Which TWO pieces of advice for storm preparation at home does the speaker give first?
A check roof tiles for damage
B secure loose outdoor objects
C store extra fuel for a generator
D clear gutters and drains
E take photos of valuables
Questions 13 and 14
Choose TWO letters, A–E.
Which TWO items does the speaker say should be included in an emergency kit?
A bottled water
B candles
C a battery-powered radio
D warm blankets
E cash
Questions 15–20
What does the speaker say about each of the following during a storm warning?
Write the correct letter, A, B or C, next to Questions 15–20.
A It is recommended.
B It is allowed with limits.
C It is prohibited.
Storm-warning guidance
15 Travelling by car ……………………
16 Using coastal routes ……………………
17 Walking through floodwater ……………………
18 Driving through floodwater ……………………
19 Keeping pets in carriers at the shelter ……………………
20 Collecting hot meals at any time ……………………
Keys
11 B / D (IN EITHER ORDER)
12 B / D (IN EITHER ORDER)
13 A / C (IN EITHER ORDER)
14 A / C (IN EITHER ORDER)
15 B
16 C
17 C
18 C
19 A
20 C
Transcript
Part 2: You will hear a talk giving advice on storm preparation and safety during a storm warning.
Good evening, everyone, and thank you for coming to this year’s community safety talk. As many of you know, we are now moving into the busiest part of the storm season, and in the coming weeks we may face severe weather that affects everyday life in our area. This evening, I’m going to give some practical advice about three things: how to prepare your home before a storm arrives, what you should and should not do once a storm warning has been issued, and how the local emergency shelter will operate if it becomes unsafe to remain at home.
Let’s start with preparations around the home. First of all, I want to mention outdoor safety. Some people assume they should get up onto the roof and inspect tiles, but that kind of job is dangerous and should be left to professionals. What you should do instead is stay at ground level and secure any loose objects outside, including garden furniture, bicycles, plant pots and rubbish bins. In strong winds, these can become serious hazards.
Another important task is clearing gutters and drains. This is often ignored, but when they are blocked by leaves and other debris, rainwater can overflow very quickly. As a result, water may collect around entrances and external walls, increasing the risk of flooding and damp.
Inside the home, you should prepare an emergency kit and keep it somewhere easy to find, preferably near the main exit. Many people think candles are essential during a power cut, but we do not recommend them because of the fire risk. Two things are much more important. One is bottled water, since the normal tap supply may be interrupted or become unsafe. The other is a battery-powered radio. During major storms, mobile phone networks and internet services may fail, so a radio is often the most reliable way to receive official updates.
Now let’s turn to the rules during an actual storm warning. Residents often ask whether they are allowed to drive. The advice is to avoid unnecessary journeys, but driving is still allowed in some cases, such as travel for work or emergencies, as long as you reduce your speed. Coastal routes, however, are a different matter. These are completely prohibited because they are especially dangerous in high winds and rough sea conditions.
There is another rule that must be taken seriously: never enter floodwater. Some people think walking through shallow water is harmless, but it is strictly prohibited because hidden dangers may lie underneath, such as debris, open drains or live electrical cables. The same applies to vehicles. Driving through floodwater is also prohibited, as even a small amount of fast-moving water can disable a vehicle or carry it away.
Finally, if it becomes too dangerous to stay at home, the Riverside Community Centre will open as a temporary shelter. Families are welcome, and if you bring pets, keeping them in carriers is strongly recommended. Volunteers will also provide refreshments, including hot meals, but please remember that collecting hot meals whenever you want is prohibited. Meals will only be served at scheduled times, so check the noticeboard when you arrive.
