Lesson: Severe Weather Safety

4.E.2B.2 Obtain and communicate information about severe weather phenomena (including thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes) to explain steps humans can take to reduce the impact of severe weather phenomena.

Essential Knowledge

It is essential for students to know that the weather conditions associated with severe weather are different for each type of storm. These conditions have different effects and there are safety concerns associated with each condition.

Three types of severe weather include:

Thunderstorm - A severe storm with lightning, thunder, heavy rain and strong winds. Some thunderstorms produce hail. Some examples of the effects of thunderstorms may be that heavy rains cause flooding, lightning can cause fires, and strong winds can blow over trees or power lines.

Safety measures: During a thunderstorm, stay inside if possible; stay out of the water; and do not stand under trees.

Tornado - A funnel-shaped cloud that comes down from a storm cloud with winds spinning at very high speeds. Some examples of the effects of tornadoes may be that high winds damage and/or destroy buildings, trees, power-lines, and crops.

Safety measures: During a tornado, find a safe place away from window; if you cannot find shelter lie flat in a ditch or other low place; and do not stay in your car.

Hurricane - A large storm that forms over warm ocean water with very strong winds that blow in a circular pattern around the center, or eye, of the storm. Some examples of the effects of hurricanes may be that high winds can blow over trees, power lines, and even buildings; heavy rain can cause flooding; the storm waves and rise in sea level at the beach cause massive flooding and damage the coastal zone.

Safety measures: During a hurricane, board up windows in your house; stay away from windows; and move further inland if you are near the coast.