According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) research on historical flood risk, 98 percent of U.S. counties have been impacted by a flooding event. Not only do flood events occur in and impact all regions of the United States, but they are also costly. Therefore, it is in the interest of communities for education…

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) research on historical flood risk, 98 percent of U.S. counties have been impacted by a flooding event. Not only do flood events occur in and impact all regions of the United States, but they are also costly. Therefore, it is in the interest of communities for institutions of higher…

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) research on historical flood risk, 98 percent of U.S. counties have been impacted by a flooding event. Not only do flood event occur in and impact all regions of the United States, but they are also costly, and so it is in the interest of communities for state education agencies…

Describes appropriate gear for day hikers and backpackers including boots, clothing, insulators, raingear, and parkas. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of natural and synthetic fibers and materials. Describes methods for keeping moisture away from sleeping bags. Stresses the importance of being prepared for any type of weather when…

A formula for assessing specific risk of lightning strikes is provided. Recent legal cases are used to illustrate potential liability. Six actions park managers can take to minimize danger from lightning are presented, and commonsense rules which should be publicly posted are listed. (MT)

This preparedness guide explains and describes tornadoes, and includes safety information for schools. A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The guide explains the cause of tornadoes, provides diagrams of how they form, describes variations of tornadoes, and classifies tornadoes by…

This paper outlines management guidelines for outdoor adventure pursuits based on analysis of accident case studies in the literature. Managing risk, to a large degree, involves managing human errors related to natural environmental hazards. The knowledge needed to manage risk may be gained through personal experience (the most dangerous way),…

Precautions to take before, what to do if outdoors or indoors during, and inspecting for damage after thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods. Sidebars discuss emergency supplies to keep on hand, calculating distance from thunderstorms, and the Fujita tornado rating scale. (TD)

Stresses the importance of planning ahead for rainy day activities at camp. Suggested outdoor activities include learning to build a fire in the rain, dam building, canoe puzzles, and holey garbage-can fill; indoor activities include crafts, pass the present, human game pieces, and opportunities for cabin groups to plan and host a fun activity.…

Provides information for planning an expedition in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain and France. Considers weather and gear, food and drink, first aid, travel to the area, washing, planning the day, languages of the area, base camp areas, specifics on the town of Bagneres de Luchon, and personal growth opportunities. (KS)

This last installment of articles addressing preparation of day hikers and backpackers discusses the importance of drinking plenty of purified water; how to keep food safe from animals; the necessity of carrying a flashlight, first aid kit, and compass; actions to take when someone is injured; and being prepared for any kind of weather. (LP)

This paper, on the health hazards of cold weather for elderly persons, presents information from various sources on the death rates in winter throughout the United States. After reviewing the scope of the problem, specific health hazards associated with cold weather are discussed, i.e., hypothermia, fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and influenza…

This pamphlet offers information to teachers and students concerning basic facts about weather and how to construct simple weather measurement devices. Directions, necessary materials, procedures, and instructions for use are given for four weather predicting instruments: wind vane, rain gauge, barometer, anemometer. Information is provided on…

There have been well over 200 Presidentially declared disasters in the United States in the past 5 years. No state has been spared. The costs associated with these events are staggering. Communities can take responsibility for alleviating the impact of natural disasters to ensure citizen safety, prevent damage to facilities, prevent delays of…

Suggests that responsive intervention by school counselors may minimize immediate and long-range adjustment problems of children affected by environmental disasters. Suggests an understanding of the impact of the event on children and familiarity with related literature enable the counselor to take an active role. (JAC)