Emergency Preparedness Vocabulary

adjective causing fear or distress; frightening or disturbing

• The alarming increase in pollution levels is a cause for concern among environmentalists.
• It's really alarming how fast prices are rising these days.
• The number of accidents on that road is just plain alarming.
• The sudden drop in sales was an alarming wake-up call for the company.

noun a state of being watchful and ready for danger or opportunity

verb to warn or notify someone of a potential danger or problem

adjective quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous situation

adverb in a vigilant and attentive manner

• The security system sent out an alert when it detected motion outside the building.
• I set an alert on my phone to remind me of the meeting tomorrow.
• I'm always on high alert when walking alone at night.
• The sudden drop in stock prices should alert investors to potential risks.

noun a state of being free from danger or threat

adjective completely free from obstacles or restrictions

• After conducting a thorough inspection, we have determined that the area is all clear.
• Don't worry, the coast is all clear for us to proceed with our plans.
• We checked it out and it's all good, everything's all clear.
• With the storm passing, the skies are all clear for a fresh start.

noun a barrier that is typically made of wood or metal and used to block passage or protect an area

verb to block or defend with a barricade

• The police erected a barricade to control the crowd during the protest.
• They put up a barricade to block off the road for construction.
• We had to bust through the barricade to get to the concert on time.
• Emotional barriers can act as a barricade to forming meaningful relationships.

noun a mass of cold air that moves over a large area

• The cold wave sweeping across the region has caused temperatures to drop below freezing.
• I heard we're going to have a cold wave this weekend, so make sure to bundle up!
• This cold wave is no joke, it's freezing out there!
• The sudden surge of negative emotions created a cold wave in her heart.

verb A word that expresses an action or state of being, in this case, 'dehydrated' can be used as a past tense verb to indicate the process of removing water from something.

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, in this case, 'dehydrated' describes something that has lost water or moisture.

adverb A word that modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb, in this case, 'dehydrated' can be used as an adverb to describe how something is dried out or lacking water.

• The hiker became severely dehydrated after running out of water on the trail.
• I always make sure to drink plenty of water so I don't get dehydrated.
• I forgot my water bottle at home and now I'm feeling super dehydrated.
• Her passion for the project was so intense that it left her emotionally dehydrated.

noun an event or occurrence that causes great damage, destruction, or distress

• The hurricane caused a major disaster in the coastal region.
• The party was a disaster, nobody had a good time.
• The project was a total disaster, we couldn't get anything right.
• His attempt at cooking dinner was a disaster, the kitchen was a mess.

noun the act of removing people from a dangerous place or situation

verb to remove people from a dangerous place or situation

• The evacuation of the building was conducted in an orderly manner.
• Everyone had to leave the building quickly during the evacuation.
• We had to bail out of there when the evacuation alarm went off.
• His evacuation of the situation was swift and decisive.

noun a person who has been evacuated from a place of danger to a safer location

• The evacuee was provided with temporary shelter after being displaced by the natural disaster.
• The evacuee stayed with friends until they could return home.
• The evacuee crashed on a buddy's couch until things settled down.
• She felt like an evacuee in her own home after the renovations started.

noun a way out, especially of a public building, room, or passenger vehicle.

verb to go out or leave a place.

• Please use the designated exit when leaving the building.
• Hey, let's head for the exit before the crowd gets too big.
• Let's dip out the back exit before anyone sees us.
• She knew it was time to exit the toxic relationship for good.

noun a bell used to alert people of a fire

• The fire bell rang, alerting everyone in the building to evacuate immediately.
• When the fire bell goes off, we know it's time to get out of here.
• I heard the fire bell and booked it out of there.
• The sudden silence was like a fire bell in my mind, warning me of impending danger.

noun A structure outside a building, typically made of metal, that provides a means of escape in the event of a fire.

• The building's fire escape is located at the back for emergency exits.
• If there's a fire, just head to the fire escape and we'll meet outside.
• Let's sneak out through the fire escape and grab some food.
• She used humor as her fire escape from uncomfortable situations.

verb to warn in advance or beforehand

• I feel it is my duty to forewarn you of the potential risks involved in this investment.
• Just wanted to forewarn you that the boss is in a bad mood today.
• I should forewarn you that the party is going to be lit!
• The dark clouds forewarned of an impending storm.

noun a warning or indication of a future event

• It is always wise to provide a forewarning before implementing any major changes in the company.
• Just a heads up, I'll be giving a forewarning about the upcoming project deadlines in our next meeting.
• I'll shoot you a forewarning text before I drop by your place tonight.
• The dark clouds gathering on the horizon were a forewarning of the impending storm.

noun a person or thing that generates or produces something

• The power plant uses a large generator to produce electricity.
• I borrowed my neighbor's generator for the camping trip.
• I need to hook up the gennie to get some power in here.
• His creativity is like a generator, always coming up with new ideas.

verb An action word that indicates the act of leaving or exiting a place

preposition A word that shows the relationship between 'get' and 'out', indicating the direction of movement

• Please promptly get out of the building as the fire alarm has been activated.
• Hey, let's get out of here before it starts raining.
• Let's ditch this place and get out before things get boring.
• It's time to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.

noun a hand-held explosive device

• The soldier carefully disarmed the hand grenade found in the field.
• Don't mess with that hand grenade, it's dangerous!
• He tossed the hand grenade like a boss and ran for cover.
• Her words were like a verbal hand grenade, causing chaos in the meeting.

noun a liquid that is used for washing or cooking and is heated to a high temperature

• Please ensure the hot water is at the correct temperature before adding it to the mixture.
• I'll make you a cup of tea with hot water, just the way you like it.
• I love taking a long shower with scalding hot water to relax my muscles.
• His anger was like a pot of hot water ready to boil over at any moment.

adverb describes how something is done or the manner in which an action is performed

preposition shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

• The company keeps extra inventory in reserve to meet unexpected demand.
• I always have some cash in reserve for emergencies.
• I've got a backup plan in reserve just in case things go south.
• She kept her emotions in reserve, not wanting to show how upset she really was.

noun a person, place, thing, or idea

adjective a word naming an attribute of a noun

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun

• The employee who is always Johnny on the spot with completing tasks is highly valued in the company.
• Whenever there's a problem, Tom is always Johnny on the spot to help out.
• When it comes to fixing cars, Mike is Johnny on the spot.
• In times of crisis, she is like Johnny on the spot, always ready to lend a hand.

noun a source of illumination

verb to depart quickly or suddenly

• The power outage caused the light to go out in the entire building.
• I was reading a book when suddenly the light went out.
• I was about to take a shower but the light went out, so I had to use my phone flashlight.
• When the truth came out, it was like a light out moment for everyone involved.

noun a distress signal used by ships and aircraft

interjection a word used to signal distress or an emergency

• The pilot issued a mayday signal when the engine failed mid-flight.
• When the boat started taking on water, we had to call a mayday for help.
• I heard that party was a total mayday - a disaster from start to finish.
• In the midst of chaos, she felt like she was sending out a mayday signal for help.

verb to prepare or organize for a purpose or campaign; to make ready for action

• The government has decided to mobilize additional troops to the border.
• We need to mobilize our friends to help with the charity event.
• Let's mobilize the squad for a night out on the town.
• She was able to mobilize her inner strength to overcome the challenges.

adjective suitable for drinking; drinkable

• The water treatment plant ensures that all water supplied to the city is potable.
• Make sure you only drink water from the tap if it's potable.
• I wouldn't risk drinking that water unless it's potable.
• His words were like potable water in the desert of misinformation.

verb to make ready or fit for a particular purpose or use

• It is important to properly prepare before giving a presentation.
• I need to prepare for my job interview tomorrow.
• I gotta prepare for this exam coming up.
• She spent hours preparing her heart for the news.

noun a fixed amount of a commodity officially allowed to each person during a time of shortage, as in wartime.

verb to restrict the amount of a commodity that someone is allowed to have.

• During wartime, the government implemented a strict rationing system to ensure fair distribution of essential goods.
• I always have to ration my snacks because I eat them too quickly.
• I need to ration my data usage until my next billing cycle.
• She had to ration her energy throughout the day to make it through her busy schedule.

noun a fixed amount of a commodity officially allowed to each person during a time of shortage, as in wartime.

• The soldiers were given daily rations to sustain them during their mission.
• Make sure you grab your rations before we head out on our hike.
• I'm running low on rations, can you spare some snacks?
• His emotional rations were depleted after a long day at work.

noun a state of being fully prepared or ready for something

• The team's readiness to tackle the project was evident in their thorough preparation.
• I'm not sure about his readiness to commit to a long-term relationship.
• Her readiness to party is unmatched by anyone I know.
• The artist's readiness to experiment with different styles sets him apart from his peers.

verb the action of searching for or obtaining something without permission or payment

• The homeless man was caught scrounging for food in the dumpster behind the restaurant.
• I saw my brother scrounging for change in the couch cushions.
• She's always scrounging for freebies at events.
• The writer was scrounging for inspiration to finish their novel.

noun a process or practice of protecting oneself from harm or danger

• Self-protection is an important aspect of personal safety and security.
• It's always good to practice self-protection when walking alone at night.
• Dude, you gotta have some self-protection if you're gonna go into that sketchy neighborhood.
• Emotional self-protection can be just as important as physical self-protection in certain situations.

verb taking cover or protecting someone or something from harm or inclement weather

• The city is currently sheltering hundreds of homeless individuals in temporary housing facilities.
• I saw a stray cat sheltering under the porch during the rainstorm.
• We're just sheltering at home tonight, watching movies and ordering takeout.
• Her kind words were like a warm blanket, sheltering me from the harsh realities of life.

noun an extra item or amount that is available in case it is needed

verb to refrain from harming or destroying; to give up or part with something; to use or give out only in limited amounts

• I always keep a spare set of keys in case I lose the original.
• Do you have a spare pen I could borrow for a minute?
• I can't believe he didn't spare any change for the homeless man.
• She had no spare time in her busy schedule for any additional tasks.

noun a sudden frenzied rush of panic-stricken animals or people

verb to cause a stampede

• The stampede of wild animals was a sight to behold in the African savanna.
• The crowd started to stampede towards the stage as soon as the concert began.
• When the doors opened for the Black Friday sale, people were ready to stampede for the best deals.
• The news of the new iPhone release caused a stampede of eager customers at the Apple store.

noun a secret store of valuables or money

verb to hide or store something in a secret or safe place

• The detective found a stash of stolen goods hidden in the suspect's home.
• I keep a stash of snacks in my desk at work for when I get hungry.
• I heard he's got a stash of cash hidden under his mattress.
• She has a secret stash of courage that she draws upon in times of need.

noun a large accumulated stock of goods or materials, especially one held in reserve for use at a later time

verb to accumulate a stockpile of goods or materials

• The government decided to stockpile medical supplies in case of a future emergency.
• I always make sure to stockpile snacks before a road trip.
• I'm going to stockpile some cash before the big sale starts.
• She tends to stockpile her emotions until they all come out at once.

verb past tense of strap; to fasten or secure with a strap

adjective having limited financial resources; lacking money

• The hiker was strapped with all the necessary equipment for the journey.
• I'm strapped for cash right now, so I can't go out to eat.
• I heard he got strapped at the party last night.
• She felt emotionally strapped after the breakup.

noun a large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption

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• The coastal town was devastated by a massive tidal wave that swept through with incredible force.
• Dude, did you see that tidal wave at the beach? It was insane!
• That tidal wave was totally gnarly, bro!
• The sudden influx of new customers was like a tidal wave for the small business.

noun a warning bell or signal

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• The tocsin sounded, signaling the start of the emergency evacuation.
• When you hear the tocsin, that means it's time to leave immediately.
• I always know it's time to go when the tocsin starts ringing.
• The tocsin of war could be heard in the escalating tensions between the two countries.

adjective describing something that was not foreseen or expected

• The unprecedented increase in sales was an unpredicted outcome of the marketing campaign.
• The sudden rainstorm was unpredicted, so we got caught without umbrellas.
• The plot twist in the movie was totally unpredicted - no one saw it coming!
• Her unpredicted decision to quit her job and travel the world left everyone shocked.

adjective not having the necessary provisions or resources

• The company was unprovided for the sudden increase in demand.
• I was unprovided with an umbrella when it started raining.
• She was totally unprovided for the surprise party her friends threw for her.
• His speech was unprovided with any compelling arguments.

verb to inform someone in advance of a possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation

• The weather forecast warned of heavy rain and strong winds.
• I warned you not to eat that spicy food before bed.
• I warned him that hanging out with those guys would get him in trouble.
• Her constant headaches were a warning sign of something more serious.

noun a person who uses biological agents as a weapon to cause harm or fear

• The government is working to prevent any potential bioterrorist attacks.
• I heard they caught a suspected bioterrorist in the city.
• Stay away from that guy, he's rumored to be a bioterrorist.
• His toxic behavior towards others is like that of a bioterrorist spreading fear and harm.

noun A bag filled with sand, typically used for flood control or as a weight in various activities such as hiking or exercise.

• The workers used sandbags to protect the area from flooding.
• We'll need to grab some sandbags before the storm hits.
• Let's stack up those sandbags to keep the water out.
• She always seems to have a sandbag ready to throw in any argument.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that describes an action, state, or occurrence

adverb a word that modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb

• Unfortunately, accidents will happen in any workplace setting, no matter how diligent we are in following safety protocols.
• Hey, don't worry too much about breaking the vase. Accidents will happen, it's no big deal.
• I know you didn't mean to spill your drink on my new shirt, but accidents will happen, right?
• In life, we can't always control every outcome. Accidents will happen along the way, but it's how we deal with them that truly matters.

noun the state or quality of being critical, especially in terms of importance or urgency

• The criticality of the situation required immediate attention from all stakeholders.
• We need to understand the criticality of the problem before we can come up with a solution.
• Dude, the criticality of this issue is off the charts!
• The criticality of her words cut through the tension in the room like a knife.

noun a state of being easily seen or noticed

adjective describing the quality of being easily seen or noticed

• The workers wore high-visibility vests to ensure they were easily seen in the construction site.
• Make sure you wear your high-visibility jacket if you're going to be working near the road.
• Hey, don't forget your high-vis gear when you're out biking at night!
• Her high-visibility leadership style made her stand out among her colleagues.

noun a vortex of air within a convective storm system

• The meteorologists detected a powerful mesocyclone forming within the supercell thunderstorm.
• Did you see that crazy mesocyclone swirling around in the storm?
• That mesocyclone was spinning like a top in the sky!
• Her emotions were like a mesocyclone, swirling out of control.

noun a type of bus with an articulated or flexible section allowing it to bend in the middle

• The city decided to invest in a fleet of bendy buses to improve public transportation.
• I prefer taking the bendy bus because it's more spacious than the regular one.
• Let's hop on the bendy bus and head downtown for some shopping.
• Her argument was like a bendy bus, twisting and turning to avoid addressing the main issue.

noun a type of small cylindrical battery commonly used in electronic devices such as remote controls and small toys

• The remote control requires a AAA battery to function properly.
• Hey, do you have a spare AAA battery for my remote?
• I always keep a stash of AAA batteries for emergencies.
• His energy was like a AAA battery, always charged and ready to go.

noun a shelter or refuge

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• The abris provided shelter for the soldiers during the storm.
• Let's go hang out in the abris until the rain stops.
• I found a cool abris to chill in while we wait for the concert.
• Her kindness was like an abris in the midst of chaos.

noun a Latin phrase

adjective meaning 'prepared for either'

• The soldier was ad utrumque paratus, ready for any situation on the battlefield.
• I always keep a first aid kit in my car, ad utrumque paratus!
• He's like a walking Swiss Army knife, ad utrumque paratus for anything.
• She approached the negotiation ad utrumque paratus, prepared for any possible outcome.