Earth Gauge » Thunderstorms

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)

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

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)

Lightning Smarts

espinoza — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:59:26 +0000

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 during a thunderstorm is indoors. If you do get caught outdoors, these tips can help reduce your risk of being struck by lightning:

If you are boating or swimming, get to land immediately.
Take shelter in your vehicle, if possible. Picnic shelters, dugouts and tents are not safe shelters during a storm.
If you cannot get to a vehicle, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
Get off of elevated areas, like hills, peaks or mountain ridges. Do not take shelter under a cliff or rocky overhang.
Never lie flat on the ground.

Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning!

Learn more about lightning safety from NOAA’s National Weather Service: www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/index.htm.

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/)

Lightning Strike

espinoza — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:34:57 +0000

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 strike up to ten miles outside of heavy rainfall. Keep these tips in mind to stay safe.

Look and listen for cues. If you hear thunder, you are in danger from lightning. Seeing lightning and hearing thunder very close together means that lightning is striking nearby.
Avoid “natural lightning rods.” Lightning is attracted to metal, poles and rods. Avoid golf clubs, baseball bats, fishing poles, bicycles, tractors and camping equipment during a storm.
Find shelter. A sturdy building is the safest place during a thunderstorm. Avoid gazebos, baseball dugouts, picnic shelters, golf carts, bleachers and other isolated objects in open spaces.

Find more lightning safety tips from National Weather Service: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/overview.htm.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: National Weather Service. “When Lightning Roars, Go Indoors!” http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/ and Coalition of Organizations for Disaster Education. “Talking about disaster: Guide for standard messages.” https://www.crossnet.org/disaster/disasterguide/; NWS Lightning Safety: Fatalities, http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/fatalities.htm)

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)

Turn Around, Don’t Drown

espinoza — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:28:57 +0000

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into flood waters; the next highest percentage of deaths is from walking into or near flood waters. Many people falsely believe that cars, trucks and SUVs are heavy enough to maintain contact with the road when driving through flood waters. Actually, vehicles float because of buoyancy, just like a heavy ship does. When the buoyancy force is greater than the weight of the vehicle, it will float.

Viewer Tip: Most cars can be swept away in just 18 to 24 inches of water; it takes only six inces of rapidly moving water to knock you off your feet. NOAA’s National Weather Service reminds you to “Turn around, don’t drown.” If you encouter a flooded roadway or walkway, find another safe route. Respect “road closed” barriers and warning signs, and be especially careful at night when it may be harder to see flood waters on roads and walkways.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service. “Flooding Ahead: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Available from: http://tadd.weather.gov/images/NSC_FinalVersion1-4.pdf)

Lightning Plan

administrator — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:56:11 +0000

Those who are involved in outdoor sports and recreational activities between the months of May and September can be exposed to the dangers of lightning. The majority of injuries related to lightning occur over the summer, with 80 percent of injuries occurring between 10 am and 7 pm.

Viewer Tip: If you spend time outdoors, have a plan! Know where you will go if a thunderstorm occurs and how much time it will take to get there. Remember that fully-enclosed buildings with plumbing are the safest spots during at thunderstorm. If you cannot reach an enclosed building, a hard-topped metal vehicle with windows closed is the next-best place to be. Sheds, picnic shelters and tents will not protect you from lightning.

If you are the leader of a sports team or outdoor recreation group, be sure to have a lightning plan for your group. Clearly communicate what your group should do if unsafe conditions occur.

Season: Summer

(Sources: Quinn, Elizabeth. “Lightning Safety During Outdoor Sports.” About.com: Sports Medicine. 2007. http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/enviromentalissues/a/lightning.htm; NOAA National Weather Service. “Weather Safety: Lightining.” http://www.weather.gov/os/lightning/pdfs/lightning-safety.pdf)

Hail and High Water

administrator — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:30:05 +0000

This spring and summer have been especially difficult for farmers and gardeners in the Northeast due to the inordinate amount of water received, mainly in the form of rain. Several storms have brought heavy downpours with hail. At Garden in the Woods of Framingham, MA, one particularly damaging hail storm roared through just after the July 4th Holiday, bringing some destruction to the gardens. The main damage was to larger-leafed plants. Native plants, which are used to New England weather, began to revive as soon as the storm moved on.

Viewer Tip: Save money and create more sustainable gardens by using native plant species in your yard. Native plants have existed in your microclimate for hundreds of years and are used to the changes and challenges from weather in your area. After a heavy rain or hail storm, check your plants for damage. Remove the most damaged leaves from your plants to help them recover more quickly.

This information is provided by the New England Wild Flower Society. For a list of native plants to grow under shady to sunny conditions, visit http://www.newenglandwild.org/grow/growing-conditions-native-plants.html.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

Don’t Strike Out

administrator — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:20:20 +0000

The typical U.S. thunderstorm is about 15 miles in diameter and lasts 20-30 minutes. 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. The National Weather Service reports that to date in 2009, 23 people have been killed by lightining; 28 people were killed in 2008 – all of them were outside when they were struck.

Viewer Tip: Lightning may strike up to ten miles outside of heavy rainfall. Keep these tips in mind to stay safe.

Look and listen for cues. If you hear thunder, you are in danger from lightning. Seeing lightning and hearing thunder very close together means that lightning is striking nearby.
Avoid “natural lightning rods.” Lightning is attracted to metal, poles and rods. Avoid golf clubs, baseball bats, fishing poles, bicycles, tractors and camping equipment during a storm.
Find shelter. A sturdy building is the safest place during a thunderstorm. Avoid gazebos, baseball dugouts, picnic shelters, golf carts, bleachers and other isolated objects in open spaces.

Find more lightning safety tips from National Weather Service: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/overview.htm.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Preppin’

administrator — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:28:23 +0000

September is National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to encourage all Americans to take easy steps to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies at home, work, and school. A study conducted by the Ad Council and DHS in 2006 found that 91 percent of respondents said it was “very” or “somewhat” important to be prepared for emergencies, but only 54 percent put together an emergency kit; only 39 percent created an emergency plan; and just 40 percent searched for information about preparedness.

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)

Caught in a Storm

administrator — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:04:37 +0000

Many people will be visiting lake or ocean beaches, camping, hiking, and participating in other outdoor activities during the summer months. As you plan for outdoor recreation activities, remember to keep lightning safety in mind. As of July 2008, there have been 23 lightning fatalities in the U.S. this year, and all of them have occurred outdoors.

Viewer Tip: Always check your local weather forecast before heading outside, and plan ahead. If you do not think outdoor activities will be safe, consider rescheduling for another day. If you do find yourself outside during a thunderstorm, these tips can help you stay safe in various scenarios:

Camping: The best place to seek shelter from a thunderstorm is in your car. Tents and picnic shelters will keep you dry, but offer no protection from a lightning strike.
Lake or Ocean Beaches: Again, head for your car. Beach picnic shacks and pavilions will not offer protection from lightning.
On the Water: Most lightning injuries and deaths happen on small boats that do not have a cabin. If you are on a small boat and lightning is imminent, anchor the boat and get as low as possible. Larger boats with cabins (especially those with lightning protection systems), are relatively safe – stay inside the cabin and avoid touching metal objects.
No Shelter Available: If you absolutely cannot find shelter during a thunderstorm, you should squat out in the open in a low-lying area on the tips of your toes in a “crouch” position, away from other members of your group. Do not lie down. Stay away from tall, isolated objects (such as lone trees), and avoid contact with fences, poles, and backpacks, which can conduct electricity.

Seasons: Summer

(Sources: National Weather Service. “2008 Lightning Fatalities.” http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/fatalities.htm; “Lightning Risk Reduction Outdoors.” http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm#unsafeb)