Tropical Storma

Question 1

What is the main hurricane advice service for the USA? Give examples of actions people can take before, during and after the hurricane

Answer 1

FEMA - federal emergency management agency
Before: 
- fill bath with water
- find out which roads are designated evacuation routes
- family emergency plan - know where to meet
During:
- keep away from windows
- stay indoors 
- do not use candles
After:
- wear thick soled shoes
- avoid drinking tap water

Question 2

How can an area be managed with hazard resistant design against hurricanes?

Answer 2

against storm surge: sea walls, breakwaters, flood barrier
wind protection: buildings that reduce pressure differences between inside and out during storms, stronger structures, storm shelters

Question 3

How can areas be managed with land use planning against a hurricane?

Answer 3

areas at high risk can be identified by historical data and maps
designate these high risk areas for compatible uses e.g. parks

Question 4

What are some difficulties with land use planning against hurricanes?

Answer 4

the desirability of beach front properties for example outweigh the risk = people assume insurance will cover

Question 5

What are the problems with prediction and warning of hurricanes?

Answer 5

tracks can be hard to predict
accurate warnings only available 12-18 hours before landfall
false evacuation alerts cause economic loss and lead to complacency

Question 6

What is a geographical issue associated with a hurricane?

Answer 6

• storm surge and heavy rainfall = flooding = risk to agricultural land, infrastructure and life
• flooding = water contamination and disease
• lack of food, clean water and shelter

Question 7

When was hurricane Sandy?

Answer 7

October/November 2012

Question 8

Where and why did hurricane sandy form?

Answer 8

In the caribbean - perfect conditions - warm ocean water

Question 9

Hurricane Sandy: what was its scale?

Answer 9

Cat 1

But 90mph winds stretching 175 miles

Question 10

How many states did sandy affect?

Answer 10

24

Question 11

Hurricane Sandy: Where was damage particularly severe and why?

Answer 11

NY and New Jersey

- built up areas with large, dense populations and valuable infrastructure

Question 12

What were some impacts of sandy on NY?

Answer 12

Cost: 6billion - 12billion 
CBD affected 
375,000 evacuated 
100 homes destroyed by fire 
48 deaths 
500,000 homes lost power in lower Manhatten

Question 13

Hurricane Sandy: what were the impacts in Cuba and why?

Answer 13

weak buildings and infrastructure = initial high loss, roofs lost, more repair and more to recover from
lost food and cash crops - 10,000 hectares under water, 50% sugar crops affected, 2600 hectares of bananas wiped out
lack of medication