Earth Gauge » Floods

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.

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/)

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

Flood Facts

espinoza — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:01:02 +0000

Floods and flash floods occur in all 50 states and average annual flood losses in the United States from 1994-2004 were more than 2.4 billion dollars! Just one-inch of flood water can cause damage to your home, but most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Properties that are located in areas at high-risk for flooding are usually required to carry flood insurance – these properties have a one percent or higher risk of flooding in a given year. Moderate and low risk properties are typically not required to carry flood insurance, but account for about 25 percent of all flood claims.

Viewer Tip: Visit www.floodsmart.gov and enter your home address into the “One Step Flood Profile” to find out what your flood risk is and learn more about flood insurance options in your area. You can also visit “The Cost of Flooding” tool on the Flood Smart website to learn how much it might cost to repair damages from a few inches of flood water in your home.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: National Flood Insurance Program. “Flood Facts” and “Flooding and Flood Risks.” www.floodsmart.gov)

National Preparedness Month

espinoza — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:35:57 +0000

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: 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/npm10/getakit.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/npm10/makeaplan.html.
Consider Your Needs. Remember that additional planning may be required for older Americans, family members who are disabled or require special medications or medical treatments, and pets.
- Tips for older Americans: 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.

Season: Fall

(Sources: FEMA. August 2009. “Personal Preparedness in America: Findings from the 2009 Citizen Corps National Survey.” http://www.citizencorps.gov/pdf/2009_Citizen%20Corps_National%20Survey_Findings.pdf; National Preparedness Month 2010. http://www.ready.gov/america/npm10/index.html)

Become a Storm Spotter

espinoza — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:50:21 +0000

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 flooding.

Viewer Tip: Anyone can join the SKYWARN program. To become a storm spotter, you must attend a free training class at any of the 122 National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices around the country. You’ll learn to identify and describe severe weather and you’ll also learn about basic weather safety. To get more information about SKYWARN and find out when classes are available in your area, visit www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn or contact your local National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist at www.stormready.noaa.gov/contact.htm.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service. SKYWARN. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn/)

Hurricane Prep

espinoza — Sun, 23 May 2010 22:24:59 +0000

May 23-29, 2010 is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Hurricanes encompass many hazards – storm surge, high winds, heavy rains, 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.

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 inyour 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.

Find these and additional preparedness tips at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml.

Learn more about National Hurricane Preparedness Week at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml.

Oklahoma Severe Weather Awareness

espinoza — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:53:45 +0000

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 and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

First-aid kit
Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist and other Severe Weather Awareness resources at http://www.mcready.org/info.html and http://www.srh.weather.gov/oun/?n=swaw.

Season: Winter

(Source: Norman, OK National Weather Service Forecast Office. “Oklahoma Severe Weather Awareness.” http://www.srh.weather.gov/oun/?n=swaw)

Louisiana Severe Weather Awareness

espinoza — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:43:33 +0000

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.

First-aid kit
Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist and other Severe Weather Awareness resources at http://gohsep.la.gov/.

Season: Winter

(Source: Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. “Emergency Kit.” http://www.getagameplan.org/planFamily.htm)

Arkansas Severe Weather Awareness

espinoza — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:31:29 +0000

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.

First-aid kit
Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist from the American Red Cross at: http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html.

Season: Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service, Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services. “Severe Weather Events Calendar.” http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/severeweather/severewxcal.shtml; American Red Cross. “Disaster Supplies Kit.” http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html)

Arizona Severe Weather Awareness

espinoza — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:21:45 +0000

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.

First-aid kit
Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist from the American Red Cross at: http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html.

Season: Winter

Alabama Severe Weather Awareness

espinoza — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:18:05 +0000

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.

First-aid kit
Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist from the American Red Cross at: http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html.

Season: Winter

Texas Severe Weather Awareness

espinoza — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:12:47 +0000

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.

First-aid kit
Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist and other Severe Weather Awareness resources at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/weather_aware_severe.htm.

Season: Winter

(Source: Texas Department of Public Safety. “Severe Weather Awareness.” http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/weather_aware_severe.htm)