The forces of nature can have damaging and deadly consequences for societies and ecosystems that stand in their path. Early warning systems offer one of the best defenses against the adverse effects of climate, water, weather and geologic hazards. But far too often this realization is made only after disaster strikes.

Heads Up! provides a useful review of early warning systems in operation today, while exploring a range of hazards including hurricanes, heat waves, floods, droughts, tsunami, and volcanoes. With contributions from an international team of scientists, this practical handbook serves as a valuable contribution to our awareness and understanding of the role early warning systems play in disaster avoidance and reduction.

Contents include

1. Overview of Early Warning Systems

2. Climate-, water- and weather-related hazards

3. Hurricanes, severe winter storms, heat waves, tornadoes, air pollution

4. Floods and Droughts

5. Global Warming

6. Earth Hazards

7. Tsunamis, volcanoes, earthquakes, space weather