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Floods are the number one natural disaster in the United States. The average flood claim between 2008 and 2012 was nearly $42,000. Total flood insurance claims during the same time period was nearly $4 billion dollars per year. People outside of mapped high-risk flood areas file nearly 25% of all the National Flood Insurance…
Thunderstorms are very dangerous because they produce lightning which can cause death. Over the 30 years from 1984 to 2013, there were on average 51 deaths per year, although the number has been on the decline since 2006. This makes lightning one of the top three killers storm-related killers, and injures hundreds more each…
In 2013 Twitter Alerts was introduced with the purpose of “helping users get important and accurate information from credible organizations during emergencies, natural disasters or moments when other communications services aren’t accessible.” The goal is to help Twitter users to get reliable information in cases of emergency. Useful in Real Crisis Situations…
Before Space Weather Occurs Space weather can have an impact on our advanced technologies which has a direct impact on our daily lives. The main area of concern will most likely be our nation’s electric power grid. Northern territories are more vulnerable to these effects than areas farther south. Generally, power…
Space Weather The term “space weather” refers to the variable conditions on the sun and in space that can influence the performance of technology we use on Earth. Extreme space weather could potentially cause damage to critical infrastructure – especially the electric grid – highlighting the importance of being prepared. Learn About Space…
Avian Influenza, Bird Flu, Chicken Flu, H5N1 Avian influenza, sometimes called bird flu, chicken flu, or H5N1 flu virus, is a term used to describe strains of influenza (flu) that can infect domestic poultry flocks and wild birds. The virus is contained in the secretions or excretions of an infected animal, especially the feces….
What is a Pandemic? A Pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population: a pandemic outbreak of a disease (merriam-webster.com). Usually a pandemic is when a disease spreads over a large part of a country or globally. …
Cyber Attack Often times, we may not realize that our actions online might put us, our families, and even our country at risk. Learning about the dangers online and taking action to protect ourselves is the first step in making the Internet a safer place for everyone. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and we…
The U.S. power grid is divided into three parts: 1) Most of Texas, 2) Eastern Interconnect which is everything east, and including, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, the Dakotas and northern Texas; 3) West Interconnect which is everything west of, and including, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. Power is transferred from low demand regions to…
If your home loses power or heat for more than a few hours or if you do not have adequate supplies to stay warm in your home overnight, you may want to go to a designated public shelter if you can get there safely. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to…