Hurricane Facts
What is the calm, clear center of a hurricane called?
The eye.
What is the difference between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning?
Hurricane Watch = a hurricane could possibly be in your area within 48hrs
Hurricane Warning = a hurricane is expected in your area in 36hrs
Where is the safest place to shelter inside your home to avoid flying glass from windows?
An interior room with no windows, like a closet or bathroom.
The power goes out and your phone battery drops to 10%. How should you save battery while remaining able to communicate?
Turn on low-power mode, lower the brightness, and use text messages instead of making phone calls.
How much water should you pack per person, per day, in your emergency kit?
1 gallon
What gives a hurricane the energy to grow stronger?
Warm ocean water
Give me 2 reasons you should fill up your car's gas tank completely before a hurricane arrives?
1. Your car is ready to go in case you are told to evacuate.
2. There is a gas shortage after the storm due to gas stations sustaining damage from the storm.
3. Gas prices could go up significantly.
4. Avoid long lines for gas when everyone starts panic prepping.
What should you use for light instead of candles if the power goes out?
Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns.
You are riding with an adult after a storm and come across a deeply flooded road. What should the driver do?
Turn around, don't drown (find an alternate, dry route). Even 6 inches of moving water can sweep away a car.
It's Saturday afternoon. The hurricane has been intense for a few hours. Suddenly, it's stops raining and the sun comes out. The Weather Channel said that the hurricane would not be over until till Saturday night. Is it safe to go outside? Why or why not?
No, you are likely in the eye of the storm and the eyewall (the most intense part) is about to pass over you again.
What is the dangerous wall of water pushed onto land by hurricane winds called?
A storm surge.
Pensacola has an Evacuation Zone Map that tells citizens when to evacuate due to extreme and dangerous flooding. Which Zone is told to evacuate first? Zone A, B, C, D, or E?
Zone A
What should you do to tap water before drinking it if the local government issues a post-storm water order?
Boil it to get rid of germs
Local officials issue a mandatory evacuation for Zone B which is your neighborhood's zone, but your house has strong storm shutters. What should your family do?
Pack your emergency kit and evacuate immediately as ordered.
For how many days should your emergency kit's food and water supplies be able to last?
At least 3 days (though 7 days is ideal).
What is the most intense part of a hurricane?
The eyewall
What is it called when you choose to stay in your home during a hurricane and not evacuate?
Shelter-in-Place
Note: Mandatory evacuations are required and if you choose to shelter in place rather than evacuate, emergency services will not be avaibile to you until after the storm has cleared the area.
Why should you never walk, swim, or drive through moving floodwater?
It can hide deep holes, sharp debris, animals, or live electric currents.
During the worst part of the storm, your living room roof begins to leak badly. What should you do?
Move to a safe, dry room and wait until the storm passes before trying to check the damage.
Why is a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio necessary in a disaster kit?
It still works to provide emergency updates even if cell towers and internet networks crash.
The Saffir-Simpson Scale is used to track how strong a hurricane is. We know hurricanes can be Category 1 - 5, but what are the 2 terms used to classify a hurricane weaker than a Category 1?
Tropical Storm & Tropical Depression
Why do people fill up their bathtubs before a hurricane hits?
Sometimes hurricanes cause damage to pluming so running water may not be avaibile after the storm.
You can use the water for
- bathing
- flushing toilets or
- cleaning
NOT FOR DRINKING, unless you have a way to purify the water (boiling etc)
Where should a gas-powered emergency generator be placed to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
Outside only, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors.
How many hours of a power outage can pass before refrigerator food becomes unsafe to eat?
4 hours
Why is it important to keep physical cash in your hurricane kit?
Credit card readers and ATMs will not work without electricity.