Emergency Management News

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Summer Weather Information from @WRNAmbassadors

Summer means vacations and spending more time outdoors enjoying recreational activities and cooling off at the beach, lake or pool.   
 
Summer is also an important season to know your risks when outdoors, be prepared, and to take the appropriate action.  On June 1, the National Weather Service launched its Summer Safety Campaign: https://www.weather.gov/wrn/summer-safety.
 
Here are a few hazards that we want to highlight and encourage all of our WRN Ambassadors to engage their employees, social media networks, communities and beyond.
 
Lightning
 
Historically, the most lightning deaths occur in the months of June and July.  The most important message everyone should know is if you can hear thunder, you are in danger.  That is why we ask all our WRN Ambassadors to use the slogan "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors".  New this year for the deaf & hard of hearing community "When You See a Flash, Dash to Safety."  Visit weather.gov/lightning for lightning safety content.
 
Extreme Heat
 
Many parts of the country are already experiencing heat waves.  Always look for ways to reduce exposure to extreme heat and ensure young children and pets are especially protected.  
For preparedness information on extreme heat, please go to weather.gov/heat.  
 
Rip Currents
 
There have been way too many tragic stories recently of drownings due to rip currents. Rip currents can be a clear and present danger when entering the ocean (and even the shores of our Great Lakes).  Simple actions like staying out of deeper water during elevated rip current conditions, and always swimming within lifeguard areas can save your lives.  During summer vacations, many tourists are unfamiliar with the rip current danger, so spreading the word even across interior states can help reduce loss of life.  Visit weather.gov/ripcurrent for safety resources.
 
Tropical Activity and Heavy Rainfall
 
Though hurricane season just started three weeks ago, we already have our third named system (for the latest information on these threats go to www.hurricanes.gov)
An immediate threat to the U.S. was  Tropical Storm Cindy, which is forecast to drop heavy rainfall this week over parts of the Gulf Coast and inland areas that are already saturated.
 
Below is an infographic that describes the inland flooding threat from tropical cyclones.  If your organization has interests in the Gulf region, we encourage you to use this graphic to help people prepare for the flood risk.

Thank you for helping build a Weather-Ready Nation.

Follow @WRNAmbassadors on Twitter
 
 

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