Surviving the Surge: Cyclone Safety Quiz

If low pressure lifts the ocean surface and strong winds push that water toward the coast, then a mound of water builds up; if this water moves inland, then the resulting hazard is a storm surge.

If high winds pick up loose objects, then those objects can become projectiles; if a projectile hits glass, then the glass will shatter inward, making windows dangerous even when closed.

If a cyclone carries extreme amounts of moisture, and if it dumps that rain over a short period, then the ground cannot absorb it; if the water rises instantly, then it is a flash flood.

If power lines are knocked down by wind, then electricity will fail; if you need to stay informed and healthy without power, then you must have tools like radios, lights, and non-perishable food.

If a storm surge is likely in low-lying areas, then the water will flood the house; if you want to survive the flood, then you must move to a location above the predicted water level.

If cyclone winds can exceed 100 km/h, then light objects will be lifted into the air; if they are in the air, they can break houses or hurt people; therefore, they must be moved inside.

If the eye is the calm center, then the other side of the eyewall is still coming; if you go outside, then the sudden return of violent winds from the opposite direction will trap you.

If a cyclone moves inland, it still carries massive rain clouds; if it rains over river basins for days, then the rivers will overflow their banks, causing inland flooding.

If the air pressure is low, then the sea surface is "sucked" upward; if the wind pushes that raised water toward land, then the combined effect creates the surge.

If water enters a house, it can conduct electricity and cause shocks; if gas lines break while the power is on, it can cause fires; therefore, shutting them off prevents these accidents.

If floodwater is moving, it exerts a massive force; if that force is stronger than the car's grip on the road, then the car will be swept away, making driving extremely dangerous.

If the wind turns a branch into a flying object, then it will shatter a window; if plywood covers the window, then it absorbs the impact and keeps the glass (and the house interior) safe.

If a cyclone has strong rotating winds and high instability, then small-scale rotations can form within the rainbands; if these touch the ground, then they are tornadoes.

If authorities issue an evacuation, it means the area is not survivable; if you follow the designated route immediately, then you avoid getting stuck in traffic or floodwaters.

If the ocean rises due to wind and pressure, then it creates a massive wall of water; if this water floods the coast, then it causes the most fatalities and damage, identifying it as the primary hazard.

If a "Watch" is for possibilities, then a "Warning" is for an immediate threat; if a Warning is issued, then the cyclone is expected to hit within a specific timeframe (usually 24-36 hours).

If intense rain saturates the soil on a slope, then the soil loses its grip on the rock; if the soil slides down the mountain, then it creates a landslide.

If the storm destroys the electrical grid, then plug-in devices won't work; if you need emergency updates, then you must use a device that carries its own power source.

If trees can fall, glass can break, boats can capsize, and basements can flood, then these areas all pose direct threats to life during a high-wind and high-water event.

If floods damage sewer systems, then the tap water may become contaminated with bacteria; if you boil the water, then the heat kills the bacteria and makes it safe.