Auxiliary promotes Hurricane Education

This storm, based on its projected path, will not only cut a swath across Florida but move up the eastern seaboard. The Coast Guard Auxiliary wants all those who might be in the path of this storm to find out what they can do to protect themselves, as well as understand what may or can or will happen.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary strongly suggests all members of the public that are in Hurricane, Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm areas take the time and educate themselves about these powerful natural occurrences.

As such we are re-publishing several informational releases in order to educate our fellow citizens.

Weather plays an important part in recreational boating safety. The Auxiliary teaches the boating public that before you venture out on your boat, that you not only check the weather forecast, but do so all during your time on the boat. Fast moving weather systems can take a day of fun on the water and turn it into a disaster.

The National Weather Service provides advisories to the nation on both large storms like Hurricane Rita as well as local thunderstorms and tornados.

Most people are confused by some of the terminology used by the National Weather Service. The two most confusing terms are "Warning" and "Watch".

A "Watch" issued for your area indicates the possibility that you could experience adverse conditions. Depending on the type of Watch (Hurricane, Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm) the criteria changes.

This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.

A "Warning" issued for your area indicates that the adverse conditions will or is happening (again based on the type of weather). Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

Below find some links to information that can help you and your family understand these storms, as well prepare for them.

Hurricane Basics
http://hurricanes.noaa.gov/pdf/hurricanebook.pdf
http://hurricanes.noaa.gov/prepare/

Hurricane and Other Severe Weather Guides from NOAA's National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/downloads.shtml

Hurricane Awareness from NOAA's National Weather Service http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hurricane/index.shtml

Hurricanes...Unleashing Nature's Fury - Hurricane safety and information from the American Red Cross, NOAA and FEMA (PDF Format) http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/hurr.pdf

Nature's Most Violent Storms? http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/NWSTornado/

Thunderstorms and Camping Safety http://cimms.ou.edu/%7Edoswell/tstm_camping_safety.html

Hurricane Readiness Guide http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/readyhurricane.html

Weather Safety for Kids -- Owlie Skywarn's Weather Book about Tornadoes http://www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx/owlie/tornado1.htm

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed, non-military volunteer's who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. Its 31,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions.

The release is available at: http://www.auxpa.org/releases/community/101905.html