Getting out of harm蘑菇视频 way
When we are told to evacuate and get out of harm蘑菇视频 way, many of us do so and are appreciative of the warning and advice. For the most part, the weather forecasters and the news media do a great job getting the correct information to us so that we can make informed decisions about our safety in times of dangerous weather.
Weather forecasting is still an evolving science and while getting better, we are still not 鈥渜uite there鈥� yet. Preliminary warnings of upcoming storms are followed up by more accurate forecasts of the path these storms are expected to take. Getting it right may make the difference between life and death. Fifty miles makes for tremendous difference in outcome. This was certainly true of the recent hurricane that devastated Florida. Fifty miles was the difference between total devastation and just the inconvenience of an evacuation for some cities.
While people are being told to evacuate and to get out of harm蘑菇视频 way, many of the forecasters and media people are doing the exact opposite, rushing into harm蘑菇视频 way to send us live broadcasts of reporters trying to stand up against the winds of a hurricane with tree branches and debris flying through the air.
It蘑菇视频 just a matter of time before serious injury or death occurs. I feel it sends the wrong message and gives people the wrong impression of what it is like to be in a hurricane.
People die in these storms and that is the whole reason for the warnings. The pictures after the storm certainly attest to the destruction and the danger. Whole communities are destroyed and, fortunately, in Hurricane Irma蘑菇视频 case the surge was a bit lower than forecast or it could have been worse. People in the Florida Keys did heed the warnings and got out of harm蘑菇视频 way. Evacuations are inconvenient, but do save lives.
Closer to home, we are enjoying some fine September weather. Let蘑菇视频 remember that as fall and winter approach, we need to make ready our own plans for the coming of winter. It蘑菇视频 not too early to think about preparation and safety: water, flash lights, batteries, first aid, ample fuel and perhaps an alternative supply. In 1974, our mountain area was visited by a fall storm that left us without power for 11 days. Heavy wet snow downed power lines, trees and closed all mountain roads. The National Guard had to be called out to open roads. Every tree in the mountains sustained some damage.
Overhead, millions of dead ash and pine trees are lining our roadways, forests and trails awaiting the winter winds and storms that will cause untold numbers of them to come crashing down causing dangerous conditions for drivers, hunters, hikers and bikers.
Just a few days ago, I was reminded of this danger on the bike trail as already some limbs have fallen. In my own back yard, a 30 foot section of a dead ash tree fell across a path that I had walked on just a few minutes earlier. Winds were calm and no storms were in the area. Imagine what is going to happen when the storms of winter begin. At the end of our road, a big dead ash tree towers above the school bus shelter.
Soon the leaves will be off the trees and it will be difficult to know which trees are at risk of falling. In the meantime, be cautious and try and stay out of harm蘑菇视频 way.