All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Which surface best reduces flooding in a city: permeable pavement or solid concrete?
Answer: Permeable pavement. Permeable surfaces let water soak in rather than run off.
Flashcard 2: What is the main purpose of an early warning system for hurricanes or floods?
Answer: To give people time to prepare or evacuate. Early warnings allow protective actions before danger arrives.
Flashcard 3: Which building feature best reduces earthquake damage: flexible joints or rigid brittle connections?
Answer: Flexible joints. Flexible joints allow buildings to sway without breaking.
Flashcard 4: What is the main purpose of a seawall on a coast with strong waves?
Answer: To reduce coastal erosion and protect land from waves. Seawalls block wave energy from reaching and eroding the shore.
Flashcard 5: Which option best reduces soil erosion by wind on a farm: windbreaks, removing fences, or cutting all trees?
Answer: Windbreaks. Windbreaks are barriers that reduce wind speed and protect soil.
Flashcard 6: What is the main purpose of wetlands near rivers and coasts?
Answer: To absorb floodwater and slow erosion. Wetlands act like sponges that soak up excess water naturally.
Flashcard 7: Which action best reduces wildfire risk near homes: clearing dry brush or stacking firewood against the house?
Answer: Clearing dry brush. Removing fuel sources prevents fire from reaching structures.
Flashcard 8: What is the main purpose of a controlled burn done by firefighters?
Answer: To reduce fuel so future wildfires spread less. Controlled burns remove excess vegetation that could fuel wildfires.
Flashcard 9: What is the main purpose of terracing on a hillside farm?
Answer: To slow runoff and reduce soil erosion. Terraces create flat steps that prevent water from rushing downhill.
Flashcard 10: What is the main purpose of a levee along a river during heavy rain?
Answer: To keep rising river water from flooding nearby land. Levees create barriers that contain water within river channels.
Flashcard 11: What is the main purpose of bolting a house to its foundation in earthquake areas?
Answer: To reduce damage by keeping the building from sliding. Bolting prevents the house from shifting off its foundation.
Flashcard 12: What is the safest action during an earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or run outside immediately?
Answer: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. This protects you from falling objects and building collapse.
Flashcard 13: Which option best reduces coastal erosion long term: planting dune grass or removing plants from dunes?
Answer: Planting dune grass. Grass roots stabilize sand and trap more sand over time.
Flashcard 14: Which action best reduces sinkhole risk: limiting water removal from underground or pumping much more groundwater?
Answer: Limiting water removal from underground. Excessive groundwater removal causes underground spaces to collapse.
Flashcard 15: Which solution best reduces landslides on a steep hill after storms: planting trees, paving, or removing plants?
Answer: Planting trees. Tree roots hold soil in place and absorb excess water.
Flashcard 16: Which action best reduces flood risk at home: building on stilts or building in a low spot near a river?
Answer: Building on stilts. Stilts elevate homes above typical flood water levels.
Flashcard 17: What is the main purpose of sand dunes on a beach?
Answer: To act as a natural barrier against waves and storm surge. Dunes absorb wave energy and block water from moving inland.
Flashcard 18: What is the main purpose of an evacuation route sign in disaster-prone areas?
Answer: To guide people to safer areas quickly. Clear routes help people evacuate efficiently during emergencies.
Flashcard 19: Which action best reduces harm from a hurricane: boarding windows or opening all windows to equalize pressure?
Answer: Boarding windows. Boards protect windows from flying debris; opening windows is dangerous.
Flashcard 20: What is the main purpose of a retention pond in a neighborhood?
Answer: To collect stormwater and reduce flooding. Retention ponds hold excess water temporarily during heavy rains.
Flashcard 21: What is the main purpose of a floodwall in a town near a river?
Answer: To block floodwater from entering buildings and streets. Floodwalls are vertical barriers that protect urban areas from rising water.
Flashcard 22: What is the best solution to reduce landslides on steep slopes after heavy rain?
Answer: Plant deep-rooted vegetation to hold soil in place. Deep roots anchor soil and prevent it from sliding downhill.
Flashcard 23: What is the purpose of a retaining wall on a hillside near homes?
Answer: To hold back soil and reduce slope failure. Retaining walls support hillsides and prevent landslides.
Flashcard 24: What solution reduces coastal erosion by absorbing wave energy before it reaches the shore?
Answer: Sand dunes or barrier islands. Natural barriers absorb wave force before it erodes the mainland.
Flashcard 25: What solution reduces storm surge flooding near coasts by adding protection along the shoreline?
Answer: Seawalls or natural buffers such as wetlands. Barriers block or absorb storm surge water before it reaches land.
Flashcard 26: What building feature helps reduce earthquake damage by allowing the structure to move safely?
Answer: Flexible design with shock-absorbing supports. Flexibility allows buildings to sway without breaking.
Flashcard 27: What is the purpose of an earthquake drill such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”?
Answer: To practice safe actions and reduce injuries. Drills train people to respond correctly during earthquakes.
Flashcard 28: What is the main purpose of an evacuation plan for hazards like floods, wildfires, or hurricanes?
Answer: To move people to safety quickly and reduce injuries. Organized evacuation ensures everyone escapes danger efficiently.
Flashcard 29: Which action best reduces harm from a volcanic ashfall: staying indoors or standing outside?
Answer: Staying indoors. Indoor air is safer than breathing volcanic ash outside.
Flashcard 30: Which action best reduces flooding by helping rain soak into the ground: adding pavement or planting grass?
Answer: Planting grass. Grass absorbs water while pavement creates runoff.