Gizmos- Flood and Storm-Proof Homes

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What is a flood?

Back

A natural disaster that happens when a river overflows and water covers the surrounding land.

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What is a floodplain?

Back

A flat area next to a river that fills with water when a river floods. Houses built in a floodplain can be damaged in a flood.

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What is the foundation of a building?

Back

The base of a building.

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What is the frame of a house?

Back

The 'skeleton' that supports a house.

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What is a gable roof?

Back

A simple roof with two angled sides.

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What is a hip roof?

Back

A roof in which all four sides are angled.

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What is a hurricane?

Back

A large, rotating storm with strong winds. Hurricane wind speeds are at least 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour). The strongest hurricane winds are greater than 155 miles per hour (250 kilometers per hour). In other parts of the world, hurricanes are called typhoons.

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What is a levee?

Back

A low wall built of soil along a river to prevent flooding.

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What is a natural disaster?

Back

A natural event that causes major destruction or death. Examples include earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and fires. Natural disasters are not caused by people.

Front

What are roof clips?

Back

Metal brackets that attach the roof of the house to the walls. They are also called hurricane clips or hurricane straps.