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Offers Wicked Winter Weather Safety Tips for Your Home and Vehicle
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With reports of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain throughout parts of the country, the American Red Cross is urging families to take the following actions now to prepare for hazardous winter weather.
"Winter storms can be 'deceptive killers' since the majority of winter-related deaths are caused by events related to the heavy snowfall, high winds, and freezing rain that often accompanies them," said Darlene Sparks Washington, Director for Preparedness at the American Red Cross, "People can become trapped at home without utilities or other services. Motorists can become stranded in their vehicles. Walking and driving can become hazardous. But people can stay safer if they listen to the advice of local authorities and take action to get prepared ahead of time."
The Red Cross recommends everyone prepare for severe weather conditions in the following ways:
Get a Disaster Supplies Kit For Your Home:
-- Three-day supply of water (one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and hygiene).
-- Three-day supply of non perishable, high-energy food and a manual can opener.
-- First aid kit and essential medications. -- Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio. -- Flashlight, and extra batteries. -- Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.
-- Copies of important documents (birth certificate, title/deed to home, insurance policies, etc) in a water-proof container.
Get a Disaster Supplies Kit For Your Vehicle: (all of the above plus) -- Blankets or sleeping bags. -- Jumper cables. -- Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type). -- Compass and road maps. -- Shovel. -- Tire repair kit and pump. -- Flares. -- Extra clothing to keep dry. -- Sack of sand or cat litter (for tire traction). -- Tow rope. Make a Winter Storm Plan:
-- Be prepared to shelter at home in case of severe weather. Have additional food and water stored to last seven to fourteen days.
-- Have extra blankets on hand.
-- Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, a hat, and water-resistant boots.
-- Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your home and vehicle. -- Have your vehicle winterized before the weather gets severe.
-- Decide how you would communicate with your family members should you be separated and unable to travel when a winter storm hits.
Be Informed:
-- Learn how you would receive information from local officials should hazardous winter weather affect your neighborhood.
-- Know the difference between a winter storm WATCH (a winter storm is possible in your area) and a winter storm WARNING (a winter storm is headed for your area).
-- Consider getting first aid and CPR training in case you need to respond in an emergency before professionals arrive on the scene.
If the Power Goes Out:
-- Do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.
-- Use items in the refrigerator first, then freezer, then non-perishable foods.
-- Use generators correctly - If you have a portable generator and the power goes out, always plan to keep the generator outdoors. Never operate it inside, including the basement, garage, carport or near any open windows. Connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring.
Hazardous Winter Travel: The American Red Cross strongly urges everyone to monitor weather reports and follow the directions of local authorities. If travel is absolutely necessary during potentially dangerous winter weather, inform someone of your travel route, destination and expected arrival time. Store a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle and remember to keep the gas tank near full to avoid ice building up in the gas tank and fuel lines.
In Case of Snow or Black Ice:
-- Stay with your vehicle. Do not try to walk to safety as you risk developing hypothermia and/or frostbite.
-- Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
-- Start the vehicle and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the vehicle.
-- As you sit, move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to help you stay warm.
-- Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
-- Leave the overhead light on inside the vehicle when the engine is running so you can be seen.
-- After the snow has stopped falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.
In Case of a Flood:
-- Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades ... they are there for your safety.
-- If your vehicle stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
For more information about how you can prepare for a variety of winter weather-related disasters including winter and ice storms, power outages and floods contact your local Red Cross chapter or visit www.redcross.org.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
Source: American Red Cross
CONTACT: Jenny Brennan of the American Red Cross, +1-202-303-4460,
Mobile: +1-202-465-0797, brennanjen@usa.redcross.org
Web Site: http://www.redcross.org/
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season officially comes to a close on November 30, NOAA scientists are carefully reviewing a set of dynamic weather patterns that yielded lower-than-expected hurricane activity across the Atlantic Basin. As a result, the United States was largely spared from significant landfalling storms. However, several noteworthy events took place, including two back-to-back Category 5 hurricanes hitting Central America and the rapid near-shore intensification of the single U.S. landfalling hurricane.
As a whole, the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season produced a total of 14 named storms, including six hurricanes, two of which became major hurricanes. NOAA's August update to the seasonal forecast predicted 13 to 16 named storms - of which seven to nine would be hurricanes, including three to five major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher. An average season has 11 named storms, with six becoming hurricanes, including two major hurricanes.
"The 2007 Atlantic hurricane season produced the predicted number of named storms, but the combined number, duration and intensity of the hurricanes did not meet expectations," said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. "The United States was fortunate this year to have fewer strong hurricanes develop than predicted. Normally, the climate patterns that were in place produce an active, volatile hurricane season."
The climate patterns predicted for the 2007 hurricane season - an ongoing multi-decadal signal (the set of oceanic and atmospheric conditions that have spawned increased Atlantic hurricane activity since 1995) and La Nina - produced the expected below-normal hurricane activity over the eastern and central Pacific regions. However, La Nina's impact over the Atlantic was weaker than expected, which resulted in stronger upper-level winds and increased wind shear over the Caribbean Sea during the peak months of the season (August-October). This limited Atlantic hurricane formation during that period. NOAA's scientists are investigating possible climate factors that may have led to this lower-than-expected activity.
All in all, one hurricane, one tropical storm and three tropical depressions struck the United States: Tropical Depression Barry came ashore near Tampa Bay, Fla., on June 2; Tropical Depression Erin hit southeast Texas on August 16 and Tropical Depression Ten came ashore along the western Florida panhandle on Sept. 21; Tropical Storm Gabrielle hit east-central North Carolina on Sept. 9, and Hurricane Humberto hit the upper Texas coast on Sept. 13.
Also this year, the U.S. was reminded of the dangers of inland flooding. "Texas and Oklahoma experienced deadly flooding when Erin dumped up to 11 inches of rain. Fresh water flooding is yet another deadly aspect of tropical cyclones," said Ed Rappaport, acting director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center.
Other noteworthy statistics of the season include:
-- Eight storms formed in the Atlantic Basin during September - tying September 2002 for having the most storm formations during any given month.
-- For the first time in recorded history, two Category 5 hurricanes made landfall in the Atlantic Basin during the same season. Hurricane Dean hit the Yucatan Peninsula near Costa Maya on Aug. 21 with 165 mph winds, followed by Hurricane Felix on Sept. 2, near Punta Gorda, Nicaragua, with 160 mph winds.
-- With a central pressure of 906 millibars, Hurricane Dean had the third lowest pressure at landfall - behind the Labor Day 1935 Hurricane in the Florida Keys and Hurricane Gilbert of 1988 in Cancun, Mexico. Dean is also the first Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the Atlantic Basin since Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida in 1992.
-- Hurricane Humberto grew from a tropical depression with top winds of 35 mph into a hurricane with winds of 85 mph within 24 hours - only three others storms (Celia 1970, Arlene and Flora 1963) intensified faster during a 24-hour period from below tropical storm strength.
-- NOAA's Climate Prediction Center will release an official summary of the 2007 Atlantic Hurricane Season in January 2008. NOAA will announce its 2008 hurricane outlooks for the Atlantic, East Pacific and Central Pacific in May.
NOAA's Atlantic and East Pacific hurricane outlooks are official products of its Climate Prediction Center in collaboration with scientists at the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Research Division and the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. NOAA's Central Pacific Outlook is an official product of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, and in collaboration with the Climate Prediction Center.
Web Site: http://www.hurricanes.gov/
http://www.noaa.gov/
http://www.weather.gov/
How The Weather And Moon Really Impact Fishing
by Trevor Kugler
Let's start with the barometer. The barometer is a very effective tool for measuring the feeding behavior of fish. The barometer is an instrument used to measure ambient atmospheric pressure. Don't worry, I'm going to simplify it for you and cut through all of the scientific jargon so we can get to what really matters, catching fish. The measure of barometric atmospheric pressure can then be used to help predict the weather and more importantly for our purposes, the feeding behavior of fish. Haven't we all wondered why fish were so easy to catch yesterday, but today you can't even get a bite? [continue article]
Galapagos Islands Weather
by Eric Castro
Although the Galapagos Islands are located on the equator, the temperature of the oceanic surface varies vastly, between 7 and 28°C. The islands also suffer drastic changes. The period between January and March is considered the hot and humid season, being March the hottest month in the year; during this season the plants are plentiful and the temperature of the water is ideal for diving in Galapagos. In the time of July to September less rains are presented and the islands are more dry, but fresher; the temperature of the water diminishes considerably, but it is the ideal season to observe more aquatic life, since the animals prefer the cold currents. [continue article]
by Tim TheCampingGuy
A number of my friends take their kids to the desert in December to go dirt biking and they complain about the cold camping. Well, here are a number of tips that I ve used when cold weather camping that will make your campout more enjoyable. [continue article]
Tips on Cold Weather Running
by James Allred
Your alarm goes off a 6:00 AM; you jump out of bed to get ready for your run. You look out the window and notice that it s snowed, the thermometer says its 35 degrees Fahrenheit outside. For a fleeting moment you think about postponing your run, but just for a second, the avid runner that you are won t let you miss a day, unless of course there s a blizzard. While being dedicated to your sport is admirable, here are some tips on cold weather running from a personal fitness & nutrition trainer Dallas you should know in order to avoid injury and have a safe run. You might also consider using the expert skills of personal fitness ... nutrition trainer.
" What to wear? Layer when your run. When you layer you will be able to take clothes off if you become too warm, keeping you safe and just warm enough. " Be Seen? Make sure you wear clothes that are noticeable especially if you re running at night or in the snow. " What is too much? Before you leave on your run if you feel very warm and comfy you are more than likely overdressed for your run. " What type of clothing? Pick clothing that is made out of a moisture wick material. This will help keep you dry and warm and will also prevent irritation and chafing from sweating. It also minimizes loss of body heat. " Extremities? Make sure to wear a hat and mittens, (gloves are fine, but mittens are warmer). Heat tends to escape quickly through the top of your head. Be sure to wear a hat to keep your ears war and the heat in. Be sure to wear mittens, this will help to avoid frost bite. " Hydrate? Whether you realize this or not you need to drink fluids just as much in the winter as you do in the summer. You re running and your body is working vigorously expending energy, you need to hydrate, whether its water or a sport drink throughout your workout. " Warm up? Remember to stretch before and during your run. Loosening up your muscles before you run raises your body heat helping to avoid injury. " Fuel? Running on an empty stomach is like driving your car on a long trip without any gas. You need fuel for energy to have a great run. It s best to eat simple fruit a couple of hours before your run. Simple sugars are easily digestible and change to fuel rapidly.
Now that you know the tips on cold weather running here s something else recommended by a personal fitness & nutrition trainer Dallas you might like to know. Have you ever felt a sharp pain in your throat when you were running? This is caused by cold air hitting your lungs when you breathe: it doesn t have time to warm up. You can help eliminate this by breathing through your nose. (This is also a good technique to learn whenever you run.) This technique will not eliminate, but will help decrease the painful sensation in your throat.
One more thing, try running in the middle of the day if you can, it s the warmest part of the day when it s winter. Follow these tips for cold weather running, use your common sense, keep warm, and have a safe run.
Call Hut Allred at 972-871-7575 or visit his website at www.newwavefitness.com to learn how he can help customize a fitness and nutrition program to achieve your goals. James Allred may be contacted at or info@newwavefitness.com
2004 Archives
5-5-03. Deadly tornadoes destroyed homes and lives in Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee on Sunday. According to emergency management officials, 37 people died and others are reported missing. Lawrence County, Missouri was the hardest hit with a tornado wrecking havoc on the ground for over 30 minutes. According to a Pierce City, Missouri utilities clerk, “our downtown area was pretty much leveled. It was a beautiful little town.” Two of the fatalities were at a shelter. Tornado watches (when conditions are favorable for tornadoes) are still in effect from northern Mississippi to northern Alabama and northern Georgia.
Ryan Jewell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, says that “unofficially, views of the storm damage appear to be in the range of F3 or higher.” Based on the Fujita scale, F3 tornadoes have wind strengths of 158 to 206 miles per hour. F5 is the highest.
6-23-03. Spillgates for the Lake Manatee were manually cranked open by engineers in efforts to speed up the drainage of the lake by letting out 7 million gallons an hour. It reached record levels and threatened nearby communities as waters neared the top of the 50-foot-high structure. According to Captain Larry Leinhauser of the Manatee County Department of Public Safety, "as soon as we got the gate open, we got the flash flood warning, saying we were going to get 3 to 5 inches of rain an hour for the next two hours."
In the last week, the south side of the Tampa Bay area has been hit with a foot of rain.
6-23-03. A wind-driven fire has swept through the southern slopes of the Catalina Mountains outside of Tucson, Arizona. Estimations place fire damage to over 7,500 acres and more than 200 structures destroyed. As of Sunday, June 22, the fire was just five percent contained. Governor Janet Napolitano has declared the section of southeast Arizona a disaster area. Sparked by seasonal dry weather, twelve large wildfires are burning in four Western states and Alaska. Eight of these fires are in Arizona.
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