Interconnections

Heat Waves

Winter Storms

Weather and West Nile Virus

Flooding and Disease

Roll over each year for more information.

Climate Change and Health

What The Examples Tell Us

Take Aways

Ideas and Tips

Story Ideas

You've now heard about several storms and heat waves that endangered people's health in the past. Try putting together a short story about a significant weather event in your community's past that resulted in injuries, serious illness, or deaths in your community. Consider doing it on the anniversary of that significant event. See if you can find archival footage at your station, and try to make the story interesting/suspenseful. Consider interviewing seniors if it happened long ago, or other locals in the community if more recently, about their experiences of the storm. Talk about the meteorology, its results, and how your viewers' health was endangered. Finally, be sure to include recommendations on how viewers can protect themselves in future such events.

References and Links

Heat Waves

August 2007 Heat Wave Summary. NOAA.

Excessive heat causes deaths in Autauga and Elmore counties. Nicholas, J. Montgomery Advertiser (AL) August 24, 2007.

Heat deadly this year. Mullinax, K. Montgomery Advertiser (AL) August 23, 2007.

High temperatures 'cooling' to mid-90s. O'Neal, Mike. Chattanooga Times-Free Press (TN) August 18, 2007.

Surviving the heat. Cook, D. Chattanooga Times-Free Press (TN) August 18, 2007.

Cool Motivation. Powers, M. Commercial Appeal, The (Memphis, TN) August 18, 2007.

Heat linked to 37 deaths; part of reactor shut down. Rucker, B. Associated Press, in the Press-Register (Mobile, AL) August 17, 2007.

Elvis fan dies in hot tent -- Record high of 106 kills tourist as well as Memphis man, 32.

Wolff, C. The (Memphis, TN) Commercial Appeal, August 16, 2007.

Fans devote night to Elvis during blazing summer to remember. Blank, C. The (Memphis, TN) Commercial Appeal, August 16, 2007.

Roads, residents buckle under heat -- Mississippi farmers rush to save crops from hottest August since 1950s. Mohr, Holbrook. Associated Press, in The (Memphis, TN) Commercial Appeal, August 15, 2007.

Human contribution to the European heatwave of 2003. Stott, P. A., D.A. Stone, and M.R. Allen. Nature 432, 610-614 (2004). 1719-1723 (2003).

A new perspective on recent global warming: Asymmetric trends of daily maximum and minimum temperature. Karl, T.R., Jones, P.D., Knight, R.W., Kukla, G., Plummer, N., Razuvayev, V., Gallo, K.P., Lindsay, J., Charlson, R.J., and T.C. Peterson: Bull. Amer. Met Soc., 1993.

Winter Storms

Vast storm hung on and on, adding to icy devastation; The 'Apocalyptic' Ice Storm of 1998 will earn a place in the record books. Ragland, S. The Maine Sunday Telegram, January 11, 1998.

Danger not over yet as disaster continues; Clear, cold weather aids cleanup but threatens many. Editorial, The Portland Press Herald, January 13, 1998.

A storm beyond compare; Mainers come together as ice rips state apart, leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Blom, E. Portland Press Herald, Feb. 8, 1998.

West Nile and The Weather

West Nile Virus and the Climate. Epstein, P.R. Journal of Urban Health: Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine. Vol. 78, No. 2 June 2001. P. 367-370.

West Nile virus and drought (pdf) . Epstein P.R. and Defilippo, C. Global Change & Human Health. 2001;2:105-107.

When a pest turns menace. Morris, J. U.S. News and World Report, April 3, 3000. P. 48-49. Vol. 128 Iss.13

Anatomy of an Outbreak. Cowley, G. and Kalb, C., Oct. 11, 1999. Newsweek. P. 76.

Of Mosquitoes, Dead Birds and Epidemics. Jaroff, L. Time, Oct. 11, 1999. P. 74+. Vol. 154. Issue 15.

Flooding and Disease

Selected Links

Dartmouth Flood Observatory

References

The following flood information is provided by the Dartmouth Flood Observatory for each of the major events highlighted in the lesson.

1998: Hurricane Mitch (Central America)
1999: Venezuela (see DFO 97)
2000: Mozambique, South Africa and Botswana
2001: Tropical Storm Allison (also DFO 51 on the 2001 Summary )
2002: South-Central Europe (see DFO 171)
2003: China
2004: Tropical Storm Jeanne (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Florida)
2005: India (see DFO 92)
2006: Mid-Atlantic (see DFO 119)
2007: Central US (see DFO 164)
2008: Myanmar (see DFO 3303)

Additional References

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Hurricane-Associated Use of Portable Generators. CDC Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report, Jul. 2005 / 54(28);697-700.

Climate Change and Health

Climate Change Futures: Health, Ecological and Economic Dimensions. (pdf) Harvard Medical School.

Climate, Poverty and Health: Time for Preventive Medicine. (pdf) Brilliant, L.

Climate Change and Human Health. (pdf) Paul. R. Epstein. N.Engl. J. Med 353:14. P. 1433-1436.

Get Out Your Handkerchiefs. Begley, S. Newsweek. June 4, 2007 p. 62.

How It Affects Your Health. Gorman, C. Time. Mar. 26, 2006 p. 44. Vol. 167, Iss. 14.

Climate Change is Hazardous to your Health. Epstein, P. and Mills, E. Forbes.

Climate change could mean bad news for your body too. Gerencher, K. Chicago Tribune (IL). June 19, 2007 p. Tempo, 7.

The Potential Impacts of Climate Variability and Change for the United States. Patz et al, 2000. Executive Summary of the Report of the Health Sector of the U.S. National Assessment

Everyday Weather

UV Radiation

Heat

Cold

Air Quality

Bugs

Pollen and Mold

Take Aways

Content here...

Ideas and Tips

UV Radiation

Story Ideas

1. Get a UV meter and set it up on various surfaces -- concrete, grass, sand, over water -- and show your audience how the UV intensity varies. You might try experimenting on a cloudy day too -- how do high thin clouds, partly cloudy skies, or low stratus clouds affect the readings?
2. News You Can Use: The Vitamin D connection. Interview some local experts on the importance of Vitamin D, whether people should get it from the sun, and how they could safely do so if they choose to.

Viewer Tips

Here are some tips you can offer your viewers on high UV index days:

1. Reschedule outdoor activities to early morning or late afternoon.
2. Use sunscreen with SPF 15+ protection. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
3. Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.
4. Be aware of highly reflective surfaces like water, snow, sand, and concrete, which can increase the amount of radiation exposure.
5. Wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants.
6. Seek shade, or carry your own "portable shade deployment tool" (umbrella)
7. Provide extra protection for children. Five or more sunburns doubles your risk of developing skin cancer, and burns suffered in childhood can increase risk when these children grow into adulthood.

Source: EPA

Heat

Story Ideas

1. News You Can Use: Helping people beat the heat. Are there any programs in your area that help homeowners/renters retrofit their homes with technology to keep their homes cooler? Could profile program and homeowners who have used it.
2. News You Can Use: Unusual ways to stay cool. Are there cooling centers in local communities? Buddy systems where people with AC partner up with neighbors without? Other creative heat-beating solutions?
3. News You Can Use: Warm up to summer. What things should people do to prepare their homes for summer just like they prepare their homes for winter? Spring cleaning time might be a good time to check into it.
4. Science of heat: What happens inside someone's body on a hot day? What happens when things go wrong? How can parents protect their children or the elderly against heat-related illness? Could interview local doctors at hospital or department of public health.

Viewer Tips

1. Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
2. Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
3. Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
4. Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
5. Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
6. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
7. Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

Source: FEMA

Cold

Story Ideas

1. News You Can Use: Winter driving supply basics. Go over the basic elements of a well-stocked winter car: food, extra warm clothing, water, etc. Give viewers an idea of what they should carry if they must drive in that storm you just forecast.
2. Winter power outages: Remind viewers they must be very careful how they heat their homes when the power goes out -- and seek an alternative shelter if they don't have a properly ventialated back up heat source. Give a little talk about the science of carbon monoxide -- incorporating some graphics to help them visualize.

Viewer Tips

1. Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space.
2. Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never using generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors.
3. Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.
4. If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to notify authorities if you are late.
5. Check and restock the winter emergency supplies in your car before you leave.
6. Always carry additional warm clothing appropriate for the winter conditions.
7. If stranded in a car, stay in it and tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna.

Source: CDC

Air Quality

Story Ideas

1. These two clips from Mish Michaels at WBZ in Boston provide an idea of how you might cover particle pollution or ozone in your city. REWRITE
2. News you can use: What you can do to make your air more breathable: On high air pollution days, discuss the health ramifications and what viewers can do themselves to help make their air more breathable.

Viewer Tips

1. On high pollution days, reduce your activity time or substitute another that involves less exertion. Go for a walk instead of a jog, for example. Plan outdoor activities for less polluted days or times of day, like morning or evening, when particle levels are lower.
2. Don't exercise near busy roads; particle levels generally are higher in these areas.
3. Particle levels can be elevated indoors, especially when outdoor particle levels are high. Certain filters and room air cleaners can help reduce indoor particle levels. You also can reduce particle levels indoors by not smoking inside, and by reducing your use of other particle sources such as candles, wood-burning stoves, and fireplaces.
4. On days when ozone is expected to be high, help fight the problem by conserving electricity and setting the air conditioner to a higher temperature. Choose a cleaner commute like a carpool or public transport. Bike or walk to errands when possible. Refuel cars and trucks after dusk. Combine errands. Limit engine idling.
5. On days when particle pollution is expected to be high, viewers can help the problem by reducing or eliminating fireplace and wood stove use, not using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment, and not burning leaves, trash or other material.

Source: EPA

Bugs

Story Ideas

1. Cold weather and flu: Why is it cold weather brings on flu season? Talk to local doctors at a medical school or hospital who can describe the cold, dry air and flu connection. Also remind viewers what they can do to avoid getting sick.
2. News You Can Use: Tick season/mosquito season. When the weather changes enough to favor mosquitoes/ticks (your local health department can help you know when this has occurred) do a story about how the weather affects these creatures and what people can do to avoid them and avoid getting sick.

Viewer Tips

1. Avoid colds by frequent handwashing and not sharing items such as cups, glasses, and utensils with an infected person.
2. For those for whom it is safe, a flu shot is the best way to prevent the disease. Also avoid close contact with sick people, wash hands frequently, and avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
3. Practicing good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.
4. To avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeves and pants when outdoors, and take extra care being outside during dusk and dawn -- or avoid it all together. Drain standing water and install or repair screens.
5. To avoid ticks, take extra precautions during may, June, and July when ticks that transmit Lyme disease are most active. Avoid wooded or bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter, or walk in the center of the trail. Use insect repellant with 20-30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Permethrin also works, but shouldn't be applied to skin. Wear long pants, long sleeves and long socks when possible. And check skin for ticks every day. Ticks that are attached for less than 24 hours are extremely unlikely to transmit Lyme disease.

Source: CDC

Pollen and Mold

Story Ideas

1. News You Can Use: High pollen time. When the first major pollen day of the year arrives, talk about how the weather causes pollen blooms, what pollen is, and what viewers with allergies can do to avoid symptoms.
2. News You Can Use: Avoiding mold. If you live in a humid climate, talk to local experts about high humidity/leaks and why they fosters mold. Describe actions viewers can take to prevent mold from growing in high humidity environments.
3. News You Can Use: If you feel bold, you may want to do a story on why mold testing is a waste of money in nearly all cases. It's sufficient to see you have mold growing to know there's a problem that needs cleanup and fixing of the water problem that caused it; testing to see what type or how much of it is in the air provides no useful information. You could save homeowners money, but you may also irritate some local testing labs.

Viewer Tips

Pollen

1. Stay indoors on dry, windy days — the best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
2. Ban your pets from your bed or couch — pollen clings to pet fur.
3. Don't hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
4. If high pollen counts are forecast, start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start. Close doors and windows at night or any other time when pollen counts are high.
5. Run the air conditioning in your house and car.
6. Clean floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a small-particle or HEPA filter.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Mold

1. Keep the humidity level in your home between 40% and 60%. Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months and in damp spaces, like basements.
   
2. Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
   
3. Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
   
4. Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding.
   
5. Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
   
6. Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
   
7. Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

Source: CDC

References and Links

UV Radiation

Selected Links

The SunWise program website is an excellent one-stop-shop for environmental and health information on the hazards of UV exposure.

Current UV Index Forecast Map

NWS/CPC Current UV Index Forecast

UV Index Scale

Sun Safety Action Steps

Toolkit for Meteorologists

References

A Guide to the UV Index. (pdf) U.S. EPA. May 2004.

Global Solar UV Index: A Practical Guide. (pdf) World Health Organization, World Meteorological Organization et al. 2002.

Prevent Eye Damage: Protect yourself from UV radiation. (pdf) EPA. Oct. 2007.

Sun protection messages, vitamin D and skin cancer: out of the frying pan and into the fire? Monika Janda et al. The Medical Journal of Australia.

The Vitamin D Dilemma. The Skin Cancer Foundation.

The Sun, UV and You: A Guide to Sunwise Behavior. U.S. EPA. Sep. 2006.

What is the UV Index? (pdf) U.S. EPA. Jul. 2006.

Heat

Selected Links

Are you ready? Extreme Heat. Extreme heat health tips from FEMA.

Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer. Tips from NOAA.

Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety. Tips from the CDC.

Extreme Heat. The CDC clearinghouse for extreme heat.

Tips for Preventing Heat-related Illness. Quick reference tips to beat the heat from CDC.

“It’s Too Darn Hot.” Planning for Excessive Heat Events

Basic Information on Urban Heat Islands. Information and tips from US EPA.

References

Heat Watch/Warning Systems Save Lives. Ebi, Kristie L. et al. Bul. Amer. Met. Soc. August 2004.

Heat-related illness during extreme weather emergencies. American Medical Association, 1998.

Heat Stress From Enclosed Vehicles: Moderate Ambient Temperatures Cause Significant Temperature Rise in Enclosed Vehicles.

Catherine McLaren, Jan Null and James Quinn. Pediatrics 2005 116: e109-e112.

Cold

Selected Links

Stay Safe in Cold Weather! National Institute on Aging.

Winter Weather. CDC clearinghouse for winter weather information.

Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety. (pdf) CDC.

References

Seasonal variations in incidence of fractures among elderly people Injury Prevention, 2000.

Heart attacks and winter: Examining the Seasonal Trend Harvard Men's Health Watch.

Weather and arthritis: True connection or medical myth? Robert Shmerling, Harvard Medical School.

Cold fatality statistics NOAA.

Air Quality

Selected Links

TV Weather - Myths and Facts about the AQI, Ozone and Particles. EPA.

Air Quality Index Educational Toolkit for Meteorologists. From the EPA.

Particle Pollution and Your Health. An EPA publication covering the basics of particle pollution.

Ozone and Your Health. Same as above but for ozone.

Air Quality Index. A brochure all about the AQI from EPA.

Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution. All about particle pollution from the EPA.

Air Quality Guide for Ozone. All about ozone from the EPA.

EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards

References

Airing the Truth about Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution. American Lung Association.

Bugs

Selected Links

Study Shows Why the Flu Likes Winter. Kolata, G. The New York Times. Dec. 5, 2007.

Really? The Claim: Cold Weather Can Cause a Cold. O'Connor, A. The New York Times. Nov. 22, 2005.

References

El Nino Special Report: Could El Nino Cause an Outbreak of Hantavirus Disease in the Southwestern United States? CDC.

How Progress Makes Us Sick. Cowley, G. Newsweek. May 5, 2003.

Rains Driving Rodent Diseases. Human, K. The Denver Post. May 23, 2007.

Bugs, Mice, Disease on the Rise in '07. Vorenberg, S. The Albuquerque Tribune, March 12, 2007.

U.S. Sees Upsurge in Rodent-borne Illness. Reuters. June 28, 1999.

Deadly Virus May Lurk in the Cutest Little Mouse. (scroll down) Wall Street Journal. June 21, 1999.

Cold Weather Really Does Spread Flu. New Scientist MacKenzie, D. Oct. 19, 2007.

Mild Winter to Blame for Early Tick Season. Ranford, M. Ball State University. May 12, 1998.

Pollen and Mold

Selected Links

Springtime Allergies: Solutions for a Problem in Full Bloom. Mayo Clinic.

Facts About Mold and Dampness. CDC.

Mold: Basic Facts. CDC.

References

Asthma statistics. American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.

Allergy: The Body's Reaction to Allergens. Pollen.com.

Pollen and Mold Counts. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home. EPA.

Extreme Weather

Emergency Preparedness

Thunderstorms and Flash Floods

Blizzards and Winter Storms

Tornados

Hurricanes

Wildfire

Take Aways

Ideas and Tips

Emergency Preparedness

Story Ideas

1. News You Can Use: What goes into a preparedness kit for a major weather disaster for your region? You could do a short story showing the elements for a hurricane, tornado, wildfire or other major disaster kit.
2. What have some of your viewers done to prepare? Interview local people with some creative disaster preparedness techniques/supply stashes. Local interest, local people, and stimulates the imagination of your viewers to take action in whatever way they can.

Viewer Tips

1. Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
2. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
3. Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
4. Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
5. Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches.
6. Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
7. Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher, and show them where it’s kept.
8. Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
9. Conduct a home hazard hunt.
10. Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit.
11. Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.

Source: CDC

Thunderstorms and Flash Floods

Story Ideas

1. News You Can Use: Mold after flash flooding. If there has recently been flooding in your area from a flash flood, do a story about why water damage causes mold. This is an instance where your quick action can help your viewers avoid major costs and hassle -- if flooding has been relatively minor, and viewers can dry their belongings in less than 48 hours, they may be able to save some of them from mold. Talk to a local expert about flooding and mold and what homeowners can do.
2. When lightning strikes: Talk to someone who's been hit by lightning in your area. You may be able to find them through a lightning safety association or a local hospital, or in some other way you can think of. Have them describe the experience and then talk to viewers about what they should do to avoid getting hit.

Viewer Tips

When there's a flash flood warning:

1. Gather the emergency supplies you previously stocked in your home and stay tuned to local radio or television station for updates.
2. Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary.
3. Have your immunization records handy or be aware of your last tetanus shot, in case you should receive a puncture wound or a wound becomes contaminated during or after the flood.
4. Fill bathtubs, sinks and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using bleach. Rinse and fill with clean water.
5. Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside or tie them down securely.

Source: CDC

Blizzards and Winter Storms

Story Ideas

1. News You Can Use: Creative Ways to Ride Out a Winter Storm. Winter storms can actually be a lot of fun as a change of pace from normal life if people prepare for them properly. What are some creative ways people have stayed warm and made use of time when they are trapped by snow or ice? Marathon scrabble tournaments? Snow sculpture competitions? Perfect time to organize those receipts for tax time? Winter-storm provoked baby boom? More seriously, what sorts of supplies -- besides Scrabble boards and Barry White LPs -- made these fun times possible (i.e. backup heat source, properly caulked home, warm layers of clothes, plenty of food in the cupboard, etc.)?
2. News You Can Use: Gearing up for Winter: What sorts of measures should homeowners be taking in the fall to prepare for the possibility of winter storms later on? How much could they save on energy bills as a byproduct of that work?

Viewer Tips

Preparing for winter storms:

1. Insulate walls and attic.
2. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
3. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
4. Insulate any water lines that run along outer walls (water will be less likely to freeze).
5. Service snow-removal equipment.
6. Have chimney and flue inspected.
7. Install easy-to-read outdoor thermometer.

Source: CDC

Tornadoes

Story Ideas

1. News You Can Use: After a tornado in your area, do a special segment on safety during cleanup. Interview one or two local crews and show what basic safety precautions they are taking -- heavy duty boots, hard hats, etc. Show what hazards might wait people returning to their homes and what basic precautions they should take to stay safe.
2. Science of Tornadoes: Why do tornadoes form? Why do they tend to move in the same general dicircleions? What makes them turn into mile-wide monsters? Take a page from your classroom demos and do a short segment for your viewing audience on a slow news day. Use the lesson as a springboard for talking about tornado preparedness.

Viewer Tips

After a tornado:

1. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.
2. Be aware of hazards from exposed nails and broken glass.
3. Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report electrical hazards to the police and the utility company.
4. Respond to requests for volunteer assistance by police, fire fighters, emergency management, and relief organizations, but do not go into damaged areas unless assistance has been requested. Your presence could hamper relief efforts, and you could endanger yourself.
5. In general, if you suspect any damage to your home, shut off electrical power, natural gas, and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions.
6. If it is dark when you are inspecting your home, use a flashlight rather than a candle or torch to avoid the risk of fire or explosion in a damaged home.

Source: CDC

Hurricanes

Story Ideas

1. News You Can Use: What I Learned from the Last Evacuation, or Evacuation Secrets from the Pros. In the days leading up to a potential evacuation, interview some locals who evacuated in the past about what they learned from their experience and what they'll do differently in the future. What are the pros' tips? Hopefully it will not be to "not evaucate".
2. News You Can Use: What Do I Do With my Pets? Most hurricane evacuation shelters do not allow pets or livestock. So what should responsible pet/animal owners do to keep their pets safe during a hurricane? Outline some of the options.
3. Inland Flooding: The Hidden Killer. Do a story about the real taker of lives during hurricances: inland flooding. Present viewers with the numbers of deaths caused by storm surge, wind, and inland flooding, and show them why it's a terrible idea to try to get across a flooded road -- no matter how seemingly shallow -- in a car.

Viewer Tips

Preparing to evacuate:

1. Fill your automobile's gas tank.
2. If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
3. Fill your clean water containers.
4. Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.
5. Prepare an emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
6. Secure any items outside which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.
7. Cover windows and doors with plywood or boards or place large strips of masking tape or adhesive tape on the windows to reduce the risk of breakage and flying glass.
8. Put livestock and family pets in a safe area. Due to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
9. Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.
10. Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.

Source: CDC

Wildfire

Story Ideas

1. News You Can Use: Science of smoke. So what exactly is in wildfire smoke anyway? Can any of it make viewers sick? What are the long term effects? How does the weather affect how much exposure viewers get? Talk to some local health experts, and add in your knowledge of weather to help inform viewers who should be concerned, and what they can do to take action.
2. Paper dust masks: Do they really work? (No.) What should viewers in your area do to protect themselves if they are concerned?
3. Science of Fire weather: How does the weather affect wildfires? How is the weather currently affecting a wildfire in your area? Talk about the science of fire weather (see COMET module on that subject) in a way your viewers can understand. Interview a local fire official for their perspective on how a particular fire is progressing on the ground as a result of your local weather.

Viewer Tips

1. Pay attention to local air quality reports and public health messages.
2. Refer to visibility guides if they are available. In the western part of the United States, some communities have guidelines to help people estimate AQI based on how far they can see.
3. If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot outside. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere.
4. Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.
5. Follow your doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease, Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
6. Do not rely on dust masks for protection. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. An “N95” mask, properly worn, will offer some protection.

Source: CDC

References and Links

Emergency Preparedness

Selected Links

Emergency preparedness and you. CDC.

Get Prepared. (American Red Cross)

Be Red Cross Ready (interactive module)

Plan Ahead, FEMA's Preparedness Guide

Thunderstorms and Flash Floods

Selected Links

Floods. CDC.

Lightning safety. Cyr, D. and Johnson, S. University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Hazard alert -- Lightning Protection. Center for Construction Research and Training.

What you need to know when the power goes out unexpectedly. CDC.

After a flood. CDC.

Reentering your flooded home. CDC

Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning after an emergency. CDC.

National Lightning Safety Institute

References

Lightning-Associated Deaths -- United States, 1980-1995. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports, CDC.

Blizzards and Winter Storms

Selected Links

Winter Weater. CDC.

What you need to know when the power goes out unexpectedly. CDC.

About Winter Weather. CDC.

References

Hypothermia killed stranded Oregon man who went for help. Associated Press. April 21, 2008.

Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety. CDC; National Center for Environmental Health.

Tornadoes

Selected Links

Tornadoes. CDC.

During a tornado. CDC.

After a tornado. CDC.

Hurricanes

Selected Links

Hurricanes. CDC.

Experimental Storm Surge product. NOAA.

Storm surge. National Hurricane Center.

High winds. National Hurricane Center.

Inland flooding. National Hurricane Center.

Tornadoes. National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane readiness: Make a plan. CDC.

Key Facts about hurricane and flood recovery. CDC.

Returning Home after a disaster: Be healthy and safe. CDC.

Fact sheet: Clean up Safely after a disaster. CDC.

Fact sheet: Protect yourself from mold. CDC.

Wildfire

Selected Links

Fact Sheet: Wildfires. CDC.

How Smoke from Fires Can Affect Your Health. U.S. EPA, May 2003 EPA-452/F-02-002

References

San Diego Wildfires of 2003. San Diego State University Foundation, 2004.

San Diego Wildfires of 2007. San Diego State University Foundation, 2007.

Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials. California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. 2001.

Your Role

Introduction

Interfaces

Risk Communication

Partnering Example

WxRx Game

Contributors

Funding provided by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) and The Kendeda Foundation.

COMET Sponsors

The COMET^® Program is sponsored by NOAA National Weather Service (NWS), with additional funding by:

• Air Force Weather (AFW)
• Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)
• European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT)
• Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC)
• National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)
• National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS)
• NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS)
• Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (NMOC)

Project Contributors

Principal Science Advisor

• Dr. Paul Epstein — Center for Health and Global Environment, Harvard Medical School

Additional Science Contributors

• Chuck Alexander — Business Communications
• Wendy Braund — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Eric Daub — Scientific Technologies Corporation
• Howard Diamond — NOAA/NCDC
• Margaret Fowke — NOAA/NWS
• Susan Hobson — CDC National Center for Environmental Health
• Scott Jackson — U.S. Environmental Protection Administration (EPA)
• Luke Hall-Jordan — EPA
• Jason Samenow — EPA
• Nancy Maynard — NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
• Ron McPherson — American Meteorological Society (AMS)
• Dr. Cindy Parker — Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Jana Telfer — National Center for Environmental Health
• Wendy Thomas — AMS
• Joe Witte — WJLA

Project Lead

• Dr. Joseph Lamos — UCAR/COMET
• Dr. Patrick Parrish — UCAR/COMET

Instructional Design

• Dwight Owens — Alphapure Design Studio

Science Writer

• Jennifer Frazer — UCAR/COMET

Graphics/Interface Design

• Steve Deyo — UCAR/COMET
• Brannan McGill — UCAR/COMET

Multimedia Authoring

• Dwight Owens —Alphapure Design Studio
• Dan Riter — UCAR/COMET

Audio Editing/Production

• Seth Lamos — UCAR/COMET

Audio Narration

• Jennifer Frazer — UCAR/COM

COMET HTML Integration Team 2021

• Tim Alberta — Project Manager
• Dolores Kiessling — Project Lead
• Steve Deyo — Graphic Artist
• Ariana Kiessling — Web Developer
• Gary Pacheco — Lead Web Developer
• David Russi — Translations
• Tyler Winstead — Web Developer

COMET Staff, October 2008

Dicircleor

• Dr. Timothy Spangler

Deputy Dicircleor

• Dr. Joe Lamos

Administration

• Elizabeth Lessard, Administration and Business Manager
• Lorrie Alberta
• Michelle Harrison
• Hildy Kane

Hardware/Software Support and Programming

• Tim Alberta, Group Manager
• Bob Bubon
• James Hamm
• Ken Kim
• Mark Mulholland
• Wade Pentz, Student
• Malte Winkler

Instructional Designers

• Dr. Patrick Parrish, Senior Project Manager
• Dr. Alan Bol
• Lon Goldstein
• Bryan Guarente
• Dr. Vickie Johnson
• Tsvetomir Ross-Lazarov
• Marianne Weingroff

Media Production Group

• Bruce Muller, Group Manager
• Steve Deyo
• Seth Lamos
• Brannan McGill
• Dan Riter
• Carl Whitehurst

Meteorologists/Scientists

• Dr. Greg Byrd, Senior Project Manager
• Wendy Schreiber-Abshire, Senior Project Manager
• Dr. William Bua
• Patrick Dills
• Dr. Stephen Jascourt
• Matthew Kelsch
• Dolores Kiessling
• Dr. Arlene Laing
• Dr. Elizabeth Mulvihill Page
• Amy Stevermer
• Warren Rodie
• Dr. Doug Wesley

Science Writer

• Jennifer Frazer

Spanish Translations

• David Russi

NOAA/National Weather Service - Forecast Decision Training Branch

• Anthony Mostek, Branch Chief
• Dr. Richard Koehler, Hydrology Training Lead
• Brian Motta, IFPS Training
• Dr. Robert Rozumalski, SOO Science and Training Resource (SOO/STRC) Coordinator
• Ross Van Til, Meteorologist
• Shannon White, AWIPS Training

Meteorological Service of Canada Visiting Meteorologists

• Phil Chadwick
• Jim Murtha