Rocket is shooting baskets when the sky turns gray. Far away, thunder rumbles.
"One more shot!" Rocket says.
Raven tugs his sleeve. "What do you notice? That rumble means lightning is near."
Nova blinks a bright light. "When thunder roars, go indoors," she says.
Rocket drops the ball. They hurry inside together.
A hazard is something that can cause harm.
Some weather can be a hazard. Lightning, floods and tornadoes are three examples.
We cannot stop storms. But we can plan, prepare and build smart designs.
This week you will judge designs that help keep people safe.
The National Weather Service says there is no safe place outside in a thunderstorm.
If you can hear thunder, you are likely close enough for lightning to strike.
Go inside a big, solid building or a car with a hard top.
Small sheds and open shelters are not safe.
Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out.
| Statement | True or false? |
|---|---|
| Lightning, floods and tornadoes are weather hazards. | ? |
| A tree is a safe place in a thunderstorm. | ? |
| People can design things to reduce harm from storms. | ? |
In a thunderstorm, the place you choose matters.
A big, solid building is safe. So is a car with a hard top.
A tree, a small shed or an open shelter is not safe.
If you can hear thunder, lightning is likely close enough to strike.
| Place in a thunderstorm | Is it safe? |
|---|---|
| Inside a big, solid building | ? |
| Under a tall tree | ? |
| Inside a car with a hard top | ? |
| In a small garden shed | ? |
Great safety thinking! Tomorrow we study a clever design that tames lightning.