OMG It's a Hurricane! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Southerly Atlantic Ocean coast

Hurricanes most frequently hit the Atlantic coast of the US, with many hitting the Gulf Coast, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean Islands, and Bermudas. They form in the Atlantic Ocean, summer through fall, and are categorized by intensity. On average for the North American basin there are about 11 named storms each season, with six becoming major hurricanes. Africa does experience what are called "tropical cyclones", typically in August and September, about 50 total since 1851. Scandinavia and even the Arctic do experience hurricanes. Hurricanes in the Atlantic ocean actually begin in the hot air over the Sahara desert, but deserts have dust storms, not hurricanes. If you live inland up to 175 miles, however, you may be strongly affected by a coastal hurricane.

Answer: Typhoon

A typhoon (Chinese Tai-Fung meaning big wind) is the same as a hurricane, but occurs especially in the Philippines, China sea, or the western part of the North Pacific Ocean. This is the most active and intense ocean storm area on Earth, where nearly one-third of all these massive storms happen. In this region, when a "tropical storm" matures or becomes very severe (above 64 knots or 74 miles per hour, 119 Km), it is called a typhoon. Knowing your terms is a key to handling dangerous situations.

Since Tim-Tim is vacationing in Japan, he should definitely heed the warnings and quickly put his storm survival plan into action.

Answer: June to November

August and September have the most hurricanes in the Atlantic ocean region. Between 1851 and 2011 there were 555 tropical storms in September and 362 in August, with 87 in November, and 82 in June. But 5 also occurred from January to April, and 16 in December, so the "season" isn't exclusive--an ocean storm can happen anytime. Additionally, one storm in November may do more more damage than the four in August, so Tim-tim should stay alert to every approaching storm.

Answer: Create an emergency plan for where to meet

Tim-tim and his family should create an emergency plan and sit down together to make sure everyone understands and agrees. As a storm approaches, communication can be knocked out, it becomes hard to hear, and in a panic assumptions are made. So the family should decide at what place everyone will meet if they are not together when the storm arrives, where they will evacuate, who will contact whom, and who will look out for whom. If each family member knows their exact responsibility, they can avoid panic, do their part, and keep everyone safe. Tim-tim should write down basic medical information and evacuation phone numbers on small cards, which each family member should keep on their person in hard copy.

Answer: Hand crank or battery radio

While a whistle, beef jerky and some juices are good ideas, the most important item is a hand cranked or battery-operated radio. That's because if electricity and cell towers go out, Tim-tim can still listen for emergency broadcasts, evacuation orders, and updates about the hurricane via the radio.

He may even be able to use the radio to help rescuers find his family under debris, if need be, after the storm has passed.

Answer: At least 3 gallons a person, plus pets' needs

The Red Cross recommends at least a 3-day supply. That's one gallon per day for each person, with additional for pets.

Some believe water should be in glass containers, not cardboard or plastic, especially if the water may be stored for a while, or exposed to hot temperatures, before it is used.

Other recommended items are: A 3-day supply of non-perishable food for each person, pet food, flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications and needed health items like glasses, important personal documents, any tools you need such as a can opener or hammer, and toiletries. Store some cash, blankets, maps, pet supplies, extra keys, your family emergency plan and phone numbers. You might also want to include flood or rain gear, insect repellents, sunscreen, cell phones (which may or may not operate during or after the storm), and a camera.

Answer: Stay in the car and call for help

Tim-tim should stay IN his car! That is the safest place when power lines are unsecured and conditions outside uncertain. The car has the highest likelihood of protecting Tim-tim from electric shock, whereas to go outside means potentially stepping into water or touching ungrounded dangers. Frightening as it would be, do not leave the car.

Answer: Yes

A hurricane watch comes first, 48 hours before a hurricane is expected to directly threaten an area. When a watch is announced, Tim-tim should make sure his family each have their emergency kit cards. They should go to a safe location if they are out in the open, and charge up their phones. He should secure his pets, make sure his disaster kit is ready, fill the gas tank in the car, check with the neighbors, purchase last minute perishable supplies, and keep close to the radio for updates.

A hurricane "warning" means that a hurricane is expected to reach the area within 36 hours. As the storm approaches, Tim-tim should close and cover the windows, pick up all loose items in the yard, turn the fridge to its highest setting, unplug all other appliances, shut off propane, and review evacuation plans. He and his family are ready, when the evacuation order comes through.

Answer: Flying debris and glass

With winds howling and buildings and trees coming apart, flying wood, metal, glass and household objects are the primary danger during a hurricane. To lower the risks, take up anything loose in the yard, then cover your windows with plywood, or fabric panels. Put down sandbags or door dams to prevent flooding. You can also have "hurricane straps" installed that anchor your roof, put braces on your garage door, or install roll-down Bahama or accordion shutters. For those in serious hurricane territory, there are "hurricane-proof" homes made of concrete, set up on pedestals, or "aerodynamically designed". If that sounds overdone, flying debris deeply penetrates soft tissue, kills by blunt trauma, and damages eyes.

Answer: Contaminated flood water

Just after a hurricane is a very dangerous time. Buildings and trees are unstable, flooding may continue, waters are filled with debris, creatures and dangerous chemicals and bacteria. While many people are helpful, some are desperate or self-serving, and there may be looters and criminals taking advantage of others.

There can be loose animals who are aggressive because of fear and injury. There is likely a dearth of supplies like food, water and gasoline for the car. Emergency workers may be too busy to help if Tim-tim gets into trouble. Tim-tim should also be aware that he will be exhausted and upset, which can lead to poor choices.

The best survival decision for him is to wait for official announcement it is okay to go home. When it's time, leave the kids and pets safely distant. Take a camera, wear protective clothes and waterproof boots, bring insect repellent and cleansers, a first aid kit, important phone numbers, ID, flashlight, and the radio and batteries. Proceed carefully until you are able to assess damages and dangers.