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Hurricane Safety

During hurricane season, several organizations in the United States issue warnings to alert the general and boating public of an approaching storm. The task of warning the public about an approaching storm is an enormous responsibility. There are many things that residents can do to prepare for hurricane season well before the threat of an actual storm. Once warnings have been issued, certain safety precautions have been outlined for the public.

Safety procedures are also necessary after a storm has passed. Damage from strong winds and flood waters involve serious potential hazards. What should the public know in order to remain safe and healthy?

As members of the Hurricane Safety Team, your job will be to research the warning systems and safety recommendations in the event of an approaching hurricane. You should include advice on additional dangers once the storm has passed and advice about clean-up procedures. You are to create a multimedia presentation that will communicate your findings to others in an interesting, engaging, and informative manner.

You will be using PowerPoint as your primary application software.  You may want to consider an interactive approach and/or the use of video in your presentation.  The presentation should help the public understand the safety issues and procedures to best help them prepare for hurricanes, keep safe during hurricanes, and safely resume a normal, healthy existence after a hurricane has passed.  In doing so, consider the members of your audience and what information will enhance their understanding of hurricanes in order to help residents make informed decisions when preparing for future hurricanes.

Team member roles are as follows:

Think about how you might conduct your research. You can use some of the questions below, however you do not have to answer them all and you are not limited to only these questions.

• Where is the major base of activity for a hurricane’s warning system?
• What are the different warnings that may be issued? What does each mean?
• What are evacuation routes and why are they important?
• What are some tips to follow when different warnings are issued?
• How can you prepare in advance before hurricane season begins?
• What dangers might exist after the hurricane ends?
• What considerations should be taken during clean-up procedures?

Do some research and come to consensus as a group before you begin creating your presentation.

Things to know:

• The Red Cross board will visit us next week.  You will 4 days (90 minute periods each day) to work on this project.  Make sure you reserve time to practice presenting before the day of presentations.

• Under the section titled Resources, you will find the following:
  
  • Websites - You may search on your own or you may use the list of web resources provided under this section.
    
  • Project Checklist – Gives the requirements for a successful project and will help guide you through the project
    
  • PPT Quick Tips  - For help with Power Point
    
  • PPT Etiquette – Rules for creating a professional looking presentation
    
  • Citations Format – Format for websites, graphics, video clips
    
  • Assessing Website Credibility – To aid in assessing website credibility
• The criteria for your research and presentation are given in the rubric in the Evaluation section.  Make sure you review the rubric before you begin your project. 

It is strongly suggested that you read through the above resources before you begin on your project.