SuperTeacherTools

When Nature Strikes: Flash Floods Answer Key

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BASIC ABOUT FLASH FLOODS
#1 1) What is a flash flood? A rapid rise in stream or river levels in a very short time, often with no warning
#2 2) What weather conditions produce most flash floods? Slowly-moving heavy thunderstorms
#3 3) What are some other conditions that can create flash floods? Heavy rains from tropical storms or hurricanes, bursting dams or ice jams
#4 4) About how many flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related? Nearly half
#5 5) What is a "Mesoscale Convection System"? A series of thunderstorms that result from cool downdrafts spreading out along the ground, bumping against warm, moist air, and forcing it upward to begin a new thunderstorm.
FLASH FLOOD DANGERS
#1 6) How many flash floods occur in the US on average each year? More than 125
#2 7) How does the number of flash flood deaths compare with other weather-related deaths? There are about 125 flash flood deaths each year on average, compared with 73 lightning deaths, 68 tornado deaths, and 16 hurricane deaths
#3 8) How many inches of moving water can knock you off your feet? About 6 inches
#4 9) How many inches of moving water can float a car or truck? About 6 - 24 inches
#5 10) What landscape conditions are especially vulnerable to flash flooding? Narrow water channels, many streams, steep slopes, and saturated ground.
FLASH FLOOD SAFETY RULES
#1 11) Where can you find weather information and warnings 24/7? NOAA Weather Radio
#2 12) What should you do if you come to a flooded road? "Turn around, don't drown!”
#3 13) What should you do if water surrounds your car but is not moving? Abandon the car and go quickly to higher ground.
#4 14) What should you do if the flood is moving your car? Stay in the car and do not step out into flowing water.
#5 15) What should you do if you don't have training to respond to an emergency? Call 911 and other systems to request trained rescuers come to your position. Keep calm and provide all needed information to get them to you.
MONITORING FLOOD DANGERS
#1 16) What weather technology is most useful to help forecasters know when and where flash floods might occur? Doppler Weather Radar
#2 17) What is the difference between a "flash flood watch" and a "flash flood warning"? A "watch" means "Stay alert and keep listening to local news reports!" and a "warning" means "Take Action Now!"
#3 18) What makes flash floods so difficult to forecast far in advance? It is hard to predict exactly where rain will fall, how much, and what will happen when it reaches the ground.
#4 19) What, in addition to weather radars, are some systems used to detect the potential for flash flooding? Rainfall gages, lightning detectors, and aircraft
#5 20) What should you listen and look for if you're outside in a potential flood zone? Listen for distant thunder, watch for rising water.
PROTECTING AGAINST FLOODS
#1 21) What should you do if you are in an area where a flood warning is issued? Get to higher ground as soon as possible. If possible, bring an emergency supply kit.
#2 22) What are some basic items that should be in your disaster emergency kit? Water, food, battery-operated radio, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, whistle, etc.
#3 23) How can you find out if your area is in a flood-prone location? View a FEMA Flood Map https://msc.fema.gov/portal
#4 27) What can you do to help prepare your community before a flood occurs? Participate in developing action plans through programs such as the FEMA "America's Preparathon" http://www.community.fema.gov/take-action/activities
#5 25) What are some engineering methods that can be used to reduce flood damage? Levees, diversion spillways, and wetlands restoration
Final Question
24) What is the most important things to do if you are caught in a flood situation? Keep calm, stay out of the water, go to higher ground, and lead others to safety.