Hammered By A Heat Wave

Relates the experiences of ordinary people who survived deadly heat waves and discusses advances in disaster prevention and safety procedures.

In July 1995, a scorching heat wave blasted Chicago with temperatures as high as 106° F (41° C) for five days straight. Such extreme weather can cause heat stroke and even death in vulnerable individuals; in fact, heat waves kill more people in the United States each year than any other kind of natural disaster. How would residents of Chicago survive the relentless heat? Eyewitness accounts and incredible photos bring to life the experiences of ordinary people who faced catastrophic danger—and lived to tell their stories. Kids will discover the causes and characteristics of heat waves and find out how hot weather can quickly turn deadly. Safety tips show young readers how to stay cool during a heat wave.

On December 26, 2004, carpenter Ari Afrizal was helping build a house on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Suddenly, he heard a loud whooshing sound and saw a wall of water heading directly toward him. The huge wave was a tsunami that destroyed the house he was working on and swept him out to sea. Alone in the ocean, Ari struggled to survive. Against all odds, would he live through this horrible ordeal? Eyewitness accounts and incredible photos bring to life the experiences of ordinary people who faced catastrophic danger—and lived to tell their stories. Kids will discover the causes and characteristics of tsunamis, and learn about scientific advances in warning systems. Safety tips show young readers what to do in case a tsunami occurs.

On May 12, 2008, a strong earthquake rocked Beichuan, China, destroying buildings and entire neighborhoods. When Beichuan's high school collapsed, 16-year-old Li Anning and her friends were trapped under the heavy rubble. Could the students survive until rescue workers arrived to save them? Eyewitness accounts and incredible photos bring to life the experiences of ordinary people who faced catastrophic danger—and lived to tell their stories. Kids will discover the causes and characteristics of earthquakes and learn about scientific advances that now help new buildings withstand the force of an earthquake. Safety tips show young readers what to do in case an earthquake occurs.

On August 28, 2005, Trina Peters heard some alarming news—Hurricane Katrina was headed straight for her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. Though officials recommended evacuating the city, Trina and her daughter decided to stay in their home. However, the powerful hurricane caused their house to flood, and they had to climb up on their roof to stay above the rising water. Stranded on the roof in roaring winds and pouring rain, could Trina and her daughter survive the storm? Eyewitness accounts and incredible photos bring to life the experiences of ordinary people who faced catastrophic danger—and lived to tell their stories. Kids will discover the causes and characteristics of hurricanes, and learn about efforts to rebuild and prepare for future storms. Safety tips show young readers what to do in case a hurricane strikes.

On June 25, 1997, a volcano on the Caribbean island of Montserrat erupted, spewing hot lava and ash. Linda Daley was washing clothes outside her home in the nearby city of Plymouth when she saw fiery clouds begin to shoot out of the volcano. With clouds of ash and poisonous gases speeding toward her, how would she survive? Eyewitness accounts and incredible photos bring to life the experiences of ordinary people who faced catastrophic danger—and lived to tell their stories. Kids will discover the causes and characteristics of volcanoes, and learn about the scientific advances that now allow earlier warnings of possible eruptions to be issued. Safety tips show young readers what to do if they are ever near a volcanic eruption.

A comprehensive overview of the artist's work focuses on Burchfield's expressive watercolors and includes drawing from his 1917 sketchbook, camouflage designs from his tour in the army, and wallpaper designs from the 1920s.