Understanding Severe Weather

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Questions and Answers

During a severe thunderstorm, what is the MOST crucial action to ensure personal safety according to the provided information?

  • Unplugging electronic equipment and avoiding plumbing. (correct)
  • Gathering supplies like food and water.
  • Locating hurricane evacuation routes.
  • Applying sunscreen liberally.

Why is it recommended to include a battery-powered radio in a disaster supply kit?

  • To signal for help using Morse code in remote locations.
  • To provide entertainment and reduce stress during an emergency.
  • To communicate with emergency services in areas without cell service.
  • To receive official updates and information when other communication methods may be unavailable. (correct)

Which factor is MOST important to consider when choosing a sunscreen for effective sun protection?

  • The SPF factor indicated on the bottle. (correct)
  • The brand of the sunscreen.
  • The scent of the sunscreen.
  • Whether it is water-resistant or not.

Beyond skin cancer prevention, what is another significant health risk associated with prolonged sun exposure mentioned in the text?

<p>Dehydration and heat stroke. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you plan to be in the sun for an extended period, how frequently should you reapply sunscreen to maintain optimal protection?

<p>Every 40 to 80 minutes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might covering up with clothing in intense sun be considered uncomfortable, even though it's a sun safety measure?

<p>Intense sun often coincides with high temperatures, making extra layers of clothing feel hot. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended timeframe for applying sunscreen BEFORE going out into the sun?

<p>20 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is the LEAST effective way to prepare for a severe weather event?

<p>Leaving all outdoor objects where they are. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes share which of the following characteristics?

<p>Potential for causing floods and high winds. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to store important documents in an easily accessible place when preparing for severe weather?

<p>To have them readily available if evacuation is necessary. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action provides the best protection if you are home during a tornado warning?

<p>Moving to an interior room on the lowest floor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between a hurricane and a tornado?

<p>Hurricanes can cover hundreds of miles while tornadoes are usually smaller. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should you learn how to turn off the electricity, gas, and water supplies to your home?

<p>To prevent potential hazards and damage caused by leaks or electrical issues. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Aside from structural damage due to high winds, what other significant hazard is associated with severe storms such as hurricanes and thunderstorms?

<p>The potential for widespread flooding. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Listening to local news, radio, or weather apps helps you to do what during severe weather?

<p>Provides the most recent details about the weather, giving you time to act. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hurricane Evacuation Routes

Pre-planned routes designed to lead people away from the expected path of a hurricane.

Disaster Supply Kit

A collection of essential items needed for survival during and after a disaster.

Common Disaster Kit Items

Nonperishable food, water, radio, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, dust mask, bags, wrench/pliers, can opener, maps, medications, cash, blankets, fire extinguisher, phone/charger.

Skin Cancer

A major cause of death that can be reduced by protecting skin from the sun.

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Protecting Yourself from the Sun

Staying indoors, covering up, or using sunscreen.

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SPF Factor

A number on sunscreen bottles indicating protection level.

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Sunscreen Application

Apply liberally 20-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 40-80 minutes.

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Severe Weather

Potentially dangerous or life-threatening atmospheric conditions.

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Hurricanes

Large, rotating storms forming over water with violent winds and heavy rain, often moving inland.

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Tornadoes

Destructive vortexes of fast-moving winds in a funnel shape, usually occurring over land.

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Thunderstorms

Major storms with thunder, lightning, high wind, and heavy rain.

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High Winds (in storms)

High-speed winds that can damage property and cause power outages.

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Flooding (from storms)

The overflowing of water onto normally dry land.

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Severe Weather Warnings

Issued by the National Weather Service when severe weather is likely.

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Home Safety

Move to an interior room without windows on the lowest floor.

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Study Notes

  • Severe weather includes hurricanes, thunderstorms, floods, tornadoes, and extreme heat, all posing potential life threats.

Storm Characteristics

  • Hurricanes are large, rotating storms that originate over water, marked by strong winds and heavy rainfall, and frequently move inland.
  • Tornadoes are characterized as destructive funnels of fast-moving winds, typically smaller than hurricanes, and form beneath storm clouds, mainly over land.
  • Thunderstorms are significant storms that feature thunder, strong winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall.
  • High winds can cause property damage: destroying structures, shattering windows, toppling trees, and downing power lines.
  • Flooding results from the quick accumulation of water, which can cause rivers and creeks to overflow.

Preparation Strategies

  • Monitor weather warnings on TV or smartphones from the National Weather Service for tornado and hurricane alerts.
  • Seek shelter in an interior, windowless room on the lowest floor of a building.
  • Secure outdoor objects to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
  • Cover windows with shutters or boards, or close blinds/curtains for protection.
  • Keep important documents accessible for quick evacuation.
  • Identify the nearest evacuation center.
  • Learn how to shut off electricity, gas, and water supplies.
  • Develop a family evacuation plan and familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes.
  • Unplug electronic devices and avoid using plumbing during thunderstorms.
  • Assemble a disaster supply kit with nonperishable food and water, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, dust mask, plastic bags, tools, manual can opener, maps, medications, cash, blankets, a fire extinguisher, a cell phone, and a solar charger.

Sun Exposure Safety

  • High temperatures and sun exposure are significant weather concerns.
  • Reduce skin cancer risk by minimizing sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, or using sunscreen.
  • Whenever possible, stay indoors, especially during peak sunlight hours,.
  • Covering up with clothing can protect against the sun.
  • Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be applied generously and frequently, 20-30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapplied every 40-80 minutes.

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