EDUCATION RESOURCES
Ready for winter
Storm and floods quiz
Try this quiz as a group activity. Score points for correct answers to factual questions and add bonus points for
discussion contributions. Or the material can be reformatted as a worksheet, printed and distributed for individual or pair
work.
Alternatively, simply choose one of the questions to use as a starter from which to develop more focused work.
1. News reports in early 2014 featured part of southern England that was badly hit by floods.
Was it:
a) The Wiltshire heights
b) The Somerset levels
c) The Dorset depths
Answer: b)
Discussion: Many homes were evacuated over the weeks of the flooding. Would you have left your home early, or
waited until the last possible moment? Explain why.
2. Moving flood water is extremely dangerous, to vehicles and pedestrians. How deep does
fast-moving water have to be to knock over an adult?
a) Around 15 centimetres, up to the calf, could be enough.
b) Around waist high.
c) Up to a person's chest.
Answer: a)
Discussion: What other hazards might there be for someone wading through flood water?
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© British Red Cross 2014. All images © British Red Cross 2014 unless otherwise stated.
This resource and other free educational materials are available at www.redcross.org.uk/education
The British Red Cross Society is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949) and Scotland (SCO37738).
EDUCATION RESOURCES
Ready for winter
3. The met office issues weather warnings when severe weather could be a hazard. Its three
warning levels are yellow, amber and red. What do these colour codes correspond to?
a) "Don't be cowardly", "Slow down" and, in the most extreme weather, "Stop".
b) "Wear something yellow", "Wear something amber", and in the most extreme weather, "Wear something red".
c) "Be aware", "Be prepared" and, in the most extreme weather, "Take action".
Answer: c)
Discussion: Has a met office severe weather warning been issued for your area? Explain how you would find out and, if
so, what it is.
4. What is measured by the Beaufort scale?
a) Wind speed and impact
b) Rain speed and impact
c) Fogginess
Answer: a)
Discussion: It's very windy - Beaufort scale 7 with wind speeds forecast over 50 kph. Your friend is wondering whether
it's safe to cycle. What do you say?
5. Experts say that every household should prepare a HELP in case of emergencies such as
flooding or severe storm damage. What does HELP stand for?
a) Here Everything's Looking Peaceful
b) Household Emergency Life-saving Plan
c) Hurry, Excitement, Loss and Panic
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© British Red Cross 2014. All images © British Red Cross 2014 unless otherwise stated.
This resource and other free educational materials are available at www.redcross.org.uk/education
The British Red Cross Society is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949) and Scotland (SCO37738).
EDUCATION RESOURCES
Ready for winter
Answer: b)
Discussion: It is sometimes said that information is one of the most vital supplies during an emergency. Do you agree?
Explain why, with examples.
6. "Cornwall cut off" was the headline after a severe night of storms in February 2014. What
had happened?
a) A massive sea surge swept across south west Britain making Cornwall an island.
b) Fallen trees blocked every single road into Cornwall.
c) A section of the main train line was swept into the sea, disrupting the rail network.
Answer: c)
Discussion: Imagine you were on a train that was halted because of storm damage to the line. It will be hours before
alternative transport is available. How will you pass the time?
7. Schools are advised to train staff to carry out tasks in severe weather and floods. Which
one of the following groups of tasks is NOT on the recommended list?
a) Making contact with emergency services, providing first aid and moving children to a safe place.
b) Updating social media, issuing gas masks and teaching children to swim.
c) Calming children, contacting parents and dealing with media interest.
Answer: b)
Discussion: Several slates have blown off the school roof and stronger winds are forecast. The Head has to decide
whether to close the school. What factors need to be considered?
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© British Red Cross 2014. All images © British Red Cross 2014 unless otherwise stated.
This resource and other free educational materials are available at www.redcross.org.uk/education
The British Red Cross Society is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949) and Scotland (SCO37738).