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/)

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.

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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

Viewer Tip: Prepare your property for high winds by making sure your home and belongings are secure.

• Bring lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, trash cans, potted and hanging plants, and any other items that might be picked up by wind inside.
• Secure your home by closing windows and doors.  Close hurricane shutters if you have them.
• Be prepared for power outages – have a flash light, water and non-perishable food on hand.
• If you live in a mobile home, consider moving to a more substantial shelter to stay safe.

Seasons: Summer, Fall

(Sources: American Red Cross. “Talking about Disaster: Guide for Standarad Messages.” Available from: www.redcross.org. National Weather Service, www.nws.noaa.gov)

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/)

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.

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)

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://gohsep.la.gov/.

Season: Winter

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

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 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)

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 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

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 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)

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.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)

Viewer Tip: National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 24-30, 2009.  Be prepared before hurricane season arrives.

• Make an emergency evacuation plan prior to June 1.
• Find out if your home meets current building code requirements for high winds.  If not, consider making some improvements to your home.  Visit the National Hurricane Center’s “Retrofitting Your Home” Web site for more information: www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/retrofit/secure_home.shtml.
• Determine if you live in a flood zone.  Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information.

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

Seasons: Summer, Fall

(Source: National Hurricane Preparedness Week:  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml)

Viewer Tip: As you clean up and rebuild, remember that there are ways to retrofit your property so that it will better withstand hurricane conditions, should they occur again.

• Roof: Bracing gabled roofs will prevent collapse or significant damage.  Replace missing shingles, and make sure that roof shingles are properly bonded together.
• Shutters: Installing impact-resistant shutters over large windows and glass doors can protect from wind-borne objects and reduce damage.  If you are installing new windows, laminated window systems, which are made of plastic bonded to glass, are a good choice.
• Garage Door: Double-wide garage doors are more susceptible to damage from wind than single-sized doors.  You can check with your local government building official to see if there are code requirements for your garage door.  Your local home improvement store or garage door retailer may be able to provide you with a retrofit kit for your garage door model.  Adding bracing and heavier hinges to your garage door can help prevent damage.

Find more information about these topics and other retrofitting ideas from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/retrofit/secure_home.shtml.

Seasons: Summer, Fall
 
(Sources: NOAA National Hurricane Center. “Secure Your Home: Retrofitting Your Home.” http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/retrofit/secure_home.shtml)

Viewer Tip: Are you prepared. Taking a few simple steps now can help you and your family members stay safe if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs in your area.

• Make an Emergency Kit.  Gather enough supplies for at least three days. Some things to include are water, non-perishable food and can opener, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, and first aid kit.  Find a complete list of items for your kit: www.ready.gov/america/npm08/getakit.html.
• Make a Family Emergency Plan.  Make sure every family member knows who to contact in an emergency.  Make sure you have planned for older and disabled family members, and pets.  Download a family emergency planner: www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html.
• Know Your Stuff.  Find out what kinds of natural disasters are likely to occur in your area.  Know evacuation routes and learn about emergency plans developed by your local or state government.

Season: Fall

(Sources: Department of Homeland Security. November 14, 2006. “Homeland Security Launches New Ads to Demonstrate Importance of Family Emergency Planning.”http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1163518483290.shtm; National Preparedness Month 2008. http://www.ready.gov/america/npm08/intro.html)

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 have also been displaced from their homes.  Snakes and rodents may be hiding in flood waters or confined areas.
    Learn more about flood clean-up and safety from the American Red Cross.  Visit www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_570_,00.html.

Seasons: Summer, Fall

(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)