Earth Gauge » Hazards

World Wetlands Day

espinoza — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:20:16 +0000

Each year, World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd. Wetlands come in many forms and go by many names – estuaries, bogs, mangrove swamps, vernal pools, marshes, riparian wetlands, cypress swamps, playa lakes and more! Wetland areas improve water quality, provide flood protection and support tons of fish, wildlife and plants. If you’ve been hunting, clamming, crabbing, or enjoy eating salmon, you reaped the benefits of wetland ecosystems. Wetlands are some of the most important resources for migratory birds like ducks, geese and sandhill cranes, and also support moose, black bears, lynx, beavers and other wildlife. Cranberries and blueberries grow in bogs in the northern United States.

Despite their many benefits, the United States loses about 60,000 acres of wetlands each year. Compared to other coastal states, Florida, Texas, California and Louisiana have lost the most coastal marshland – California alone has lost more than 91 percent of its coastal wetlands and the Chesapeake Bay has lost 50 percent of its coastal marshes. Since the arrival of settlers, 70 percent of tidally influenced wetlands in Puget Sound have been lost. And, only about 40 to 50 percent of the prairie region’s original prairie pothole wetlands remain undrained today.

Viewer Tip: No matter where you live, chances are there’s a wetland nearby. Development that occurs on or nearby wetlands can lead to loss of habitat, changes in water flow, polluted runoff and other impacts. Try these tips to protect your local wetlands:

Keep lawns and driveways free of pet waste, fertilizers and motor oil. These pollutants can wash into storm drains and eventually reach a wetland.
Choose native species when planting trees, shrubs and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
Use non-toxic products for household cleaning and lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day when it might rain and wash the chemicals into local waterways.
Many exotic animals are introduced into wetlands by homeowners and hobbyists, where they can harm native wildlife. If you have a home aquarium with exotic saltwater or freshwater fish or raise non-native amphibians or reptiles, do not release them into the wild.
Volunteer to help monitor local wetlands near you. Visit water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/monitoring/vol.cfm for more information!

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Wetlands”, http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/index.cfm; “Volunteer Monitoring”, http://water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/monitoring/vol.cfm; “American Wetlands Month,” www.epa.gov/wetlands/awm/; Izaak Walton League of America, “Wetlands Sight and Sounds Series,” http://www.iwla.org/index.php?id=353; National Biological Information Infrastructure Digital Image Library, http://life.nbii.gov/index.php; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Digital Library System, http://images.fws.gov/)

Extreme Weather Events

espinoza — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:42:55 +0000

Severe weather events—hurricanes, flooding, tsunamis, storms and heat waves—can be bad news for estuaries. Strong storms, particularly hurricanes, tropical storms, and nor’easters, can wreak havoc on estuarine ecosystems. While only about a third of all hurricanes make landfall, those that do can create dramatic surges in water levels that can push saltwater into coastal freshwater habitats, killing fish, plants, plankton, corals, and other invertebrates unused to high salinity. Damage to coastal barrier islands, salt marshes, and other important ecosystems can be extensive.

Viewer Tip: Hurricane Irene, which caused extensive flooding and damage along the East Coast this summer, illustrates other, potentially more damaging problems: stormwater discharge and marine debris. While estuaries and their ecosystems are extraordinarily resilient—much natural damage is repaired with months or a few years—human-caused damage can be more destructive and last longer. Live in a coastal area (or in a watershed that drains to the ocean)? Keep lawn fertilizers to a minimum or use none at all. Have a septic tank? Make sure it’s secure and in good working order; coliform bacteria are notorious pathogens. Loose items around your house and in your yard? Store them where they can’t blow into streams or rivers that feed into nearby estuaries.

This information is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Clearing Vegetation to Hamper Wildfires

espinoza — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:08:34 +0000

With drought causing wildfires in the west and southwest, researchers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center certified to conduct prescribed burns suggest these safety tips for your home.

Viewer Tip: Studies of wildfires suggest wind-borne embers reaching a roof or other flammable material on your house are the biggest threat. Removing leaf litter and debris from gutters and underneath decks and other overhangs is important, as is using non-flammable roofing, deck and other materials when possible. You can also clear your property of fallen limbs and prune lower tree branches to help reduce the fuel load for a wildfire nearby. Clearing from 30 to 100 feet around your house is recommended. Avoid highly flammable vegetation near your house, such as Ashe juniper, agarita and conifers. Climbing vines on walls can start a house fire, as can attached fences or porches made of flammable material. Avoid mowing dried grass and remove dry vegetation, rocks and other debris that might produce sparks in a parched lawn before mowing.

This information is provided by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center. Learn more at csfs.colostate.edu/pdfs/wholenotebook.pdf, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Website at www.wildflower.org.

National Preparedness Month

espinoza — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:37:17 +0000

Recent flooding, wildfires and earthquakes provide good reminders of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and other emergencies. According to NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center, there have been 10 billion-dollar weather disasters so far in 2011, including flooding from Hurricane Irene; drought, heat waves and wildfires in the Southern Plains and Southwest; and Mississippi River flooding in the spring and summer. Flooding from Tropical Storm Lee will likely be the 11th billion-dollar disaster this year.

Viewer Tip: September is National Preparedness Month. Are you prepared? Make sure you have the supplies and information you need to stay safe if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs in your area.

Get a Kit. Keep an emergency supply kit at home that will cover the basics of survival: food, fresh water, clean air and warmth. Find a list of suggested emergency supply kit items at www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html.
Have a Plan. All family members should know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in different emergency situations. Find out if workplaces, daycares and schools have emergency plans. Get tips for making an emergency plan at www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html.
Consider Your Needs. Remember that additional planning may be required for older individuals, family members who are disabled or require special medications or medical treatments, and pets.
- Tips for older individuals: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/seniors.html
- Tips for people with disabilities or special needs: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html
- Tips for pet owners: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html
Know Your Stuff. Find out what kinds of natural and man-made disasters may occur in your area. Know how you will be notified of an emergency in your community (TV or radio broadcasts, sirens, telephone calls, etc.), and learn about emergency plans established by your state or local government. Links for community and state preparedness information can be found at www.ready.gov/america/local/index.html.

(Sources: NOAA NCDC. “Billion Dollar U.S. Weather/Climate Disasters.” http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/reports/billionz.html#chron’ National Preparedness Month 2011. http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/READYNPM)

Cleaning Up

espinoza — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:21:04 +0000

Winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Irene took a toll on many communities. As flood waters recede, many home and business owners will be facing cleanup activities.

Viewer Tip: When the water goes down, keep these tips in mind to assess damage and begin clean-up activities safely:

Pay close attention to your local media for information on areas of your community that are not safe. Do not enter any neighborhood or building that officials have deemed unsafe.
Use Common Sense. Flood waters can weaken building foundations, damage electrical systems, and may contain bacteria or viruses that can make you sick. Winds have downed power lines, and broken trees and windows. If you have technical questions or are not sure about the safety of your home or building, call a professional for help. Many cities impacted by storms will set up help lines for residents.
When you enter any area affected by the storm, use extreme caution.
- Wear sturdy shoes to avoid cut feet – a common injury during clean-up activities.
- Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights. Check for fire hazards, such as broken gas lines or damaged electrical wires and appliances.
- Check walls, stairs, doors, windows, and foundation for damage, and leave immediately if the building appears unstable.
- Check for sewage or water line damage. If you suspect damage, avoid using the plumbing, and do not use tap water.
- Keep an eye out for animals, who may have been displaced from their homes. Snakes and rodents may be hiding in flood waters or confined areas.
Learn more about returning home after a natural disaster at www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html.

(Sources: The American Red Cross and National Disaster Coalition. “Repairing Your Flooded Home.” http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_570_,00.html)

Hurricanes and Inland Flooding

espinoza — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:28:10 +0000

A major threat hurricanes and tropical storms bring to land is inland flooding, which results from intense rainfall from the storms. The intensity of rainfall does not directly relate to the wind speed of the storm, however – some intense flooding events occur during weaker storms that slowly drift or stall over one area. A study from 1970 to 1999 found that 59 percent of U.S. tropical cyclone deaths were from freshwater (inland) flooding and 63 percent of the deaths occurred in inland counties. Of the people who were killed from tropical storms, 23 percent drowned in their cars or while attempting to abandon them.

Viewer tip: Find out if you live in a potential flood zone by visiting www.floodsmart.gov. Prepare a flood emergency action plan before a storm hits and evacuate immediately if told to do so. Try to keep track of road conditions through your local radio or television station and stay away from flooded roadways. Just six-inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet and most vehicles can be swept away in just 18- to 24-inches of water.

(Sources: National Hurricane Center: Flooding: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/inland_flood.shtml; NOAA National Weather Service, http://www.nws.noaa.gov/, NWS TADD Campaign: www.weather.gov/os/water/tadd)

Floods and Insects

espinoza — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:32:25 +0000

Insects can become a major problem after heavy rains or flooding has occurred. Standing water and debris are perfect breeding grounds for insects, especially mosquitoes and houseflies. Cleanup should be done immediately after heavy rains or flooding to eliminate possible breeding areas and control insect populations around your home.

Viewer Tip: To prevent insects from spreading and breeding on your property after heavy rains or a flood, use these tips:

Empty any kind of standing or stagnant water from buckets, flower pots, children’s toys and other places likely to hold water.
Clear out clogged gutters and check on flat roofs that may have poor drainage.
Clean up any debris such as twigs, stones and piles of lumber where insects may breed or hide.
Patch any damaged screens to prevent insects from coming into your home.

(Sources: North Dakota State University Extension, www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension; Alabama Cooperative Extension System, www.aces.edu/main)

Floods and Fires

espinoza — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:44:00 +0000

Heavy rains can cause flash flooding quickly and without warning. Flash flooding may occur below burn scars from recent wildfires – just a short burst of moderate rainfall can lead to floods and debris flows in these areas. Water running over burned areas can pick up ash, dirt, large rocks and loose vegetation. Rushing water and debris can be powerful enough to damage or destroy culverts, bridges, roadways and other structures.

Viewer Tip: With rain in the forecast, keep your eyes peeled for signs of flooding. Never drive through flooded roadways or bridges and do not attempt to cross flood waters on foot. Stay away from arroyos, river and stream beds, and low-lying areas that may flood easily

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service, www.nws.noaa.gov; NOAA/USGS Demonstration Flash-Flood and Debris-Flow Early Warning System, http://landslides.usgs.gov/advisories/warningsys/)

Fireworks

espinoza — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:10:28 +0000

In the United States, more fires are reported on the Fourth of July each year than any other day. In 2009, fireworks ignited an estimated 18,000 fires, many of which were outdoor grass and brush fires. These fires can spread quickly, especially in areas that are experiencing dry weather or drought.

Viewer Tip: The best way to enjoy fireworks safely is to visit a public display that is organized by professionals. If you are thinking about using fireworks, keep these tips in mind to prevent fires and have a safe holiday:

Check the laws. Laws about fireworks use vary from state to state. Before using any fireworks, check with city or county officials to find out if there are use restrictions and bans.
Light up safely. Keep fireworks out of the hands of young children. Never light fireworks near your home, dry leaves or grass, or other flammable materials.
Douse it out. Always keep a bucket of water around to douse the fireworks when you are done. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, too.

Did you know? A sparkler burns at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. For comparison, water boils at 212 degrees, wood burns at 575 degrees and glass melts at 900 degrees!

(Sources: Hall Jr., John R. “Fireworks.” National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division, June 2011; Firesafety.gov, “Fireworks and Summer Fire Safety.” http://www.firesafety.gov/citizens/firesafety/fireworks.shtm)

Hurricane Preparedness

espinoza — Mon, 23 May 2011 12:32:02 +0000

May 22-28, 2011 is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Hurricanes come with many hazards – storm surge, high winds, heavy rains, inland flooding and even tornadoes. The official Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. As peak season approaches, it is important to understand and prepare for hurricane hazards, even if you don’t live right on the coast.

Viewer Tip: This is the perfect time to make a family disaster plan. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center offers these tips for creating your family disaster plan:

Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your home and check your insurance coverage. Many home insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
Learn evacuation routes for your community and choose a meeting place for family members. Designate an out-of-state friend or family member as a point of contact for all family members in case you are separated.
Choose a safe room in your home in case you have to shelter in place. Put together a disaster supply kit. For a list of items to include in your kit, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml.
Make a plan for pets in the event of evacuation. Most shelters will not allow pets.
Have a NOAA Weather Radio handy to listen for weather information and warnings.

Learn more about National Hurricane Preparedness Week at www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepared_week.shtml.

Weather and Health

espinoza — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:26:01 +0000

National Public Health Week takes place from April 4-10, 2011. This year’s theme is “Safety is NO Accident: Live Injury Free.” Safety from weather events is central to keeping people well. A 2009 NOAA study found that floods, extreme heat and rip currents are leading causes of weather-related fatalities. Common causes of weather-related injuries are tornadoes, extreme heat and winter storms. With winter weather largely behind us, most of the weather-related risks to life and safety are coming up in spring and summer.

Viewer Tip: This is good time to remember some basic weather safety tips that will keep you and your family safe.

Heat: Even when the outside temperature is relatively mild (about 70 degrees) the temperature inside a sealed car can rise quickly – up to 40 degrees in 60 minutes. Please don’t leave kids or pets alone in a car, even for a few minutes.
Floods: As winter snow melts and rain falls, floods will occur in some parts of the country. Remember the National Weather Service’s advice to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Never cross flooded roads or pathways in a car or on foot – find another, safe route.
Lightning: If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike. The only safe place when lightning is nearby is inside a substantial building or a metal-topped vehicle.

This information is provided by the American Meteorological Society, a partner in National Public Health Week.

Flood Safety Awareness Week 2011

espinoza — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 23:57:24 +0000

March 14-18 is the National Weather Service’s Flood Safety Awareness Week. Flooding occurs from coast to coast at all times of the year – and there are many factors that contribute to flooding events.

Snowmelt Flooding: When snow begins to melt, flooding can occur if the amount of snowmelt exceeds the capacity for soils and surface waters to store water. The Northeast, North Central and Western U.S. are particularly vulnerable to snowpack flooding.
Ice Jams: In northern parts of the U.S., ice covers many lakes and rivers during the winter. Sometimes, as ice breaks up and flows downstream, it can pile up at obstructed areas (such as narrow parts of the river or bridges) and cause upstream flooding.
Tropical Cyclone Inland Flooding: Heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical storms often causes more damage than high winds. Slow-moving storms can mean that heavy rains persist over one area, increasing the risk for flooding.
Flash Floods: Flash flooding usually happens when heavy, localized rainfall causes water to rise rapidly in a low-lying area or stream. Flash floods can happen quickly and without warning, and are often the result of slowly moving thunderstorms or multiple storms occurring in a short amount of time.
Debris Flows: After a wildfire, debris flows (mud flows) can be a serious risk. When rain falls on burned slopes, water can pick up speed quickly, carrying soils and rocks along the way. Debris flows can damage bridges, roadways, culverts, and buildings, and can cause injuries and death.
Viewer Tip: Every family should be prepared for a flood. Develop a family disaster plan – learn what your flood risk is, find out how your community will warn you if a natural disaster occurs, and identify evacuation plans. For a checklist of tips to help homeowners avoid flood damage, see Avoiding Flood Damage: A checklist for Homeowners at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/pdf/flood_damage.pdf.

Learn more about Flood Safety Awareness Week at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov.

Image courtesy of NOAA. Related visuals from NOAA’s Environmental Visualization Lab:

Flood Risk for the U.S. Midwest and Plains: www.nnvl.noaa.gov/MediaDetail.php?MediaID=669&MediaTypeID=1
East Coast STates Brace for Extended Flooding: www.nnvl.noaa.gov/MediaDetail.php?MediaID=676&MediaTypeID=1&MediaFileID=178

Tsunamis

espinoza — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:18:05 +0000

Unlike storms that can be tracked days in advance, tsunamis cannot be predicted. This means that tsunami warning centers only have a few hours – at most – to forecast landfall and wave heights.

A tsunami warning in an area means that a tsunami may be imminent and coastal areas should be prepared for inundation and flooding.
A tsunami advisory means that dangerous currents are expected. People should stay away from beaches and harbors.
A tsunami watch is issued in areas outside the warning area that should remain alert for further information.

Viewer Tip: Strange sounds from the ocean or a tide that quickly recedes from the shore can indicate the leading edge of a tsunami wave. If you see these signs, move inland one mile and get 100 feet or more above sea level. If that is not possible, get into a well-constructed building, well above ground floor.

Learn more about tsunamis and find additional preparedness tips at www.tsunami.noaa.gov.

Wildfire Risk (Southwestern U.S.)

espinoza — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:38:53 +0000

Currently, about 25 percent of the western United States is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions – these conditions are concentrated in Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. Wildfire risk can be especially high in areas where homes and buildings are located adjacent to woodlands, parks and other natural landscapes.

Viewer Tip: This is a good time of year to survey your property and reduce the amount of flammable material around your home. An easy way to do this is to think of your property in zones:

Zone 1 is closest to your home and extends for at least 30 feet. This zone should be well-irrigated and planted with native plants that are well-suited to the local climate.
Zone 2 extends at least 20 feet from Zone 1. This area should also be well-irrigated and can include low-growing plants, shrubs and carefully-placed trees. Place trees at least 10 feet apart and trim away dead branches.
Zone 3 is the furthest from your home and extends at least 50 feet from Zone 2. Think of this as a “slightly modified natural area.” Thin out dense areas of trees and remove dead or dying trees and shrubs.

Season: Spring

(Sources: National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Protection Program. “Fire Hazard Assessment in the Wildland/Urban Interface.” http://www.firewise.org/resources/nfpa/index.html; Firewise. “Is Your Home Protected from Wildfire Disaster?” http://www.firewise.org/resources/homeowner.htm)

Preparing for Wildfire Season (South and Texas)

espinoza — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:33:58 +0000

Currently, more than 96 percent of the southern United States is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. The spring months – March through May – are a time of increased wildfire risk in this part of the country. Wildfire risk can be especially high in areas where homes and buildings are located adjacent to woodlands, parks and other natural landscapes.

Viewer Tip: This is a good time of year to survey your property and reduce the amount of flammable material around your home. An easy way to do this is to think of your property in zones:

Zone 1 is closest to your home and extends for at least 30 feet. This zone should be well-irrigated and planted with native plants that are well-suited to the local climate.
Zone 2 extends at least 20 feet from Zone 1. This area should also be well-irrigated and can include low-growing plants, shrubs and carefully-placed trees. Place trees at least 10 feet apart and trim away dead branches.
Zone 3 is the furthest from your home and extends at least 50 feet from Zone 2. Think of this as a “slightly modified natural area.” Thin out dense areas of trees and remove dead or dying trees and shrubs.

Season: Spring

Preparing for Wildfire Season (Southeast)

espinoza — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:30:37 +0000

Currently, nearly 95 percent of the southeastern United States is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. The spring months – March through May – are a time of increased wildfire risk in this part of the country. Wildfire risk can be especially high in areas where homes and buildings are located adjacent to woodlands, parks and other natural landscapes.

Viewer Tip: This is a good time of year to survey your property and reduce the amount of flammable material around your home. An easy way to do this is to think of your property in zones:

Zone 1 is closest to your home and extends for at least 30 feet. This zone should be well-irrigated and planted with native plants that are well-suited to the local climate.
Zone 2 extends at least 20 feet from Zone 1. This area should also be well-irrigated and can include low-growing plants, shrubs and carefully-placed trees. Place trees at least 10 feet apart and trim away dead branches.
Zone 3 is the furthest from your home and extends at least 50 feet from Zone 2. Think of this as a “slightly modified natural area.” Thin out dense areas of trees and remove dead or dying trees and shrubs.

Season: Spring

Winter Potholes

espinoza — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:56:28 +0000

Have you ever wondered why potholes appear on roadways during the winter months? Water from melting snow and ice seeps into pavement and the sub-material between pavement and soil below. When repeated spells of cold weather occur, the water in the pavement refreezes and expands, breaking up the pavement at and below the road surface. When the ice melts again, the resulting gaps inside the pavement and moisture soften the asphalt. The damaged asphalt cannot support the weight of cars – as more vehicles pass over the weakened spot, pieces of pavement get broken away, leaving behind a hole.

Viewer Tip: In most areas, you can report potholes to your city streets department or the state transportation department for repair. If you hit a pothole in your vehicle and notice steering problems, low tire pressure or visible bulges or blisters on your tires, it is a good idea to have a professional check your vehicle for damage and make any necessary repairs.

Season: Winter

(Sources: Virginia Department of Transportation. “Getting to the Bottom: How do Potholes Form?” and Reuters, January 2008. “Beware of Potholes, Says Car Coucil.” http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS161904+28-Jan-2008+PRN20080128)

Chilling Winds

espinoza — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:15:27 +0000

Wind chill temperature measures how cold humans and animals feel when they are outdoors, based on how cold air and wind affect the rate at which heat is lost from the body. When wind increases, it reduces skin temperature and eventually your internal body temperature by drawing heat away from the body. While wind makes you feel much colder, it does not lower the temperature of inanimate objects, such as pipes or car radiators. For example, if it is five degrees Fahrenheit outside and the wind chill is -15 degrees Fahrenheit, inanimate objects will only cool to five degrees, but wind can reduce the time it takes them to cool to that temperature.

Viewer Tip: The best way to stay safe during extremely cold weather is to limit your time outdoors and dress appropriately. Adults and kids should wear a hat, gloves or mittens, layered, long-sleeved clothing, and a water-resistant, warm jacket. Use a scarf or knit mask to cover your face and mouth. When you’re outside, watch for signals of heat-loss – persistent shivering is a sign that you should head inside. Don’t forget to bring pets inside, too.

Season: Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service. “Wind Chill Terms and Definitions.” http://www.weather.gov/os/windchill/windchillglossary.shtml; NOAA NWS. “NWS Windchill Chart.” http://www.weather.gov/os/windchill/index.shtml; Centers for Disease Control. “Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety.” http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/pdf/cold_guide.pdf)

Trimming Trees

espinoza — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:34:42 +0000

High winds and winter storms can forcefully bring down trees and branches, causing damage to homes, vehicles and utility lines – and sometimes even power outages. Examining trees on your property for easy-to-spot problems can help avoid damage later on. Look for dead or diseased branches, cracks in the tree trunk or large limbs, trees that lean significantly, branches that come in contact with the roof or nearby power lines, and mushrooms growing from bark, which may indicate that the tree is weak or diseased. Also look for V-shaped forks – these are more likely to split than U-shaped forks.

Viewer Tip: According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, pruning trees on your property can go a long way in preventing future damage. It also helps to keep trees disease-free and healthy. You can ask a professional to prune trees or you can do it yourself. Visit www.disastersafety.org/projects/?id=1255&category=1068 for tips on properly pruning trees. You’ll also find tips for caring for damaged trees after a storm.

Season: Winter

(Source: Institute for Business and Home Safety. “Severe Winter Weather – Tree Damage: Trim Your Risk.” http://www.disastersafety.org/projects/?id=1255&category=1068)

Winter Storm Smarts

espinoza — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:35:56 +0000

Burns are a common form of injury during heavy snowfall or freezing rain events. Winter storms may break utility poles or disrupt electric lines, cutting off some households from power, heat and communication. Those unaccustomed to using candles or burning wood for heat can suffer from burns and other injuries. Wood burning and use of other portable heating devices can also cause air pollutants to build up inside your home.

Viewer Tip: If you find yourself without power, use fireplaces, wood stoves, candles and other heating devices carefully. When building a fire, be sure that the fireplace damper is open – smoke inside your home is a signal that your fireplace or stove is not working correctly. Never use charcoal grills or other unvented fuel-burning appliances to heat your home. Additionally, keep a first aid kit for your home in case of emergency. Some items to include: Bandages, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, non-latex gloves, sterile gauze pads, tweezers and scissors.

This information is from Weather and Health, a free online course produced by the COMET Program and NEEF. Access the course at www.meted.ucar.edu/broadcastmet/wxrx/ (free registration is required).