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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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

September is National Preparedness Month! A national preparedness survey by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) found that of respondents who considered themselves prepared for an emergency, 35 percent did not have a household plan, 77 percent had not conducted a home evacuation drill, and 73 percent did not know community evacuation routes. Viewer Tip: [...]

Have you ever wanted to help keep your community by reporting severe weather?  SKYWARN is a volunteer network of nearly 290,000 trained severe weather spotters around the country.  SKYWARN spotters help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate information to the National Weather Service about weather events like thunderstorms, winter weather and [...]

Did you know there are over 140,000 wildfires a year in the U.S.? The consequences of wildfires have significant impacts on fish and their habitats due to changes in water quality and water flow. Forest fires cause an increase in flooding because the vegetation that once slowed the runoff is now gone. They also result [...]

Many homes and buildings are adjacent to woodlands and parks, which provide beautiful views and peaceful settings.  But wildfire risk can be especially high in this “wildland-urban interface,” where the built environment blends with natural landscapes. Viewer Tip: You can protect your home from wildfire by reducing the amount of flammable material between your home and a natural area. An easy [...]

February 21-27 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Oklahoma.  This is a great time to make sure you and your family are prepared for the kinds of severe weather experienced in Oklahoma, including tornadoes, flash floods and thunderstorms. Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you [...]

February 21-27 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Louisiana.  This is a great time to make sure you and your family are prepared for the kinds of severe weather experienced in Louisiana, including flash floods, thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes. Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure [...]

February 22-26 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Arkansas.  This is a great time to make sure you and your family are prepared for the kinds of severe weather experienced in Arkansas, including flash floods, thunderstorms and tornadoes. Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside [...]

February 22-26 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Arizona.  This is a great time to make sure you and your family are prepared for the kinds of severe weather experienced in Arizona, including flash floods, thunderstorms and damaging winds. Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set [...]

February 22-26 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Alabama.  This is a great time to make sure you and your family are prepared for the kinds of severe weather experienced in Alabama, including flash floods, thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes. Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set [...]

February 21-27 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Texas.  This is a great time to make sure you and your family are prepared for the kinds of severe weather experienced in Texas, including flash floods, thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes. Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure [...]

In a typical year, more fires are reported on Independence Day than any other day – fireworks account for at least half of those fires.  In 2006, an estimated 32,600 reported fires were caused by fireworks, including 1,700 structure fires, 600 vehicle fires and 30,300 fires outdoors. Viewer Tip: Over half of Wisconsin is currently [...]

In a typical year, more fires are reported on Independence Day than any other day – fireworks account for at least half of those fires.  In 2006, an estimated 32,600 reported fires were caused by fireworks, including 1,700 structure fires, 600 vehicle fires and 30,300 fires outdoors. Viewer Tip: Nearly all of Hawaii is currently [...]

In a typical year, more fires are reported on Independence Day than any other day – fireworks account for at least half of those fires.  In 2006, an estimated 32,600 reported fires were caused by fireworks, including 1,700 structure fires, 600 vehicle fires and 30,300 fires outdoors. Viewer Tip: About 43 percent of Minnesota is [...]