Today, we have the ability to predict dangerous tornadoes (龙卷风), hurricanes (飓风) winter storms, and floods with more accuracy than ever. We know the areas that are likely to be struck by earthquakes, and the areas that are easily harmed by wildfires, and we can tell hours in advance whether a tsunami (海啸) will hit our shores.
However, in spite of all the capabilities for advance warnings, Americans are still quite poor at preparing for these disasters. In a 2006 poll (民意调查) carried out by TIME Magazine, only 16% percent believed they were “well prepared” for the next one.
A few weeks ago I was listening to NPR (National Public Radio) as I was cooking dinner, and I heard a moving story about a young boy, Noah Stewart, who lived through a tornado that hit his Alabama home.
Noah was sucked up into the tornado and then dropped. He landed on his head first, a fall of such force that, under normal conditions, would have killed him. However, he survived because his mother made a quick decision to put a baseball helmet on his head right before the tornado hit. Noah was unhurt in the storm. But the helmet cracked (破裂) down the middle.
The CDC states that they can’t say whether helmets save lives during a tornado impact (撞击) . However, it still seems wise for anyone in a tornado-prone (可能的) area to keep several helmets at the ready. Any added protection is going to increase your chance of survival, and as Noah’s story clearly shows, helmets can save lives.
You don’t have to buy new helmets—picking up used bicycle, football, or baseball helmets at economical stores and garage sales (旧货市场) can save money and keep your family protected.
However, it’s necessary that you keep these helmets in an easily reachable place; they should not be used for any other purpose, as they may be misplaced. Remember, when a tornado hits, you might only have minute—or even seconds—to find shelter. You don’t want to be running around the house, searching for those helmets.
8. What can we infer from Paragraph 2?
A.Americans are fear of disasters. |
B.There are many disasters in America. |
C.Disasters are better predicted in America. |
D.Most Americans are not well prepared for disasters. |
9. Why could Noah Stewart survive in the tornado?
A.Because he stayed with his mother. |
B.Because he was brave in the tornado. |
C.Because he was well protected by a helmet. |
D.Because he was quick-minded in emergency. |
10. What should you do to make the helmets function well?
A.Put them at hand. | B.Choose new ones. |
C.Use professional ones. | D.Save money to buy expensive ones. |
11. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?
A.To ask us to prepare for the disasters. | B.To warn us of the tornado impact. |
C.To advise us to keep helmets handy. | D.To describe the moving story of a boy. |