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AAA projects that more than 92 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the year-end holidays – and nine out of ten will make that trip in a car. If you are hitting the road, make sure you aren’t one of the 1.4 million stranded motorists AAA expects to service during the Christmas [...]

About 15,000 emergency room visits and 500 deaths occur each year because of unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. As a matter of fact, this colorless, odorless gas is the most common cause of poisoning deaths in the U.S. CO is produced when a fuel (natural gas, propane, oil, kerosene, wood, charcoal) is burned. During cold [...]

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 winds can damage homes and buildings, especially when tree branches, stones and gravel, patio furniture, roofing tiles and other objects are blown around. Homes that sit at the edge of open areas, such as fields or golf courses, can be especially vulnerable because they are more exposed to full-force winds. Homes that stick up [...]

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: [...]

During the summer, thunderstorms occur more frequently due to warm, moist air.  Approximately 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring at any given time.  They usually last about 30 minutes and are typically 15 miles in diameter.  Lightning occurs in all thunderstorms. Viewer Tip: Lightning strikes the Earth 20 million times per year!  The best place to be [...]

Strong, gusty winds associated with tropical storms can easily carry away trash and other large items.  Blowing debris can cause injury, damage property and harm wildlife. 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 [...]

Rising temperatures can take a toll on our bodies. Usually, your body cools as perspiration evaporates off your skin. But on extremely hot days, evaporation slows and your body has to work harder to maintain a normal body temperature. The American Meteorological Society estimates that up to 1,000 people die each year from heat-related illnesses; [...]

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 [...]

Although thunderstorms impact relatively small areas when compared to winter storms or hurricanes, they are still dangerous.  Thunderstorms can be accompanied by hail, strong winds and flash flooding; every thunderstorm is accompanied by lightning. Viewer Tip: In 2010, there have been eight lightning fatalities to date – all of them were outside when struck. Lightning [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

The National Weather Service estimates that about 1200 tornadoes occur in the U.S each year, causing up to 70 fatalities and 1500 injuries nationwide.  When severe thunderstorms occur, changing wind direction and speed can create an area of rotating air, which is where most tornadoes form.  Thunderstorms can also be accompanied by high winds, hail [...]

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 [...]