Hurricanes
How does a hurricane form?
It forms over warm ocean waters when warm, moist air rises, cools, and condenses, creating low pressure and high winds.
What weather conditions usually lead to the formation of a tornado?
Tornadoes usually form during severe thunderstorms with warm, moist air at the surface and cool, dry air above, creating strong wind shear and rotating updrafts.
What causes an earthquake?
The sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, usually along fault lines, creating seismic waves.
Name one natural cause of fires.
Lightning strikes, volcanic activity, or spontaneous combustion.
Define a blizzard.
A blizzard is a severe snowstorm with strong winds, low visibility, and heavy snowfall lasting for several hours.
Name two effects of hurricanes on communities.
Flooding, property damage, power outages, displacement of residents, or contamination of water supplies.
Name one immediate effect of a tornado.
Property destruction, injuries, fatalities, or power outages.
Name two effects of earthquakes.
Building collapse, injuries or fatalities, tsunamis, landslides, or infrastructure damage.
List two effects of wildfires on people or the environment.
Loss of property, air pollution, destruction of wildlife habitats, or injuries/fatalities.
Name two effects of blizzards.
Road closures, power outages, frostbite or hypothermia, transportation delays, or food/water shortages.
List two ways people can prepare for a hurricane.
Stock emergency supplies, create an evacuation plan, secure windows and doors, or stay informed through alerts.
How can communities prepare for tornadoes?
Identify storm shelters, have emergency kits, stay alert to weather warnings, and practice tornado drills.
List two ways to prepare for an earthquake.
Secure heavy furniture, create a family emergency plan, have emergency kits, and know safe spots to take cover.
How can communities prepare for wildfires?
Create firebreaks, clear brush around homes, have evacuation plans, spraying water on property, and maintain firefighting equipment.
List two ways to prepare for a blizzard.
Stock food and water, stay indoors, keep warm clothing accessible, or have an emergency kit with blankets.
Which of the following is the most dangerous aspect of a hurricane?
A) Light rain
B) High winds
C) Storm surge
D) Cloud formation
C) Storm surge
Tornado intensity is measured by which scale?
A) Fujita Scale
B) Richter Scale
C) Saffir-Simpson Scale
D) Beaufort Scale
A) Fujita Scale
Earthquake magnitude is measured using which scale?
A) Mercalli Scale
B) Fujita Scale
C) Saffir-Simpson Scale
D) Richter Scale
D) Richter Scale
Which of the following actions is most effective for minimizing injury during a rapidly spreading structural fire?
A) Attempting to suppress large flames with water
B) Evacuating immediately using a preplanned route while staying low to avoid smoke inhalation
C) Opening all windows to reduce indoor heat
D) Hiding under furniture to avoid flames
B) Evacuating immediately using a preplanned route while staying low to avoid smoke inhalation
What wind speed qualifies a snowstorm as a blizzard?
A) 15 mph
B) 25 mph
C) 35 mph
D) 45 mph
C) 35 mph
Hurricanes are classified using which scale?
A) Richter Scale
B) Saffir-Simpson Scale
C) Fujita Scale
D) Enhanced Fujita Scale
B) Saffir-Simpson Scale
Which of these statements about tornadoes is true?
A) Tornadoes can only happen in the spring
B) Tornadoes can form without thunderstorms
C) Tornadoes always move from east to west
D) Tornadoes are strongest at the center of the funnel
D) Tornadoes are strongest at the center of the funnel
Which of the following is the safest action during an earthquake?
A) Stand in a doorway
B) Take the elevator to leave the building
C) Drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy piece of furniture
D) Run outside immediately
C) Drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy piece of furniture
Why is smoke inhalation the primary cause of fatalities in fires?
A) Particulate matter reduces visibility, hindering evacuation
B) Thermal radiation from smoke increases flammability of clothing
C) Smoke chemically slows combustion, creating a false sense of security
D) Inhalation of carbon monoxide, cyanide, and other toxic gases can cause hypoxia and respiratory failure
D) Inhalation of carbon monoxide, cyanide, and other toxic gases can cause hypoxia and respiratory failure
Which of the following is the primary danger of whiteout conditions during a blizzard?
A) Disorientation leading to delayed shelter-seeking and increased hypothermia risk
B) Reduced solar radiation
C) Increased snowfall accumulation
D) Increased wind erosion
A) Disorientation leading to delayed shelter-seeking and increased hypothermia risk