Safety & Emergency Natural Disasters 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During an earthquake, what is the recommended protective action if indoors?
- Drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy table or desk (Correct answer)
- Run outside immediately
- Stand in a doorway
- Go to the lowest floor
Correct answer: Drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy table or desk
FEMA and USGS recommend Drop, Cover, and Hold On as the most protective action during earthquake shaking — doorways offer no special protection.
Question 2: What scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake based on seismic wave energy?
- Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) (Correct answer)
- Richter Scale
- Modified Mercalli Scale
- Fujita Scale
Correct answer: Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw)
The Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) is the current scientific standard for measuring earthquake magnitude, having replaced the Richter scale for large events.
Question 3: What is the primary sign of an approaching tsunami after a coastal earthquake?
- Rapid and unusual retreat of the sea from the shoreline (Correct answer)
- Darkening sky
- Loud thunder-like noise
- A large wave visible on the horizon
Correct answer: Rapid and unusual retreat of the sea from the shoreline
A sudden, unusual withdrawal of the sea exposes the seafloor and signals the first trough of an incoming tsunami — immediate high-ground evacuation is required.
Question 4: At what wind speed does a tropical storm officially become a hurricane?
- 74 mph (64 knots) (Correct answer)
- 64 mph (55 knots)
- 85 mph (74 knots)
- 55 mph (48 knots)
Correct answer: 74 mph (64 knots)
A tropical cyclone reaches hurricane status when sustained winds reach 74 mph (64 knots or 119 km/h), classified as Category 1 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Question 5: What is storm surge in the context of hurricanes?
- An abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds pushing water onto shore (Correct answer)
- Heavy rainfall from a hurricane
- The eye wall of a hurricane making landfall
- A sudden increase in wind speed
Correct answer: An abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds pushing water onto shore
Storm surge is the abnormal coastal flooding caused by hurricane winds pushing massive amounts of ocean water inland, historically the deadliest hurricane hazard.
Question 6: What is the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale used to classify?
- Tornado intensity based on damage (Correct answer)
- Hurricane wind speed
- Earthquake ground motion
- Wildfire spread rate
Correct answer: Tornado intensity based on damage
The Enhanced Fujita Scale rates tornado intensity from EF0 (minor damage) to EF5 (catastrophic destruction) based on observed damage indicators.
Safety & Emergency Natural Disasters 1
During an earthquake, what is the recommended protective action if indoors?