Understanding Hurricanes

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Questions and Answers

What is a recommended action to take during a blizzard?

Go outside for fresh air.

Turn on all outdoor lights.

Stay indoors and avoid travel. (correct)

Roam around to find help.

What can happen if someone does not bundle up during a blizzard?

They will remain unaffected.

They might experience hypothermia. (correct)

They may need to evacuate.

They will get sunburned.

Which of the following best describes hypothermia?

A condition that results from overheating.

A temporary cold-related illness.

An allergic reaction to cold weather.

A state where body temperature falls to dangerous levels. (correct)

What should you do if you receive an evacuation order during a hurricane?

Follow the evacuation instructions promptly. Signup and view all the answers

How do hurricanes typically differ from tornadoes?

Hurricanes develop slowly and cover larger areas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of tracking hurricanes?

To give people time to prepare and evacuate if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a precaution typically recommended during blizzards?

Travel as usual if needed. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you must go out during a blizzard?

Wear layers of loose-fitting lightweight clothing under waterproof outerwear. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most dangerous type of flooding?

Flash floods that occur with little or no warning. Signup and view all the answers

Which item is essential to keep in an emergency kit for natural disasters?

A battery-powered radio. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key action to take when a flood watch is issued?

Gather your emergency kit and move to higher ground. Signup and view all the answers

What should you NOT do during a flood?

Attempt to swim through floodwaters. Signup and view all the answers

How can you stay safe during an earthquake?

Drop to the ground, take cover, and hold on. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of severe hypothermia?

Loss of consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

Which preventive measure is effective against frostbite?

Covering all exposed skin with suitable clothing. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do during a thunderstorm if you are indoors?

Stay indoors and avoid using telephones, except for cordless or cell phones. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that a severe storm is currently occurring?

Storm warning Signup and view all the answers

Which agency is responsible for tracking storms and issuing bulletins to the public?

National Weather Service Signup and view all the answers

What is the most dangerous element of a thunderstorm?

Lightning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommended action if you are outdoors during a thunderstorm?

Seek shelter in an enclosed metal vehicle with windows closed. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your area is under a storm warning?

Turn on the television or radio and follow local officials' instructions. Signup and view all the answers

How does technology assist in tracking weather emergencies?

Through satellites that quickly gather data and powerful computers that analyze it. Signup and view all the answers

What is a storm watch an indication of?

A storm is likely to develop in the area. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hurricanes

Storm clouds can extend over hundreds of miles; the calm center is called the eye.
Wind speeds increase the power of hurricanes; they typically occur in late summer or early fall.
Hurricanes form slowly compared to tornadoes, allowing for advance warning and tracking by the National Weather Service (NWS).
Safety measures include boarding up windows, closing storm shutters, and bringing outdoor items inside.
Stay informed through TV or radio; evacuation may be necessary in severe cases.
If no evacuation is ordered, shelter-in-place by staying indoors, away from windows and doors.

Blizzards

Blizzards can last from one hour to several days, making travel hazardous and disrupting essential supplies.
The safest place during a blizzard is indoors due to reduced visibility of less than 500 feet.
Protect yourself from hypothermia and frostbite by bundling up in layers of clothing, including wind- and waterproof outerwear.
Avoid wandering in blizzard conditions; use landmarks to navigate or stay put until help arrives, especially near downed power lines.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are dramatic events driven by Earth's processes, causing health and safety risks; they include floods and earthquakes.
Planning ahead is crucial, keeping an emergency kit stocked with fresh water, a radio, a flashlight, batteries, blankets, canned food, and a first-aid kit.

Floods

Floods occur when water rises and overflows onto dry land, caused by hurricanes or heavy rainfall.
Flash floods are sudden and extremely dangerous, with the power to sweep away vehicles and structures.
During a flood watch, move to higher ground and listen to battery-powered radios for updates.
If a flood warning is issued, evacuate immediately; avoid traversing floodwaters.

Weather Emergencies

Weather emergencies arise from atmospheric changes, often occurring with little warning and impacting safety and health.
The NWS tracks severe weather events and issues bulletins, which include watches (potential storms) and warnings (active emergencies).
Technology like satellites and computers aids in weather prediction, enhancing public safety through early warnings.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms are more frequent in warm weather, with lightning being the most dangerous aspect.
Seek shelter when thunderstorms approach; remain indoors and avoid using wired telephones.
Outdoors, find an enclosed building or metal vehicle with windows shut to stay safe from lightning.

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics and behavior of hurricanes, including their formation, the impact of wind speeds, and tracking methods by the National Weather Service. Test your knowledge about the structure of hurricanes and the importance of preparation as they approach land.