Hurricanes Flashcards
What does ODPEM stand for?
Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
National Disaster Organization responsible for disaster management in Jamaica.
What is the primary responsibility of ODPEM?
To reduce the impact of disasters and emergencies on the Jamaican population and economy.
What is the eye of a hurricane?
The calm center of a hurricane.
What is the eye wall?
A wall of dense thunderclouds surrounding the eye, with the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall.
What are spiral rain bands?
Bands of rain clouds that bring heavy rainfall, extending for hundreds of miles.
When do hurricanes typically occur?
Between June 1 and November 30.
Where does a hurricane typically form?
On the Coast of Africa, Caribbean Sea, and Eastern Atlantic.
What are the three key ingredients for a hurricane to form?
- Low atmospheric pressure
- Warm waters
- Tropical wind patterns
What is a hurricane?
A low-pressure weather system that develops over warm tropical oceans with wind speeds exceeding 120 km/hr.
What happens to atmospheric pressure before a hurricane’s eye passes?
Atmospheric pressure drops below 1000mb.
What weather conditions occur during the eye of a hurricane?
- Little cloud cover
- Little or no rainfall
- Light winds
- Temperature rises to about 30°C
What are common causes of property damage during hurricanes?
- Flooding
- Storm surges
- Rising waters due to torrential rainfall
What types of damage can occur to infrastructure during hurricanes?
- Collapse of bridges
- Blocked roads due to landslides
- Flooded roads
- Downed utility lines and poles
What are the main causes of loss of life during hurricanes?
- Drowning
- Being crushed by debris
- Electrocution
- Water-borne diseases
What is extreme weather?
Weather events significantly different from average conditions, including hurricanes, floods, and droughts.
What should you do immediately after a hurricane?
- Seek medical attention for injuries
- Report downed electrical wires
- Avoid using stored water until safe
Fill in the blank: Hurricanes can cause destruction to: ____________________.
Homes, businesses, infrastructure, and personal property.
What is the role of security forces during a hurricane?
To maintain order and coordinate relief operations.
What is the role of utility companies during a hurricane?
To turn off supply during adverse conditions and assess damage afterward.
What precautions should be taken before a hurricane?
- Trim trees
- Prepare emergency supplies
- Understand the hurricane warning system
What should you do during a hurricane?
- Stay indoors unless necessary
- Keep a hurricane lamp burning
- Protect windows with heavy objects
What is a hurricane watch?
An alert indicating that hurricane conditions are possible in the area.
What is a hurricane warning?
An alert indicating that hurricane conditions are expected in the area.
What is storm surge?
A rise in seawater level due to a hurricane, leading to flooding.
What are the three phases of hurricane warnings?
- Alert
- Watch
- Warning
What should you have on hand for emergency supplies?
- Water
- Flashlights
- First aid supplies
- Non-perishable food
What happens to wind direction after the eye of a hurricane passes?
Wind blows from the opposite direction.
True or False: Hurricanes can only cause property damage.
False.
What are the roles of the National Works Agency (NWA) after a hurricane?
To mobilize equipment and personnel to clear blocked roads.
