Skywarn Recognition Day Recap

After meeting for dinner at the Cracker Barrel on US 80 in Pooler on Friday night, Dan Scott - KF4MND, Guy McDonald - K4GTM, and I departed for Charleston in the rain. We arrived at the NWS Charleston office around 11 PM and were greeted by Bobby McBride – W4KSD. We met John and Rich, the two meteorologists on duty and got to take a look around the Operations area of the office. Although the weather wasn’t severe, it was interesting to watch John and Rich at work through the night.

Guy-K4GTM, Rich, John, Mac-KF4LMT, Dan-KF4MND

NWS Charleston Operations

John explains some of the operations to Dan.

We settled in to work at WX4CHS which consists of a Kenwood TM-251 (soon to be replaced with a more modern radio) and an Icom IC-746. Dan had made arrangements to use a nearby Echolink node on 147.505 and was soon making contacts back in Savannah including Jerry, W4SGA and Greg, N4VAD through the 146.700 repeater. 2 Meter contacts were also made on the Charleston repeaters and the SCHEARTS repeater network (accessible in Savannah via the 146.715 repeater). Dan also worked Ken – W4JKG, Steve – K4SDJ, and Mark – KD4PDX using Echolink. I went portable from the NWS Office and made a contact through via the SCHEARTS network 147.105 repeater. We were working the midnight rotation, so there wasn’t a lot of special event activity on HF; not all of the stations in the event were operating for the entire 24 hours. That said, we were able to make some contacts on 75 Meters and 40 Meters including other NWS Offices:

WX2OKX – Upton, NY
K4OHX – Nashville, TN
WX4MRX – Morristown, TN
WX4MHX – Newport/Moorehead, NC
WX4PTC – Peachtree City, GA
K5SHV – Shreveport, LA
WX5NWC – Norman, OK
K0DMX – Des Moines, IA
WX2BUF – Buffalo, NY

Dan-KF4MND, Bobby-W4KSD, and Guy-K4GTM

Dan and Guy on the air

Guy and Dan worked to lay some groundwork to link Savannah back to the NWS via RF link and/or VOIP while we were there. We left Charleston around 5 AM with the rain still falling (it never stopped through the night) and made it back to Savannah by 7:30 AM to have breakfast with the usual bunch at Sunny Side Up on DeRenne Ave. (plug for a good breakfast/lunch restaurant). I really enjoyed the event and look forward to doing it again next year; it was great fun to be on the NWS end of the QSO this year.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT

Skywarn Recognition Day Contacts

For the midnight shift, we've been doing pretty good so far. On VHF, we've made several contacts using Echolink via the 147.505 W1GRE Echolink node back to the 146.700 (PL 100) repeater in Savannah and one contact on the SC HEARTS linked system in South Carolina. I checked in from the NWS Office on my portable to get my callsign on the log. On HF, we've made six contacts on 75 Meters. Here's the list so far:

VHF
N4VAD
W4SGA
W4JKG
K4SDJ
KD4PDX
KF4LMT

HF
W4SGA
N4VAD
WD9YBI
WX4MRX
WX4MHX
WX4PTC

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT

On the Air at WX4CHS for Skywarn Recognition Day

Location: Charleston, SC

We're on the air at WX4CHS at the National Weather Service Office in Charleston, SC. We've made some contacts on 2-Meters through Echolink and on 75 Meters on HF. Right now here is what we're working:

• 2 Meters on the 146.715 repeater (PL 123) and 146.700 (PL 100). We're working with Echolink on the 146.700 repeater.
• 3871 LSB on 76 Meters HF.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT

Skywarn Recognition Day

This Saturday is Skywarn Recognition Day. Amateur Radio operators throughout the country will be manning radio stations at NWS Offices trying to make contact with other NWS Offices and as many hams as possible to celebrate the contributions that volunteer Skywarn radio operators make to the National Weather Service. This year, Amateur Radio Operators from Savannah have been asked to help out at NWS Charleston by manning a shift at their amateur radio station.

I will be joining Guy McDonald, K4GTM and Dan Scott, KF4MND as we ride up to Charleston on Friday night to work the 0001-0530 local shift at the NWS Charleston station. We'll be active on HF and VHF using the callsign WX4CHS, so tune through and keep an ear out for us. As part of the special event operation, the contact exchange will consist of call sign, signal report, location, and a one or two word description of the weather.

I plan on using my Blackberry to make blog posts and Twitter updates during our shift in Charleston. You can follow the Twitter feed on the sidebar of the blog here, or at http://twitter.com/kf4lmt. I hope to update with what we're up to and what frequencies we're working. I'm looking forward to having fun with this event and I hope to hear you on the air!

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT

Floods, Flash Floods Can Happen Anytime, Anywhere

Savannah, GA – February 6, 2009, 9:00 AM
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release

Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters, except fire. In Georgia, most communities experience some kind of flooding after spring rains or heavy thunderstorms. Floods can be slow or fast rising but generally develop over a period of days. Dam failures are potentially the worst flood events. When a dam fails, a gigantic quantity of water is suddenly let loose downstream, destroying anything in its path.

Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. They occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes. “Communities particularly at risk are those located in low-lying areas, near water, or downstream from a dam," says Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.

Here is some information to help you develop a plan and be ready to act before the possibility of a flood or flash flood threatens you or your family:

Know What to Expect

· Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call the CEMA office, planning and zoning department or Savannah Chapter of American Red Cross.

· If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.

· Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for flood information.

Reduce Potential Flood Damage By

· Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.

· Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop

· A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.

· A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop

· A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.

· A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

Prepare a Family Disaster Plan

· Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.

· Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing

· First aid kit and essential medications.

· Canned food and can opener.

· At least three gallons of water per person.

· Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.

· Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

· Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

· Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

· Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places -- a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

When a Flood WATCH Is Issued

· Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

· Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

When a Flood WARNING Is Issued

· Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television for the latest weather forecasts.

· If told to evacuate, do so immediately!

When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued

· Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.

When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued

· Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!

· 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 car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500, Georgia Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-TRY-GEMA or visit these Web sites: www.gema.ga.gov , http://www.erh.noaa.gov/chs/ or www.redcross.org .

Beware Lightning – A Deadly Threat in Thunderstorms

Savannah, GA – February 5, 2009, 9:00 AM
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release

Severe Weather Awareness Week has been observed in Georgia for 31 years. During that time, at least 49 people were killed and more than two dozen were injured by lightning in Georgia, says Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.

“Fortunately, no one died as a result of lightning strikes in the state last year but at least 16 people were injured,” Director Scott said.

Lightning is a deadly "by-product" of thunderstorms which are very common in Georgia, particularly in the spring and summer. Lightning kills an average of 100 people a year throughout the United States. Statistics show that on the average, lightning kills more people in the United States every year than tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes. It occurs mostly during the warmer months of June through September.

"Learn the basic safety rules and precautions about thunderstorms and the embedded killer called lightning. Share this knowledge with your family and friends. Don’t be caught off-guard by these storms. When outdoors, be aware of the most current local weather forecasts. Always stay alert for signs of approaching thunderstorms. Lightning is nature’s warning signal that a thunderstorm is in its most violent state and that you should seek shelter immediately," urges Director Scott.

Before Lightning Strikes

1. Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.

2. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.

3. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.

When a Storm Approaches

1. Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.

2. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)

3. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any purpose.

4. Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job.

5. Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will help prevent glass from shattering into your home.

If Caught Outside

1. If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.

2. If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!

Protecting Yourself Outside

1. Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.

2. Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.

3. Do not lie flat on the ground. This will make you a larger target!

After the Storm Passes

1. Stay away from storm-damaged areas.

2. Listen to the radio or television for information and instructions.

If Someone is Struck by Lightning

1. People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.

2. Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.

3. The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.

4. Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries. Learn first aid and CPR by taking an American Red Cross first-aid and CPR course; call your local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees.

For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, http://www.erh.noaa.gov/chs/or www.ready.ga.gov

Thunderstorm Safety Is Up To You!

Savannah, GA – February 3, 2009, 9:00 AM
Chatham Emergency Management Agency News Release

Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms. Despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes.

“Last year, at least 655 thunderstorms occurred in Georgia on about 70 separate days, killing one person and injuring nine others. The biggest threat in Georgia from severe thunderstorms is damaging straight line winds and large hail,” said Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.

Straight line winds can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph and produce damage similar to a tornado. These winds occur, on average, 19 days per year in Georgia. These events have occurred in every month of the year, but are most common in the spring and summer months, peaking in July.

Here is some information to help you recognize severe weather, develop a plan, and be ready to act when threatening weather approaches:


To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.


What you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:

Postpone outdoor activities.

Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.

Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.

Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.

Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.

Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.

Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.


Avoid the following:

Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.

Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.

Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.

Anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.


For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: http://www.chathamemergency.org/, http://www.gema.ga.gov/ , www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ , or http://www.ready.ga.gov/.

Hurricane Preparedness Week: Thursday, May 29, 2008

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
500 AM EDT THU MAY 29 2008

...HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK CONTINUES THROUGH SATURDAY...

WHEN A HURRICANE FORMS AND IS HEADING IN YOUR GENERAL DIRECTION...A HURRICANE WATCH MAY BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE. A WATCH MEANS HURRICANE CONDITIONS... WINDS OF 74 MPH OR GREATER...ARE POSSIBLE IN THE SPECIFIED AREA... USUALLY WITHIN 36 HOURS. BE PREPARED TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION IF A WARNING IS ISSUED.

WHEN IN A WATCH AREA...FREQUENTLY LISTEN TO RADIO... TELEVISION...OR NOAA WEATHER RADIO ALL HAZARDS FOR OFFICIAL BULLETINS ON THE STORM.

MAKE SURE YOUR VEHICLES ARE FILLED WITH GAS AND IN GOOD OPERATING CONDITION. INSPECT AND SECURE MOBILE HOME TIE DOWNS. PREPARE TO COVER ALL WINDOW AND DOOR OPENINGS WITH SHUTTERS OR OTHER SHIELDING MATERIALS.

STOCK UP ON CANNED FOOD...FIRST AID SUPPLIES...BATTERIES... DRINKING WATER... MEDICATIONS AND AN EXTRA SUPPLY OF CASH. PREPARE TO BRING INSIDE LAWN FURNITURE AND OTHER LOOSE...LIGHT WEIGHT OBJECTS...SUCH AS GARBAGE CANS AND GARDEN TOOLS.

PLAN TO EVACUATE IF YOU LIVE IN A MOBILE HOME. THEY ARE UNSAFE IN HIGH WINDS...NO MATTER HOW WELL FASTENED TO THE GROUND. PLAN TO EVACUATE IF YOU LIVE ON THE COASTLINE...A BARRIER ISLAND...OR NEAR A RIVER. ALSO PLAN TO EVACUATE IF YOU LIVE IN A HIGH RISE BUILDING AS HURRICANE WINDS ARE STRONGER AT HIGHER ELEVATIONS.

Hurricane Preparedness Week: Wednesday, May 28, 2008

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
500 AM EDT WED MAY 28 2008

...HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK CONTINUES THROUGH SATURDAY...

THERE ARE NUMEROUS DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANES AND OTHER TROPICAL SYSTEMS. THEY INCLUDE STORM SURGE...HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING...DAMAGING WINDS... TORNADOES...HIGH SURF...BEACH EROSION...AND RIP CURRENTS.

STORM SURGE.
STORM SURGE IS A LARGE DOME OF WATER...OFTEN 50 TO 100 MILES WIDE...THAT SWEEPS ACROSS THE COASTLINE MAINLY TO THE RIGHT OF WHERE THE HURRICANE MAKES LANDFALL. THE SURGE OF HIGH WATER... ALONG WITH DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...CAN BE DEVASTATING. TYPICALLY...THE STRONGER THE HURRICANE AND THE SHALLOWER THE COASTAL SHELF...THE HIGHER THE SURGE WILL BE. ALONG THE IMMEDIATE COAST...STORM SURGE IS THE GREATEST THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY.

HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING.
WIDESPREAD TORRENTIAL RAINS...OFTEN IN EXCESS OF 6 INCHES...CAN PRODUCE DEADLY AND DESTRUCTIVE FLOODS. THIS IS THE MAJOR HAZARD TO AREAS WELL INLAND. FLOODING FROM HURRICANE FLOYD IN 1999 CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE OVER EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA. THERE WERE ALSO OVER 50 DEATHS DUE TO FLOYD...PRIMARILY CAUSED BY FRESH WATER FLOODING. IN 2005...TROPICAL STORM TAMMY PRODUCED BETWEEN 10 AND 15 INCHES OF RAIN ACROSS PORTIONS OF SOUTHEAST GEORGIA...RESULTING IN WIDESPREAD FLOODING.

DAMAGING WINDS.
HURRICANE FORCE WINDS...74 MPH OR GREATER...CAN DESTROY POORLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS AND MOBILE HOMES. DEBRIS...SUCH AS SIGNS... ROOFING MATERIAL...AND SMALL OBJECTS LEFT OUTSIDE BECOME FLYING MISSILES IN HURRICANES. WINDS OFTEN STAY ABOVE HURRICANE STRENGTH WELL INLAND AS EVIDENCED BY HURRICANE HUGO WHICH BATTERED CHARLOTTE
NORTH CAROLINA WITH GUSTS TO OVER 75 MPH...DOWNING TREES AND POWER LINES AND CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE.

TORNADOES.
TORNADOES MOST OFTEN OCCUR IN THUNDERSTORMS EMBEDDED IN RAIN BANDS WELL AWAY FROM THE CENTER OF A TROPICAL SYSTEM. HOWEVER...THEY CAN ALSO OCCUR NEAR THE EYE WALL. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2004...THE REMNANTS OF HURRICANE FRANCES PRODUCED 20 CONFIRMED TORNADOES IN THE CHARLESTON NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE COUNTY WARNING AREA COVERING PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN SOUTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA.

HIGH SURF...BEACH EROSION AND RIP CURRENTS.
TROPICAL SYSTEMS ALSO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL COASTAL HAZARDS SUCH AS HIGH SURF...BEACH EROSION AND DEADLY RIP CURRENTS. THE HIGH SURF CAUSES EXTENSIVE BEACH EROSION AND CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS... WHICH ARE NARROW CHANNELS OF WATER FLOWING QUICKLY AWAY FROM LAND. HIGH SURF ASSOCIATED WITH TROPICAL STORM TAMMY IN 2005 PRODUCED EXTENSIVE BEACH EROSION ALONG THE COASTS OF SOUTHERN SOUTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA. FURTHERMORE...SEVERAL HOMES WERE DESTROYED IN EDISTO BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA.

Hurricane Preparedness Week 2008: Tuesday May 27, 2008

From the NWS Charleston Website:

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
500 AM EDT TUE MAY 27 2008

...HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK CONTINUES THROUGH SATURDAY...

PREPAREDNESS IS ESSENTIAL FOR MINIMIZING PROPERTY DAMAGE AND LOSS OF LIFE ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANES AND OTHER TROPICAL SYSTEMS. EVERYONE IS URGED TO DEVELOP A HURRICANE SAFETY PLAN AND REVIEW IT BEFORE EACH HURRICANE SEASON. SOME OF THE COMPONENTS THAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR PLAN WILL BE ADDRESSED TODAY.

BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TROPICAL WATCH/WARNING TERMINOLOGY USED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE. SPECIFICALLY...A WATCH IS ISSUED WHEN SPECIFIC CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED IN ABOUT 36 HOURS WHILE A WARNING IS THEN ISSUED WHEN THOSE SAME CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN ABOUT 24 HOURS.

LEARN THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS FROM TROPICAL SYSTEMS IN YOUR AREA. DETERMINE YOUR ELEVATION ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL AND WHETHER YOU ARE AT RISK FOR STORM SURGE.

LEARN EVACUATION ROUTES AND THE LOCATIONS OF OFFICIAL SHELTERS. IF YOU HAVE PETS... FIND OUT WHICH SHELTERS AND HOTELS WILL ACCEPT THEM.

REVIEW THE WORKING CONDITION OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT...SUCH AS FLASHLIGHTS...BATTERY-POWERED RADIOS AND GENERATORS. ENSURE THAT ENOUGH NON-PERISHABLE FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES ARE ON HAND. OBTAIN AND STORE MATERIALS NECESSARY TO PROPERLY SECURE YOUR HOME SUCH AS PLYWOOD. CLEAR CLOGGED RAIN GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS. KEEP TREES AND SHRUBS TRIMMED.

REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE POLICY. MOST HAZARD INSURANCE POLICIES DO NOT INCLUDE FLOODING. FLOOD INSURANCE POLICIES CAN BE OBTAINED BUT DO NOT TAKE EFFECT FOR 30 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. IN ADDITION...DETERMINE WHERE YOU CAN STORE YOUR BOAT.

CITIZENS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS OR OTHERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN CHARLESTON... LOCAL COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS...LOCAL AMERICAN RED CROSS CHAPTER OR PROJECT IMPACT PERSONNEL.

Hurricane Preparedness Week 2008: Monday May 26, 2008

From the NWS Charleston website:

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
500 AM EDT MON MAY 26 2008

...HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK RUNS FROM MAY 25 THROUGH MAY 31...

NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK BEGAN YESTERDAY AND RUNS THROUGH THROUGH SATURDAY. PARTNERS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE... EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT... AMERICAN RED CROSS AND PROJECT IMPACT ALL AGREE THAT PREPAREDNESS IS THE KEY TO MINIMIZING PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PREVENTING LOSS OF LIFE. THIS ANNUAL EVENT GIVES PERSONS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EDUCATE THEMSELVES AND REVIEW THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF WEATHER HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANES AND OTHER TROPICAL SYSTEMS. THE NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON WILL TRANSMIT AWARENESS INFORMATION AND PREPAREDNESS TIPS EACH DAY THROUGH FRIDAY TO HELP IN THIS EFFORT.

THE OFFICIAL ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS ON JUNE 1 AND CONTINUES THROUGH NOVEMBER 30. HOWEVER...TROPICAL SYSTEMS CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME. THUS...IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL PERSONS BECOME FAMILIAR WITH HURRICANE SAFETY PROCEDURES AND FORMULATE A SAFETY PLAN OF THEIR OWN.

THE IMPACTS OF HURRICANES AND OTHER TROPICAL SYSTEMS ARE NOT ONLY FELT AT THE COAST BUT POSSIBLY HUNDREDS OF MILES INLAND AS WELL. EVEN THE REMNANTS OF TROPICAL SYSTEMS CAN PRODUCE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. FOR EXAMPLE...THE REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM ALLISON IN 2001 PRODUCED SIGNIFICANT FLOODING IN HOUSTON TEXAS AND THE REMNANTS OF HURRICANES FRANCES AND JEANNE PRODUCED TORNADO OUTBREAKS ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST AND SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS.

YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO DESIGN A HURRICANE SAFETY PLAN LONG BEFORE A HURRICANE ACTUALLY THREATENS. WE WILL DISCUSS SUCH PLANS AS WELL AS THE VARIOUS HURRICANE HAZARDS BEGINNING ON TUESDAY.