Blizzard: A severe snow storm of long the under growth is extremely dry these fires duration with winds over 35 mph and visibility can be very hot and destructive. near zero. Buddy system: A part of emergency Blizzard warning: A warning for sustained preparedness planning in which a disabled winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater person chooses and trains a non-disabled and considerable falling or blowing snow person that will assist him in the time of an expected to prevail for a period of three hours emergency; often applied to emergency or longer. workplace plans where a second person is required to be present when carrying out Bloodborne pathogen: Bloodborne pathogens hazardous tasks. are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These Burnout: Physical and/or mental exhaustion, pathogens include, but are not limited to, especially as a result of being overworked or hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and from the effects of a disaster. First responders human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). can suffer from burnout.

Blowing snow: Wind-driven snow that reduces Carbon dioxide (CO2): A colorless, odorless visibility and causes significant drifting. nontoxic gas formed during combustion of many fuels or fermentation of crops. Although Border Patrol: The mobile, uniformed law nontoxic, it can replace the oxygen consumed enforcement arm of the U.S. Customs and during combustion in an enclosed environment Border Protection (CBP) within the Department and can cause the health problems associated of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency is with oxygen deficiency and even death. responsible for preventing the entry of illegal aliens as well as terrorists and their weapons Carbon monoxide (CO): A colorless, into the United States. odorless, and tasteless gas that is very toxic. Exposure to carbon monoxide from portable Braille: A system of writing that uses generators used inside enclosed areas is a characters made up of a pattern of raised dots. primary cause of loss of life following a major The blind and visually impaired read these disaster. All internal combustion engines will characters using their sense of touch on the produce carbon monoxide. pattern of raised dots. Individuals with vision impairments may need emergency instructions Carcass: The body or a part of an animal or printed in Braille. fowl that has died. Carcass disposal is a serious problem following a disaster involving livestock.

May 2020

Carcass disposal: The process of getting rid of Chemical goggles: A type of protective eye dead animals, often by composting, wear designed to protect the wearer’s eyes from incineration or burial. Appropriate carcass dirt, flying debris, and/or chemicals, including disposal is important to prevent the spread of hazardous liquids. The goggles are designed disease. with splash resistant venting and antifogging lenses. Carcinogen: A substance capable of causing cancer. Chemical release: A release of a hazardous chemical into the environment. Chemicals like Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). An fertilizers, and soil conditioners, soil fumigants, emergency procedure involving an alternating herbicides, pesticides, rodenticides, series of chest compressions and breathing for a insecticides, and fungicides release toxic person whose heart and breathing have stopped. chemicals during spills and fires. Some emergency CPR techniques include only chest compressions. Civil Defense: System of protective measures and emergency relief activities conducted by Categories: Hurricanes are rated from 1 to 5, civilians in case of hostile attack, sabotage; or according to their wind strength. Category 1 – natural disaster. At one time, the federal 75-95 mph; Category 2 – 96-110 mph; government had a Department of Civil Category 3 – 111-130 mph; Category 4 – 131- Defense, which is now the Department of 155 mph; Category – 155 mph. Tornadoes are Homeland Security. rated from EF0 (65-85 mph), EF1 (86-110), EF2 (111-135), EF3 (136-165), EF4 (166-200) Class A fire: A fire that involves wood, to EF5 (Over 200). textiles, paper, rubbish and other ordinary combustibles. Grain bin fires would be a Class Caustic: Capable of eating away or destroying A fire. by chemical action. Anhydrous ammonia and toilet bowl cleaners are caustic. Class B fire: A fire fueled by flammable liquids, such as oils, solvents, paint, gasoline, Caution: Indicates a potentially hazardous grease, etc. An engine fire should be treated as situation that, if not avoided, may result in a Class B fire. minor or moderate injury. It can also be used to alert against unsafe practices. Caution signs are Class C fire: A fire involving electrical typically black and yellow. equipment. Water must not be used on a Class C fire. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): An agency of the United States Class D fire: A fire that consumes combustible Department of Health and Human Services that metals, such as magnesium, titanium, protects public health and safety. For more potassium. information visit www.cdc.gov. Closed-captioned: A series of words Chemical agent: Chemical agents with toxic superimposed on the bottom of television or properties that can be used in chemical warfare motion picture frames that communicate or in a personal attack to kill, injure, or dialogue to the hearing-impaired or translate incapacitate. (e.g. caustics, organic solvents, foreign dialogue. reactive metals).

May 2020

Coastal flooding: Flooding that occurs when Contamination: When undesirable materials the winds generated from tropical storms, or substances are found in a product of value. hurricanes, or intense offshore low-pressure Intentionally adding a harmful substance to systems drive ocean water inland. milk or produce is a form of contamination. Farmers and food handlers are required to take Combustible materials: Any substance that measures to prevent contamination of the food ignites or burns readily, such as paper, supply. Objects such as metal shavings, pins, gasoline, and crop residue. small stones, paint flecks, and packaging are contaminates that are sometimes found in food. Communication Device: Any device that people use to communicate, such as: telephone, Coronavirus (COVID-19): A disease caused cell phone, business-band radio, citizens-band by the virus SARS-COV-2. It impacts the radio, and walkie-talkie. respiratory system, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, guts, and nervous system. It can effect Composting: Converting a mixture of organic people who have it widely, from no symptoms waste material into a fertilizer and soil to the risk of death. conditioner by means of natural decay. Composting is used as a method to dispose of Crown fire: A forest fire that advances rapidly large numbers of animal carcasses. from one tree top to the next and advances faster than the brush fire on the ground. Crown Composting In Place: The disposing of animal fires are common in coniferous forests and carcasses by composting within the building or chaparral-type shrub lands. facilities where they were housed before being euthanized. Poultry flocks are sometimes Current: Electrical current, measured in amps, euthanized within the growing barn and is the flow of electrons, often through a wire. allowed to compost or decompose in place. Overloading electrical circuits poses a Composting takes place faster in an oxygen- safety/fire risk by the heat generated from the rich environment and has been shown to reduce electrical current. The term is also used to odor. describe the movement of water.

Confined space: OSHA Definition – a space Cyclone: “Cyclone” is used synonymously that: (1) is large enough and so configured that with “tornado” depending where you live. For an employee can bodily enter and perform storms near the Equator the “tropical cyclone” assigned work; (2) has limited or restricted is used synonymously with the term means of entry or exit (e.g., tanks, vessels, “hurricane” that is used for storms in Central silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits); and and North America. A cyclone is an (3) is not designed for continuous employee atmospheric system characterized by the rapid occupancy. A simpler definition is any space inward circulation of air masses about a low- that requires the use of one’s hands to access. pressure center, usually accompanied by stormy, often destructive weather. Cyclones circulate counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

May 2020

Danger: Indicates an imminently hazardous Department of Homeland Security: A situation that, if not avoided, will result in cabinet-level Department of the U.S. death or serious injury. This signal word is government with responsibilities in public limited to the most extreme situations, typically security within the nation’s borders. FEMA is for machine components that for functional an agency within the Department of Homeland purposes cannot be guarded. Danger signs Security. See www.dhs.gov. typically have a red background. Depression: A debilitating mental disorder DC: An abbreviation for direct electrical involving loss of hope and the deliberate current. Tractors and other off-highway moving away from the real world of equipment with batteries operate by DC or responsibility. Symptoms of depression often direct current; and even though they are usually involve sadness, inactivity, difficulty in rated at only 12or 24 volts, electrical shorts still thinking and concentration, significant increase can cause operator burns and equipment fires. or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, Flashlights operate on DC. feeling of dejection and hopelessness, and at times suicidal tendencies. Individuals Decontamination: A process using a physical experiencing loss due to a disaster can or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or experience depression. (Depression is also used destroy microorganisms capable of transmitting to describe a region of low barometric infectious particles. Decontamination also pressure.) refers to the removal or inactivation of chemicals or any other hazardous substance. Dermal Toxicity: Adverse effects resulting Disinfections and sterilization are methods of from skin exposure to a substance. decontamination. Designated Area: The geographical area Debris: Materials that are primarily non- designated under a Presidential major disaster geologic (e.g., grass, trees, stumps), man-made declaration that is eligible to receive disaster materials (e.g., concrete, siding, lumber, assistance in accordance with the provisions of clothing), partially buried whole or empty fuel Public Law (P.L.) 93-288, as amended. or chemical containers and other manufacturing items (e.g., liners). Debris does not include Designated Meeting Place: A predetermined synthetic organic chemicals but may include meeting point where people can gather or materials contaminated with these chemicals. report to in the event of an emergency. Every place of business should have a designated Defective Item, Material, or Service: Any meeting place that provides employees a safe item, material, or service that does not meet the place in the event of an emergency. commercial standard or procurement requirements as defined in catalogues, Disability: The temporary or long-term proposals, procurement specifications, design reduction of a person’s capacity to function. specifications, testing requirements, contracts, The concept of disability encompasses many or the like. different dimensions of health and functioning, and the complex interactions with one’s environment. It refers to any restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal.

May 2020

Disaster: A sudden calamitous event bringing Dust Bowl: A region subject to drought and great damage, loss or destruction. An dust storms; often specifically referring to the agricultural or rural disaster (either natural or central United States during the 1930’s. man-made) is an event that seriously threatens the livelihood of one or more members of the Dust Explosion: An explosion caused by the agricultural community. ignition of suspended grain dust that generates a rapid flame front. A dust explosion requires Disaster plan: A plan that is designed to four components: fuel (finely suspended grain protect individuals and their assets in the event dust), oxygen, containment (building), and of a disaster. Such a plan should cover all the ignition sources. Grain dust suspended in the stages of an emergency situation including the right proportion is more powerful than an equal prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response amount of dynamite. and recovery stages. See www.nfpa.org for standards on developing a disaster plan. Dust mask: A type of respiratory protection that does not meet the current NIOSH Disinfect: A process used to destroy bacteria standards. They are worn for comfort against that may be present and be transmissible to non-toxic dusts generated when weed wacking, humans and animals. It usually involves the cleaning, or doing yard work. These masks are application of a chemical such as bleach that not respirators and do not offer protection destroys harmful microorganisms. Common against toxic dusts, gases, or vapors. See disinfectants include alcohol, bleach, iodine, FDA.gov. and hydrogen peroxide. Earthquake: A sudden slipping or movement Department of Natural Resources (DNR): of a portion of the earth’s crust, accompanied This agency of state government has and followed by a series of vibrations. responsibilities in areas of soil, water, air, and other natural resources. The agency name may Extension Disaster Education Network vary in some states. (EDEN): A collaborative multi-state effort to improve the delivery of services to people Downwind: Being in a position that is in the affected by disasters. For more information see opposite direction from which the wind is www.extensiondisaster.net. blowing. In the event of toxic chemical release or smoke from a fire, being downwind can Emergency: An emergency is the most serious increase exposure. event and consists of any unwanted operational, civil, natural-phenomenon, or security Drill: A method of practicing the response to occurrence that could endanger or adversely an emergency such as a fire or tornado. First affect people, property, or the environment. responders conduct drills on a regular basis to prepare for disasters.

Drought: A condition of moisture deficit sufficient to have an adverse effect on vegetation, animals, and humans over a sizeable area. Drought can create serious fire hazards.

May 2020

Emergency Action Plan (EAP): A written Engulfment: An entrapment in free flowing plan that includes the procedures that material in which the victim is completely individuals within a company, organization, buried. Nearly all engulfments in grain, for family, or group should follow in the event of example, are fatal. Engulfments can also occur an emergency. Every farm should give during soil excavation or trenching. See consideration to developing an emergency www.agconfinedspaces.org action plan and communicating it to all those involved. An EAP should include plans for Enhanced 911 (E-911): An emergency evacuation, designated meeting place, and communication system that allows the responding to incidents such as chemical spills, dispatcher or operator to identify the caller’s tornadoes, and violence in the workplace. See location and, in some cases, other information www.nfpa.org such as compromised health conditions.

Emergency Assistance Program: All Entrapment: Occurs when a victim is buried activities whereby Departmental resources, in grain or other free flowing material beyond emergency response assets, personnel, and/or the point of self-extrication. Entrapments in facilities are deployed in support of federal grain usually require emergency rescue interagency plans, international agreements, personnel and the use of a grain rescue tube to Presidential direction, and state, local, or tribal safely remove the victims form the grain. See agreements of mutual aid. www.agconfinedspaces.org

Emergency Go Bag (Bug-out Bag): A Epicenter: The area of the earth’s surface survival bag that can be carried by an directly above the origin or focus of an individual who is required to suddenly evacuate earthquake. due to an emergency. It contains the most essential items needed for at least three days. It Epidemic: An outbreak of a disease that is should be easy to carry by one person. limited in geographic area during a particular time. Once an epidemic crosses country Emergency Support Function: Describes the borders, it becomes a pandemic. Federal coordinating structures that group resources and capabilities into functional areas Epidemiological: Dealing with the scientific that are most frequently needed in a national study of the incidence, control, and spread of response to emergencies and disasters. See disease in a population. www.fema.gov. Eradication: The killing or destroying of Emergency Supply Kit: A prepared kit that something completely. In the case of animal contains emergency supplies, which is easily disease, it is the absence or lack of evidence of accessible in the event of an emergency. Each the existence of the disease. home should have an emergency supply of food, water, and other essential items. See Escort: An individual with the prerequisite www.INPREPared.org or www.redcross.org training necessary for unescorted access to the area(s) where the escort activities will be Endothermic: A process that absorbs heat. performed who is authorized to accompany and ensure the safety of individuals who lack such training.

May 2020

Euthanize: Putting animals or livestock to Exposure: a circumstance in which a person death in a humane manner. In some cases, an comes into contact with a hazard that can result outbreak of a disease will require that an entire in injury or disease. To reduce the level of flock or herd by euthanized. exposure to pesticides, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, and Evacuation: The act of removing people or disposable coveralls should be worn. One good living things from a place of danger. During a protection from exposure is frequent hand widespread flood, large numbers of people may washing. have to be evacuated. Eye of a hurricane: The relatively calm area Evacuation wheelchair: A special wheelchair in the center of the hurricane. Hurricane winds that can be used to transport an immobile swirl counter-clockwise around the eye in the person down stairs in the time of an emergency. northern hemisphere. Several different designs are commercially available. Fall-out shelter: Shelters designed to protect from radiation caused by a nuclear explosion. Exercise: Evaluated demonstration of the integrated capabilities of emergency response Face shields: Clear plastic shield designed to resources (personnel, procedures, facilities, and protect the wearer’s face from flying debris or equipment) conducted for the purpose of chemical splashes. Face shields provide added validating elements of an emergency protection to the use of safety glasses or management program. goggles. Face shields should be worn when grinding, mixing chemicals, or cleaning with Exothermic: A process that releases energy, high pressure air. usually in the form of heat. Fatigue: mental or physical exhaustion that Explosion: An effect produced by violent, causes extreme tiredness or weariness during sudden expansion of gases from chemical and after lengthy or strenuous physical or change, such as: detonation of an explosive or mental activity. Emergency workers may ignition of a flammable gas; boiler explosion; become fatigued while working long hours or dust explosion. An explosion generally responding to a disaster. Fatigue often requires four elements: oxygen, fuel, ignition contributes to human error and injuries. source and a container. Fault: A fracture in the earth’s crust Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS): accompanied by the displacement between two EPA applies the term extremely hazardous sections of the earth’s crust. substance to chemicals that must be reported to the appropriate authorities if released above the Flood Boundary Floodway Map (FBFM). A threshold reporting quantity. Each substance detailed map delineating floodway from has a threshold reporting quantity. floodway fringe.

Federal Crop Insurance Program: A subsidized insurance program providing farmers with a means to mitigate the risk of crop losses resulting from natural disasters.

May 2020

Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM). A (FEMA). The agency responsible for map based on approximate data and identities; coordinating federal disaster response. It in general, and the Special Flood Hazard Areas oversees the National Flood Insurance Program (SFHAs) within the community. (NFIP), which was established in 1968 and is run by the Federal Insurance Administration. Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Shows For more information visit www.fema.gov. areas within the 100-year flood boundary, which are termed Special Flood Hazard Areas Federal Insurance Administration (FIA). An (SFHAs). This is published after a Flood independent agency that administers the Insurance Study is completed for a community. National Flood Insurance Program and is a component of the Federal Emergency Flood Insurance Study (FIS). A compiled Management Agency (FEMA). study and assessment of a community’s flood hazard. FEMA Online Courses: Online training offered by FEMA’s Emergency Management Flammable: Able to ignite and burn readily. Institute. It includes courses on incident command, hazardous material and animals and Flash flood: A local flood of great volume and livestock in disaster. Several hundred courses short duration generally resulting from heavy are available to complete for certification. See rainfall in the immediate vicinity. Flash floods www.fema.gov. can trap people in canyons, along river banks, and in low lying areas. Firefighter’s carry: A method of carrying a immobile or impaired person and transporting Flash Point: The lowest temperature of a liquid him to safety in an emergency. Two at which its vapors will ignite in air when individuals lock wrists and form a “seat” with exposed to a flame. Gasoline is much more their arms on which the disabled person is explosive than diesel fuel because the flash transported. point of gasoline is a much lower temperature than that of diesel fuel. Safety Data Sheets First Aid: Medical treatment given to a person contain flash point temperatures for all with minor injuries or illness, or the initial substances. treatment provided before professional medical personnel arrive to treat major injuries or Flood plain: The channel proper and the areas illness. Bystanders often provide lifesaving first adjoining any wetland, lake, or watercourse aid to injury victims before the ambulance that may be covered by the regulatory flood. arrives. Many hospitals and the American Red The floodplain includes both the floodway and Cross offer basic first aid training. See the floodway fringe districts. www.redcross.org Floodway: The channel of a river or stream First response personnel: In general, the first and those portions of the floodplains adjoining persons to arrive at an emergency scene. the channel which are reasonably required to Specifically, persons who have been trained as efficiently carry and discharge the peak flood a first responder in first-aid and other first flow of the regulatory flood of any river or response are usually equipped with radios so stream. that they can respond rapidly to emergency incidents in their community. Floodway fringe: Those portions of the floodplain lying outside the floodway.

May 2020

Flowing grain entrapment: The trapping of a Frostbite: Destruction of tissue by freezing; person who travels down with the flow of grain symptoms include tingling, blistering, pale (or other flowing material) until he is entrapped appearance, and possibly gangrene. to the extent that he can no longer remove himself. A farm worker in the flow of grain Frost/Freeze warning: Winds below 10 mph that is being unloaded from a bin can become and temperatures below 32°F are expected. completely engulfed in 30 seconds or less. See www.agconfinedspaces.org Generator: A device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy and often used to Flurries: Light snow falling for a short time. reduce the risk of loss during a power outage. PTO-driven or engine driven generators should Food defense: The process of safeguarding the supply the same type of power (voltage, food supply against intentional contamination frequency) as power lines. Portable generators or disruption. can produce carbon monoxide and must be generated in a well-ventilated location. Food safety: The process of protecting the food supply against intentional/unintentional Glanders: A contagious, usually fatal disease contamination by setting standards in the of horses and other equine species, caused by industry such as good manufacturing practices the bacterium Pseudomonas mallei and and quality control. Food safety efforts are symptomized by swollen lymph nodes, nasal assigned to the U.S. Department of Agriculture discharge, and ulcers of the respiratory tract and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. and skin. The disease is communicable to other Local government agencies, such as Boards of mammals, including humans. Used as a Health are also involved in ensuring safe food. biological weapon in World War I.

Food security: The process of maintaining a Grain dust explosions: When finely divided supply of sufficient, safe, and nutritious food grain dust is suspended in the right for a healthy and active life; addressing famine concentrations in air, explosion can occur if an and food shortages. ignition source is present.

Foot-candle: A unit of luminance on a surface Ground fire: A fire that burns slowly on the that is everywhere 1 foot from a uniform point ground in decayed leaves and/or needles of source of light of 1 candle and equal to 1 lumen trees that have fallen and may not be apparent per square foot. on the surface of the humus by occurring under the surface. Forest fire: A fire that consumes large wooded areas. Forest fires can be started intentionally, Guide dog: A dog that is trained to lead and unintentionally such as downed power lines, or assist a blind or visually impaired person. by lightning. When being evacuated, a visually impaired person has the right to take their guide dog with Flood Protection Grade (FPG). The elevation them. of the regulatory flood plus 2 feet at any given location in the SFHA.

Freezing rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.

May 2020

Gust front: The leading edge of the Heat (thermal) detector: A device for fire thunderstorm downdraft air. It is most detection based upon gauging either prominent beneath the rain-free base and on the temperature or temperature rise in the given leading edge of an approaching thunderstorm. location. It is usually marked by gusty cool winds and sometimes blowing dust. The gust front often Heat wave: A period of abnormally and precedes the thunderstorm precipitation by uncomfortably hot weather that could last from several minutes. A shelf or roll cloud several days to several weeks. A long-term heat sometimes accompanies the gust front, wave can be responsible for multiple deaths, especially when it precedes a line of especially within vulnerable populations such thunderstorms. as the elderly.

Hand washing: A process to thoroughly clean HEPA filter: High efficiency particulate air the hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer filter in order to reduce the risk of transferring bacteria and viruses. Homeland security: The protection of national borders and the homeland from terrorist and all Halon: A colorless, odorless, electrically non- other threats to national security. conductive gas (chemical formula CBrF3), which is a medium for extinguishing fires by Hot Zone: Area of highest chemical inhibiting the chemical chain reaction of fuel concentration. and oxygen. It is also known as bromotrifluoromethane. It is no longer in Human-caused disasters: Disasters caused by general use. human hand. Whether intentional or unintentional, human-caused disasters could be Ham radio operators: Individuals who use avoided through preventative measures or radio equipment to communicate with other education. Some forms of human-caused losses radio operators. Also known as amateur radio are criminal and can be prosecuted. operators. These individuals can assist during disasters when other forms of communication 100-year flood: Also known as the Regulatory have been damaged. Flood, refers to a flood level with a 1 percent or lesser chance of being equaled or exceeded in a Hazard: Anything that has the potential to given year. cause injury or harm; a source of danger. All hazards are associated with a transfer of Hurricane: A severe tropical storm that energy. develops east of the International Date Line in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Hazard analysis: Identifying the range of risks Gulf of Mexico, or the eastern Pacific Ocean. It that may impact an operation. It should reveal has sustained surface winds of 74 mph or more. what can occur, how often it is likely to occur, and how serious the effects might be. Hurricane warning: Conditions with winds of at least 74 mph, coastal flooding and heavy Hazardous Waste: Any solid, liquid, or rain are expected within 24 hours. contained gaseous material that is no longer used or needed, which has the potential to Hurricane watch: Conditions with winds at cause injury or death, or pollute the least 74 mph, coastal flooding and heavy rains environment. are possible within 36 hours.

May 2020

Hydraulic: Refers to operating by the flow of Incident Command System (ICS): The liquid, such as oil or water. Hot hydraulic oil emergency response organization at the event and high pressures greater than 2500 PSI can scene designed to deal with command, control cause serious injury to skin, muscle tissue, and and coordination issues in advance. eyes if a leak occurs. Hydraulic systems are used widely on modern agricultural, Ingestion: The term used when materials are construction, and industrial equipment. taken into the body through the mouth, such as by eating or drinking. Also applies when Hydrogen sulfide (H2S): A highly toxic gas breathing results in the inhaled materials being that can cause nausea and vomiting at 50 to 200 swallowed. ppm and death at 1000 ppm. It has a rotten egg smell and is explosive at concentrations of Inhalation: The term used when materials are 4.3% to 46% in air. Manure pit agitation taken into the lungs by breathing. releases large quantities of hydrogen sulfide. The most feared and deadly gas in manure pits. Inhalation Exposure: Exposure to a hazardous substance that enters the body through the Hygroscopic: Referring to the process of respiratory system. moisture being absorbed by a substance from the atmosphere. Under high humidity Inhalation Hazard: Airborne material that can conditions, road salt is hygroscopic and can damage a person’s health when breathed or cause roads to stay wet and slippery for long inhaled. Inhalation hazards of dust, chemical periods of time. Grain in a bin is hygroscopic vapors, fumes, or pathogens can be avoided by which can cause the grain to go out-of- the proper use of respirators to protect health. condition if exposed to moisture. Injection: The introduction of chemicals into Hyperthermia: Overheating of the body, the body through puncture. possibly due to extreme weather conditions and/or over-exertion. Untreated hyperthermia Immunization: The process by which a person can lead to serious illness or death from heat is protected against the adverse effects of stroke. infection by a disease-causing microorganism. Active immunization (vaccination) involves Hypothermia: The condition in which the inoculating a person with an antigen and body temperature is lowered by exposure to relying on their body to mount an immune cold. Hypothermia can result in death if not response. Passive immunization involves treated immediately. giving a patient exogenous (manufactured or transferred from another individual) antibodies. Ignition Temperature (Auto -Ignition): The minimum temperature required to initiate or Impairment: The loss of the use of, or the cause self-sustained combustion in a substance. damage or malfunction of any bodily system or The temperature that the vapors of a product function. A permanent impairment is one that is must be heated to for ignition to occur. likely to continue indefinitely.

Incident: Any deviation from normal Implementation: The phase of the emergency operations or activities which has the potential system development process that starts when to result in an emergency. workers are trained and ready to use an emergency plan if a disaster strikes.

May 2020

Incident Commander: The individual in Lightning: The discharge of electrical energy charge at the scene of an emergency. He or she between clouds or a cloud and the ground. is responsible for the welfare of those This discharge is caused by the rising and responding to the incident. In most cases, the descending air within a thunderstorm, which Incident Commander is the highest ranking fire separates positive and negative charges. official responding to the scene. One of the roles of the Incident Commander is to mitigate Local Emergency Planning Committee the hazards to first responders and to coordinate (LEPC). A local committee that helps resources. communities protect public health, safety and the environment from hazards by developing Incinerate: To cause to burn to ashes. emergency plans. LEPC’s were originally Incineration is used on a small scale to dispose developed for response to chemical releases of animal carcasses. and by furthering of education concerning chemical-related hazards and protective Inland flooding: Flooding that occurs when measures. They are now involved in preparing hurricanes create intense rainfall many (often for all forms of emergencies. hundreds of) miles from the coast. In the aftermath of a hurricane, more people die from Lost Workdays: The number of days drowning than from any other cause. (consecutive or not) after, but not including, the day of injury or illness during which employees Insurance: A means of mitigating potential would have worked but could not do so; that is, losses. It is generally accepted that paying for could not perform all or any part of their insurance to help recover from losses is a form normal assignment during all or any part of the of good business management. workday or shift because of their occupational injury or illness. Ionization: The formation of ions by adding or removing electrons from a neutral atom or LP gas: Liquid petroleum gas, a pressurized molecule by the use of chemical reaction, liquid fuel available in bottles or large storage radiation, strong electrical fields, or high tanks, is used primarily for temporary heating temperature. or in remote locations where less expensive, natural gas is not available. LP gas is a primary LD 50: The lethal dose or amount of a source of fuel for rural residents. chemical that will kill 50 percent of the animals in a test population. The LD50 is measured in Magnitude: A measure of the energy released mg of chemical dose per kg of body weight. from an earthquake. This energy is expressed Therefore, the lower the LD50 rating, the more as a number on the Richter scale. toxic the chemical is. Some insecticides with an LD50 of 5 or less are so toxic that it would require only a few drops to kill a person.

Lift: The action of rising air that is created by natural means, such as sea breezes, storm fronts, and mountains. Lift facilitates the strengthening or forming of thunderstorms.

May 2020

Major Disaster: As defined under P.L. 93-288, Meteorological Information: Characteristics any natural catastrophe, (including any of the atmosphere (e.g., wind direction, wind hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, high water, speed, temperature, and precipitation) used to wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, determine how the material will be transported earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, through the atmosphere to the receptors, and mudslide, snowstorm, or drought), or, how rapidly the receptors will be affected. regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion, in any part of the United States, Methamphetamine: A central nervous system which in the determination of the President stimulant similar to amphetamine sulfate but causes damage of sufficient severity and more potent. A member of the amphetamine magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance class, it is preferred by habitual amphetamine under this Act to supplement the efforts and users. In intravenous form, it produces an available resources of states, local almost instantaneous onset of the drug's effect. governments, and disaster relief organizations Slang names include "meth," "speed," and in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or "crystal." One method of production by illegal suffering caused thereby. producers requires anhydrous ammonia which is often stolen from farm sites and fertilizer Malevolent Acts: Acts which are performed plants. with an intent to cause harm to others, such as sabotage or terrorism. Methane (CH4): A colorless, odorless, combustible gas that is commonly found in Manure gas: A by-product of manure natural gas, coal mines, bubbles in stagnant decomposition that often contains methane, ponds, and manure pits; consequently, it is hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and responsible for many inadvertent explosions. ammonia. Methane occasionally reaches explosive concentrations in a storage structure; Mitigation: Initiatives that reduce the level of and the toxic mixture of gases can be lethal to losses to humans and property from natural and farm workers entering a manure pit. man-made hazards. Carrying an insurance policy on a farm or home is a form of Mass Casualty Event: An event in which: (1) mitigation. the numbers of patients and the nature of the injuries make the normal level of stabilization Monitoring: The process of measuring certain and care unachievable; and/or (2) the number environmental parameters on a real-time basis of Emergency Medical Service personnel that for spatial and time variations. For example, air can be brought to the site within the time monitoring may be conducted with direct- allowed is not enough; and/or (3) the reading instruments to indicate relative changes stabilization capabilities of the hospitals that in air contaminant concentrations at various can be reached within the time allowed are times. insufficient to handle all the patients.

Meals Ready to Eat (MREs): Self-contained; individual meals designed for military use under field conditions. MREs are sometimes included as part of civilian emergency food supply. They tend to be high in calories.

May 2020

Mutual Aid Response: A mutual aid response National Fire Protection Association is one in which (1) Facility first responders and (NFPA): Promotes fire prevention and facility Emergency Medical Service personnel emergency planning through education and are able to mitigate life threatening injuries in standards. See www.nfpa.org. all victims to the same level that they would be able to mitigate similar injuries in a single NFPA 1600: Standard for designing and victim; and (2) Within 10 to 20 minutes, implementing emergency management plans. enough other responders and ambulances can Developed by the National Fire Protection be at the site to provide normal levels of care Association. For more information visit and transportation; and (3) The hospitals that www.nfpa.com. can be reached within the normally accepted time for transport of patients can provide National Incident Management System adequate stabilization until definitive care can (NIMS): A structure for management of large- be provided. scale emergencies or disasters. It is managed by the Department of Homeland Security and N-95 Respirator: A type of personal protective addresses the following components: equipment worn to protect the wearer from Preparedness, Communications and airborne dust and particles. The function of Information Management, Resource these respirators are regulated by the National Management, Command and Management, and Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Ongoing Management and Maintenance. It is (NIOSH) and while used in the workplace by designed to coordinate emergency response. the Occupational Safety and Health See www.fema.org. Administration (OSHA). The N-95 refers to the ability of the respirator, if properly fitted, to National Institute for Food and Agriculture block at least 95% of test particles that are 0.3 (NIFA): A division of the USDA whose micron in size. See www.FDA.gov or mission is to advance knowledge for www.niosh.gov. agriculture, the environment, human health and well being, and communities. Natural disasters: Those disasters that occur because of weather, land masses, bodies of National Institute for Occupational Safety water, or other natural forces (e.g., hurricanes, and Health (NIOSH): The federal agency tornados, floods, winter storms, drought, responsible for conducting research and making earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes). recommendations for the prevention of work- related disease and injury. NIOSH publishes Newcastle disease (Ranikhet disease). An news alerts to warn workers when it discovers a acute, febrile and contagious disease of birds significant number of injuries occurring in a resembling the fowl plague that is caused by a particular occupational task. To learn more Paramyxovirus (Newcastle disease virus) and about NIOSH visit www.niosh.gov. characterized by high infectivity with respiratory and nervous symptoms. It is transmissible to humans, causing severe but transient conjunctivitis.

National Emergency Coordination Center (NECC): The FEMA facility that provides notification to Headquarters and Regional responders of implementation of the Plan.

May 2020

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Overland flooding: Flooding that occurs Administration (NOAA): This federal agency outside a defined river or stream. has multiple missions related to its long-term goals, which are to describe and predict Pandemic: An epidemic of a disease that changes in the earth's environment and to effects a large area, multiple countries or conserve and wisely manage U.S. coastal and multiple continents. The 2020 outbreak of the marine resources. In addition, it also provides coronavirus was determined to be a pandemic. advance short-term weather warnings and forecast services. Permissible Exposure Limit: Exposure level National Response Framework: Is part of the limits for the workplace established by the National Strategy for Homeland Security that OHSA Act of 1972. A common practice is to presents the guiding principle for all levels of use the more stringent standard between domestic response in the event of emergencies Threshold Limit Values and Permissible and disasters. See www.fema.gov. Exposure Limits.

Natural Phenomena Hazard: An act of nature Personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety (e.g., earthquake, wind, hurricane, tornado, equipment that can reduce the number and flood, precipitation (rain or snow), volcanic severity of injuries and illnesses. PPE not only eruption, lightning strike, or extreme cold or helps protect people, but also improves heat) that poses a threat or danger to workers, productivity and profits. Farmers/ranchers can the public, or to the environment by potential share in these benefits by using the appropriate damage to structures, systems, and protective equipment for themselves, family components. members, and employees whenever performing hazardous tasks. PPE should also be used Necropsy: Typically refers to an autopsy of an during clean-up following a disaster. animal in order to determine the cause or manner of death. Necropsies provide valuable Pesticide: Any substance or mixture of information that can be used to help prevent the substances intended for preventing, destroying, spread of disease. repelling, or mitigating any pest; and any substance or mixture of substances intended for Occupational Safety and Health use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant. Administration (OSHA): The federal agency A broad class of crop protection chemicals charged with regulating working conditions and including four major types: insecticides (used practices for the purpose of protecting worker to control insects); herbicides (used to control health and safety in the United States. OSHA weeds); rodenticides (used to control rodents); publishes standards to protect workers involved and fungicides (used to control mold, mildew with clean-up following a storm. See and other fungi). www.osha.gov. Photoelectric: Pertaining to the electrical Oral Exposure: Exposure to a hazardous effects due to light or other radiation (e.g., substance that enters the body through the emissions of electrons). mouth. Handwashing prior to eating as well as thorough washing of fruits and vegetables that Power failure: Failure of the source or supply may be contaminated with pesticides are two of of power; often refers to an electrical power the most effective methods to prevent oral outage. exposure. Regular handwashing also prevents the spread of infectious diseases such as the flu.

May 2020

Preparedness Phase: The phase of an Rainfall intensity: The rate of rainfall, emergency management program characterized generally expressed as inches per hour. by activities focused on the acquisition and maintenance of resources, along with training, Range fire: A fire on a prairie or large grazing drills, and exercises. area where flammable vegetation is found.

Preparedness stage: The time period of Reaction time: The lapse of time between emergency planning when activities, programs, stimulation and response to a stimulus. and systems are developed prior to a disaster to Reaction time can be slowed under the support and enhance mitigation of, response to, influence of alcohol and drugs. and recovery from disasters. Preparedness includes ensuring that adequate water and food Recovery stage: The stage of emergency are available for at least 72 hours. management that involves rebuilding or returning an entity to an acceptable condition Presidential Disaster Declaration: A after a disaster. declaration that a major disaster or emergency exists based upon a request from a governor of Red Cross: An international organization that the state that has been impacted. Widespread cares for the wounded, sick, and homeless in flooding or tornado damage can result in a wartime, according to the terms of the 1864 Presidential Disaster Declaration. Geneva Convention. Currently the Red Cross also provides care during and following natural Prevention stage: The time period of disasters. See www.redcross.org. emergency planning when tasks are performed to reduce the risk of potential consequences Re-entry: The returning to the disaster site. from disasters or emergencies. Not building a Re-entry may be delayed due to dangerous structure in a flood plain is a strategy of situations such as downed power lines and prevention that can save lives and reduce leaking gas lines. property damage. Release: Any spilling, leaking, pumping, Power take off (PTO): An external shaft, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, usually on the rear of a tractor, which provides injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or rotational power to an implement such as a otherwise disposing of substances into the generator. Entanglement in PTO drivelines can environment. cause severe or fatal injuries. Respirator: The mask, filters, and, in some Quarantine: The enforced isolation or cases, air supply tanks that workers use to restriction of free movement imposed to provide clean air for safe breathing and prevent the spread of a contagious disease. protection from airborne particles and certain mists or aerosols. Respirators must be certified Radiation: The energy emitted from to meet strict safety standards. According to radioactive materials which are composed of current OSHA regulations, respirator use unstable atoms that are giving off energy until requires specialized training, and may require they become stable. approval by a physician. See www.fda.gov

Radiation exposure: To be exposed or made vulnerable to the energy emitted from radioactive materials.

May 2020

Response: Activities to address the immediate Riverine flood: A flood that develops slowly, and short-term effects of an emergency or sometimes over a period of days. disaster. Response includes immediate actions to save lives, protect property, and meet basic Rustling: A form of thievery whereby cattle or human needs. Based on the requirements of the livestock are rounded up and transported from situation, response assistance will be provided one location to another. to an affected state under the Federal Response Plan using a partial activation of selected ESFs Run Off: Harmful materials that are carried by or the full activation of all ESFs to meet the water from one location to another causing needs of the situation. potential hazards to people and the environment. The run off of pesticide or Response stage: The time period of disaster anhydrous ammonia contaminated water into a planning when activities are designed to stream can cause fish kills. Misapplied manure address the immediate and short term effects of can also run off into waterways. the disaster. Sabotage: Deliberate destruction; any act to Rinderpest: Cattle plague; an acute, viral hamper or destroy. infection of cattle, sheep, and goats with symptoms of fever, diarrhea, and inflammation Safeguards: An integrated system of physical of mucous membranes. protection, material accounting, and material control measures designed to deter, prevent, Risk: The potential for realization of unwanted, detect, and respond to unauthorized possession, adverse consequences to human life, health, use, or sabotage. property, or the environment. Estimation of risk is usually based on the expected value of the Safety: The freedom from those conditions that conditional probability of the event occurring can cause danger, risk, or injury. Car seats and times the consequence of the event if it occurs. seat belts so greatly improve the safety of Risk has also been described being equal to the children and youth riding in cars and trucks that toxicity or degree of hazard times the amount all states have laws requiring their use. of exposure to that hazard (Risk = Toxicity X Exposure) Safety Analysis: A documented process: (1) to provide systematic identification of hazards Risk assessment: The process of establishing within a given DOE operation; (2) to describe information regarding acceptable levels of a and analyze the adequacy of the measures taken risk and/or levels of risk for an individual, to eliminate, control, or mitigate identified group, society, or the environment. hazards; and (3) to analyze and evaluate potential accidents and their associated risks. Risk evaluation: A component of risk assessment in which judgments are made about the significance and acceptability of risk.

Risk management: The process by which risks to an operation are anticipated or recognized and the risks removed or decreased to an acceptable level by intervention.

May 2020

Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Information Shelter-In-Place: Protective action that calls provided by the manufacturer of a pesticide or for personnel to move into or remain indoors; hazardous chemical that includes physical and close doors and windows; turn off air health hazards, safety procedures, such as conditioners, heaters, and air-handling units required personal protective equipment and that draw in outside air; refrain from eating, first aid procedures. The SDS sheets should be drinking, smoking, or chewing gum; and readily available to all workers so that they can remain indoors until notified that it is safe to familiarize themselves with necessary safety leave. Personnel in vehicles should roll up precautions before handling or applying windows and close vents that draw in outside chemicals. These sheets are sometimes known air (including heater and air-conditioning vents as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). if applicable), and proceed to a safe area.

Safety interpreters: Individuals trained in Signal Words: Used to alert a product user of emergency procedures who also have the potential hazards. Signal words used to indicate ability to communicate with non-English the level of toxicity of a chemical are, from speaking employees. most to least toxic: DANGER-POISON, DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION. Sanitize: The process of making something Similar signal words are also used to indicate clean or hygienic. Using an alcohol wipe is one hazards found on equipment and in facilities. way to sanitize or disinfect a surface prior to food preparation. Silage fires: The burning of silage. The heat of fermentation can initiate spontaneous Secondary Containment: Structures usually combustion, if forage is stored too wet. A dikes, or berms, surrounding tanks or other smoldering fire can start and progress to a full- storage containers and designed to catch spilled blown fire when the smoldering material material from the storage containers. reaches an area of unlimited oxygen supply. In oxygen limiting or sealed storage structures, Security: The quality or state of being secure; steam and expanding gases create a pressure freedom from danger; freedom from fear or rise with the potential for explosion. anxiety; protection; to put beyond hazard of losing; to make safe against adverse Silo Gas: A collection of gases produced contingencies; to relieve from exposure to during the fermentation of silage. The most danger. Putting a fence around the perimeter of toxic component is nitrogen dioxide, which is a facility enhances its security. heavier than air and can cause asphyxiation and damage to the lungs. Silo gas can be present for Seismic waves: Earth vibrations that travel up to 21 days following the filling of a silo. outward from the center of the earthquake at Entering the silo during this time should be speeds of several miles per second. avoided or performed only after extensive ventilation. Self-help network: A support system that brings individuals together for the purpose of Shock: A serious medical condition that can exploring common issues, sharing experiences, result in death if not treated immediately. It is understanding past failures, encouraging future established by a fall in blood pressure due to successes, and most of all, accepting and loss of blood or severe burns, or allergic supporting one another. One kind of a support reaction. The first step in treating shock is to system involves disabled people in the call 911. workplace.

May 2020

Showers: Snow, rain, sleet, or hail falling at Standard: A generic, all-encompassing term various intensities for a relatively short period used to describe documents that provide a of time. specified set of mandatory or discretionary rules, requirements or conditions concerned Sighted guide: A person who guides blind with performance, design, operation, or people by means of pre-planned touch and measurements of quality to accomplish a verbal signals. A sighted guide serves the blind specific task. Standards may include federal partner in event of an emergency. laws, regulations, state laws, federal agency directives, national and international technical Sleet: Rain that freezes to ice pellets before standards, codes of conduct, or even reaching the ground, causing roads and organizational "internal use only" documents. sidewalks to become slippery. Static Electricity: An electrical charge that Solvent: A liquid that is used to dissolve a can develop on an object due to friction. substance. Solvents are often used for removing Lightning that travels between the clouds and grease and dirt. Rubber gloves should be worn the earth is an example of static electricity. when handling solvents to prevent skin When refueling a vehicle or filling a fuel damage. Most solvents are toxic and highly container in the bed of a truck, the buildup of flammable. Read the label carefully to static electricity can cause a spark that could determine what Personal Protective Equipment ignite fuel vapors. Place containers on the is required. ground when filling with gasoline and touch the side of a vehicle before touching the fuel Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA): Those nozzle to discharge any static electricity away lands within the jurisdiction of the city/town/ from concentrated fuel vapors. country that are subject to inundation by the regulatory flood. Stored Energy: Any form of energy that is stored. This includes chemical energy in a Spontaneous Combustion: Self-ignition of a battery, potential energy in a spring, thermal combustible material caused by the heat energy in a hot engine, electricity, and kinetic generated from a chemical reaction. Wet hay, energy stored in a coasting PTO shaft that can wet grain, and silage can cause spontaneous cause a serious entanglement injury. Before combustion resulting in disastrous fires which working on a machine, all sources of stored can be extremely difficult to extinguish and energy should be identified. actually smolder for many days. Workers should never enter a bin or silo that contains Storm Shelter: A structure designed to protect heating or smoldering material due to toxic air the occupants from the effects of a tornado or quality. hurricane. At one time many farms in the Midwest had a “storm cellar” that provided Squalls: Brief, intense snow or precipitation protection during storms and also served as a showers accompanied with strong, gusty winds. cool location to store potatoes and other vegetables. Squall line: A line or narrow band of active thunderstorms. The line may extend across several hundred miles. It forms along and ahead of an advancing cold front.

May 2020

Storm Spotter Program: A volunteer program Synergism: The cooperative effect of mixing sponsored by the National Weather Service two or more chemicals whereby the resulting (NWS) to help keep communities safe by effect is greater than the sum of the effects of having Storm Spotters provide timely and the chemicals if used separately. The synergism accurate reports of severe weather to the NWS. between two chemicals can make them more These reports help the NWS to issue more toxic. timely warnings. Training is required. See www.weather.gov. Table Top Drill: An exercise that involves key emergency personnel to conduct a practice Storm surge: Also called a hurricane tide. response to an emergency in a safe or secure High water pushed toward shore by a setting. Table top drills help build stronger hurricane’s whirling winds. This advancing tide relationships between the different emergency combines with normal tide to raise mean water agencies. level by 15 feet or more. Technological Hazard: A range of hazards Storm watcher: Another name for NWS- emanating from the manufacture, trained Storm Spotter, or may refer to transportation, and use of such substances as independent weather watchers or “storm radioactive materials, chemicals, explosives, chasers” who follow and observe violent flammables, agricultural pesticides, herbicides weather events. and disease agents; oil spills on land, coastal waters or inland water systems; and debris from Straight line storm/wind: Thunderstorm space. winds most often found with the gust front. They originate from downdrafts and can cause Telecommunication Device for the Deaf damage, which occurs in a "straight line", as (TDD). A device that allows a person to opposed to tornadic wind damage, which has transmit typed messages over phone lines to circular characteristics. another person with a TDD. Most TDD's include a keyboard for typing messages to send Stress: A physical, chemical, or emotional and a display and/or printer to receive factor that causes bodily or mental tension messages. resulting from factors that alter one’s equilibrium and create a feeling of anxiety Terminal: Predicted to lead to death. often produced by the seeming inability to manage one’s circumstances due to a supposed Terrorism: The U.S. Code of Federal limitation of resource or ability. The effects of Regulations defines terrorism as "the unlawful stress can often be managed by right thinking use of force and violence against persons or and actions. property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, Swine Flu (H1N1): A type of flu virus that, it in furtherance of political or social objectives". is believed, originated from pigs that causes human respiratory infections. It’s symptoms include chills, fatigue, and fever. Outbreaks are relatively common around the world where pigs are raised.

May 2020

Tetanus: An acute, infectious disease Toxin: Any poisonous or harmful substance. commonly referred to as lockjaw, characterized by muscle spasms, especially of the jaw, and Toxic spill: The emergency state caused when caused by a bacterium that is usually toxic materials are released into the introduced through a wound, especially a environment. puncture wound. It is recommended that rescue workers have a tetanus inoculation and periodic Toxicity: The degree to which a substance or booster shots because of the likelihood of mixture of substances can harm humans or puncture wounds during disaster response. animals.

Thermal Radiation: Electromagnetic radiation Trauma: A single or multi-system, life- emitted from an explosion in the form of light threatening or limb-threatening injury requiring and heat. immediate medical or surgical intervention or treatment to prevent death or permanent Thunderstorm: A storm with lightning and disability. Trauma is also used to describe thunder produced by a cumulonimbus cloud; severe emotional or psychological distress. producing gusty winds, heavy rain, and sometimes hail. Triple rinse: A practice that is intended to reduce residual agricultural pesticides from Thunderstorm warning: An alert indicating being transported in their original containers. that severe thunderstorms are occurring. Each container is rinsed three times before disposal. Thunderstorm watch: An alert indicating that severe thunderstorms are possible. Transportation Security Administration (TSA): An agency of the Department of Tornado: An intense, rotating column (vortex) Homeland Security that has authority over the of air extending from the base of a traveling public in the U.S. It was established thunderstorm cloud to the ground. Tornados are in response to the attacks on September 11, responsible for considerable property damage 2001 that used commercial airlines. In order to in the Midwest. board any commercial flight, all passengers are screened by TSA personnel. See www.tsa.gov. Tornado warning: An alert that a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar and Typhoon: A hurricane-size storm that develops is expected to reach the warning area soon. west of the International Date Line (i.e. in the western Pacific, Indian Ocean or China Sea). Tornado watch: An alert indicating that conditions are favorable for development of a Tyvek Suit: Typically white coveralls that are tornado. worn to protect the wearer from outside contaminates. They are made from a material Toxic: Relating to a toxin, poisonous. Left- manufactured by Dupont. It is lightweight, acts over agricultural chemicals are toxic waste and as a water resistant barrier, and is relatively must be discarded in an approved manner. The cheap. They are widely used in agriculture to bite of a brown recluse spider hiding in a dark protect workers from animal waste, pesticides, shed or a rattlesnake under a board on a ranch fertilizer, dust, and oil and grease. They are can inject toxic venom that can cause serious also widely used in the medical field and illness and even death. during disaster clean-up.

May 2020

U.L. Label: A symbol found on electrical Unstable air: A state in which the vertical power tools and equipment that indicates that distribution of temperature is such that an air the tool has been tested by the Underwriters particle, if given either an upward or downward Laboratory. impulse, will tend to move away with increasing speed from its original level. In Un-insulated: Not insulated. High-voltage other words, warm rising air stays warmer and power lines are bare, un-insulated wires used to continues to rise while cooler falling air stays transport high voltage electricity over long cooler and continues to fall creating turbulent distances. Many injuries and deaths have air movement. resulted from electrocution when television antennas, augers, and ladders have contacted Utility terrain (UTV) or utility task vehicle: un-insulated overhead electrical lines. Recreational off-road vehicle with side-by-side seating for two or more passengers. May be Unintentional: Describing actions that are not equipped with cab or rollover protective planned; without deliberate purpose or intent. structure, a cargo bed, and is often used for agricultural work applications and in Upwind: Being in a position that is in the emergency response. direction from which the wind is blowing. When spraying chemicals or working in a dusty Vandalism: The willful and malicious setting, being upwind of the source can reduce destruction, injury, disfigurement, or inhalation exposure to toxic substances. defacement of any public or private property, real or personal, without consent of the owner U.S. Border Patrol: The U.S. Customs and or person having control. Border Protection’s federal law enforcement arm within the U.S. Department of Homeland Vapor: An air dispersion of molecules of a Security. Border Patrol agents prevent terrorists substance that is liquid or solid in its normal and terrorists’ weapons from entering the U.S. physical state, at standard temperature and See www.cbp.gov. pressure.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Virus: A microscopic infectious agent the (ICE): An agency under the U.S. Department replicates itself within living cells. Viruses can of Homeland Security responsible for infect all types of life. COVID-19, Swine Flu, immigration and customs enforcement, and to SARS, and HIV are types of viruses. The most counter transnational crime. See www.ice.gov. effective way to deal with viruses is to vaccinate against them to provide immunity. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The federal agency administers the Volatile: A substance that is easily converted meat and poultry inspection program, educates to a vapor (evaporated) at normal temperatures. about food safety, runs nutritional assistance The more volatile a chemical is, the faster it (food stamp) programs, assists marketing of will evaporate. These vapors may be dangerous agricultural products, maintains national and precaution should be used when working forests, promotes conservation of private lands, within near proximity. Anhydrous ammonia and conducts research on agricultural problems. and propane convert from a compressed liquid to a vapor very quickly.

May 2020

Voltage: Pressure in an electrical system that Wind chill warning: An alert issued when pushes charged electrons. Most vehicles and wind chill temperatures are expected to be less equipment have 12V electrical components, than 34 degrees below zero. however 6V and 24V are also possible. Buildings may have electrical wiring that is Wind storm: An intense movement of air 120V, 240V, or 440V. Electricity is transmitted around or over the earth’s surface. from a powerplant long distances at high- voltage (up to 400,000V). Winter storm warning: An alert that a winter storm is occurring in a nearby area and is Voltage Detector: An electronic, usually hand- expected to reach the warning area soon. held device that detects the presence of flowing electricity in electrical wiring or receptacles. Winter storm watch: An alert that conditions This device should be a part of everyone’s are favorable for the development of a winter toolbox in order to prevent unintentionally storm. contacting energized electrical components. Before any electrical work is done, all power Workplace Environmental Exposure Level: must be locked out to prevent electrical shock. American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) exposure level limit considered to be Volunteer First Responder: Generally refers acceptable in the workplace. to local volunteers who belong to organizations that are established to provide assistance in the Write-off: The act of changing part or all of event of an emergency. The most common of the value of an asset to an expense or a loss. It these are volunteer fire/rescue and emergency is used to reduce or eliminate the value of an medical personnel. Most first responders in the asset; consequently, it reduces profits and U.S. are volunteers. income taxes.

Vulnerability: The state of being vulnerable or Zone security plan: A security plan that takes exposed to suffering, needs, or threats while into account different areas or zones of the lacking abilities and/or resources to cope with property with their special security needs. Each these. Vulnerability to disasters refers to how zone is secured accordingly. well people can anticipate, cope with, resist, and recover from the impacts of a disaster. Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans in natural Warning: Indicates a potentially hazardous ways. Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted to situation that, if not avoided, could result in humans by: oral ingestion (mad-cow disease); death or serious injury, including hazards that bites (rabies); inhalation (anthrax); puncture are exposed when guards are removed. It can wound (tetanus); scratch wound (cat scratch also be used to alert against unsafe practices. disease). Frequent hand washing and PPE are The word “WARNING” on a chemical label used by veterinarians to reduce their exposure indicates an intermediate level of hazard to the to zoonotic diseases. worker or the environment.

Wind chill: The condition whereby the body heat is more rapidly transferred from the body as the wind increases.