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| Weather Safety |
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We all know how the weather plays a major part of our events. Planning ahead and being ready if and when mother nature strikes is a great way to reduce unexpected problems. This page has some helpful items that will aid you in planning for the weather. To view a topic about weather, scroll down or click a following link:
NOAA Weather Radio NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Working with the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Emergency Alert System , NWR is an "All Hazards" radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. In conjunction with Federal, State, and Local Emergency Managers and other public officials, NWR also broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards – including natural (such as earthquakes or avalanches), environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety (such as AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages).
Known as the "Voice of NOAA's National Weather Service," NWR is provided as a public service by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce. NWR includes 1000 transmitters, covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Territories. NWR requires a special radio receiver or scanner capable of picking up the signal. Broadcasts are found in the VHF public service band at these seven frequencies (MHz):
Heat Index
Keeping an eye on the heat index values is a critical part of keeping your riders and spectators safe. Often, heat stroke and symptoms of heat stroke occur rapidly and unexpectedly.
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Lightning
Summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena— lightning. But don't be fooled, lightning strikes yearround. The goal of this Website is to safeguard U.S. residents from lightning. In the United States, an average of 58 people are killed each year by lightning:
* To date, in 2009, 24 people have been killed by lightning * In 2008, 28 people died due to lightning strikes * Hundreds of others were permanently injured. Of the victims who were killed by lightning in 2008: o 100% outside o 79% male o 36% males between the ages of 20-25 o 32% under a tree o 29% on or near the water
The reported number of injuries is likely far lower than the actual total number because many people do not seek help or doctors do not record it as a lightning injury. People struck by lightning suffer from a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms, including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression, and an inability to sit for long.
Lightning is a serious danger. Through this site we hope you'll learn more about lightning risks and how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your belongings. As a start, get an overview of Lightning Safety or stop by our comprehensive page of handouts, brochures, links and more.
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Thunderstorms
This preparedness guide explains thunderstorms and related hazards and suggests life-saving actions YOU can take. With this information, YOU can recognize severe weather, develop a plan, and be ready to act when threatening weather approaches. Remember...your safety, and the safety of those in your care, is up to YOU! Why Talk About Thunderstorms? They Produce...
Tornadoes... Cause an average of 62 fatalities and 1,500 injuries each year. Produce wind speeds in excess of 250 mph. Can be one mile wide and stay on the ground over 50 miles.
Lightning... Causes an average of between 55-60 fatalities and 300 injuries each year. Occur with all thunderstorms.
High Winds... Can exceed 125 mph. Can cause damage equal to a tornado. Can be extremely dangerous to aviation.
Flash Flooding... Is the #1 cause of deaths associated with thunderstorms...more than 70 fatalities each year.
Hail... Can be larger than a softball (5 inches in diameter) Causes more than $1 billion in crop and property damage each year.
For More Information Safety and preparedness brochures can be viewed and downloaded at: American Red Cross: www.redcross.org Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.ready.gov/america
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Tornadoes... Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, they are found most frequently in the United States. In an average year, 1,200 tornadoes cause 62 fatalities and 1,500 injuries nationwide. You can find statistical information on tornadoes at www.spc.noaa.gov.
Tornado Facts
* A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. * Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms within the funnel. The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes can move in any direction, and suddenly change their direction of motion * The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 mph. * The strongest tornadoes have rotating winds of more than 250 mph. * Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land. * Waterspouts are tornadoes which form over warm water. They can move onshore and cause damage to coastal areas.
When and Where Tornadoes Occur
* Tornadoes can occur at any time of day, any day of the year. * Have a plan of action before severe weather threatens; it may be too late to react when a warning is issued or a tornado is spotted. * Seek out weather information when conditions are war, humid, and windy, or skies are threatening. * Monitor for severe weather watches and warnings using NOAA All-Hazards Radio, www.weather.gov on the internet, local television and radio.
Back to the top of the page. Winter Weather
For those clients who run events in winter, it's important to stay tuned to the temperatures and incoming storms to keep your riders and spectators safe.
The Deceptive Killers This preparedness guide explains the dangers of winter weather and suggests life-saving action YOU can take. With this information, YOU can recognize winter weather threats, develop an action plan and be ready when severe winter weather threatens. Remember…your safety is up to YOU. Why Talk About Winter Weather?
* Each year, dozens of Americans die due to exposure to cold. Add to that number, vehicle accidentsand fatalities, fires due to dangerous use of heaters and other winter weather fatalities and you havea significant threat. * Threats, such as hypothermia and frostbite, can lead to loss of fingers and toes or cause permanent kidney, pancreas and liver injury and even death. You must prepare properly to avoid these extreme dangers. You also need to know what to do if you see symtoms of these threats. * A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. * People can become trapped at home or in a car, without utilities or other assistance. * Attempting to walk for help in a winter storm can be a deadly decision. * The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or region for days, weeks or even months. * Extremely cold temperatures, heavy snow and coastal flooding can cause hazardous conditions and hidden problems.
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