Level Orange

"Auntie Em, Auntie Em! It's a twister!"
- Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz

FEMA gets a lot of teasing by comedians for the new color levels indicating the risk of terrorism. But in reality, this system is far less confusing than the verbal warnings used for weather events.

Quick test - which is more dangerous: a Tornado Warning or Tornado Watch?

1. Tornado Watch (conditions are favorable for a tornado)
2. Particularly Dangerous Situation Tornado Watch
3. Tornado Alert (formerly used)
4. Tornado Warning (a tornado was spotted by eye or radar)
5. Tornado Emergency (rarely used for monster tornados in urban areas)

Do you know there are four escalating levels of flooding?

1. flood watch
2. flash flood watch
3. flood warning
4. flash flood warning

Tsunamis can be

1. “advisory”
2. a “watch”
3. “warning”.

Another test, which is worse: your nearby nuclear power plant issues a “notification of unusual event”or a “alert”?

1. "Notification of Unusual Event"
   A small problem has occurred inside the plant. No radiation leak.
2. "Alert"
   Small amounts of radiation have leaked inside the plant only.
3. "Site Area Emergency"
   Radiation has leaked within the plant site, outside the building but within the fences. Area sirens might be sounded.
4. "General Emergency"
   Radiation may leak off the plant site. The sirens will sound. Follow promptly instructions on your local radio or television station.

Bottom Line

Threat level messages can be confusing. Remember that a Watch means keep your eyes open (watch out) and a Warning means take action (you have been warned).