Types of Emergencies & Other Alerts
Tornado Emergency -- These are "enhanced wording" added to Tornado Warnings, only used when a large, violent, destructive tornado is spotted on the ground and moving into populated areas. Any hesitation at this point could be life-threatening.
The following descriptions of other alerts issued by the NWS are from this PDF document.
Child Abduction Emergency -- An emergency message, based on established criteria, about a missing child believed to be abducted. A local or state law enforcement agency investigating the abduction will describe the missing child, provide a description of the suspect or vehicle, and ask the public to notify the requesting agency if they have any information on the whereabouts of the child or suspect.
Civil Emergency Message -- An emergency message regarding an in-progress or imminent significant threat(s) to public safety and/or property. For example, the CEM could be used to describe a change in the Homeland Security Alert System level in response to a terrorist threat.
Evacuation Immediate -- A warning where immediate evacuation is recommended or ordered according to state law or local ordinance. As an example, authorized officials may recommend the evacuation of affected areas due to an approaching tropical cyclone. In the event a flammable or explosive gas is released, authorized officials may recommend evacuation of designated areas where casualties or property damage from a vapor cloud explosion or fire may occur.
911 Telephone Outage Emergency -- An emergency message that defines a local or state 911 telephone network outage by geographic area or telephone exchange. Authorized officials may provide alternative phone numbers in which to reach 911 or dispatch personnel.
Nuclear Power Plant Warning A warning of an event at a nuclear power plant classified such as a Site Area Emergency or General Emergency as classified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). A Site Area Emergency is confined to the plant site; no off-site impact is expected. Typically, a General Emergency is confined to an area less than a 10-mile radius around the plant. Authorized officials may recommend evacuation or medical treatment of exposed persons in nearby areas.
Shelter in Place Warning -- A warning of an event where the public is recommended to shelter in place (go inside, close doors and windows, turn off air conditioning or heating systems, and turn on the radio or TV for more information). An example is the release of hazardous materials where toxic fumes or radioactivity may affect designated areas.
Volcano Warning -- A warning of current or imminent volcanic activity. Authorized officials may recommend or order protective actions according to state law or local ordinance.
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