NOAA
2005-025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Theresa Eisenman |
NOAA
News Releases 2005 NOAA Home Page NOAA Public Affairs |
NOAA’s National Weather Service will host the first annual Flood Safety Awareness Week from March 21-25, 2005, to raise public attention to the dangers of flooding and ways to protect life and property. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. “No state or territory is immune from the dangers of flooding, but knowing how to react when floods threaten can mean the difference between life and death,” said Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), director of NOAA's National Weather Service. The National Weather Service strives to improve flood forecasts and warnings, as part of NOAA’s continuing mission to serve society’s increasing need for weather and water information. Floods, on average, kill more than 100 people and are responsible for $4.6 billion in damage in the United States each year. More than half of those deaths occur in vehicles overtaken by floodwaters. “From ice jams and rapidly melting snow to torrential thunderstorms and slow-moving tropical storms, floods can be a threat throughout the year,” said Thomas Graziano, Ph.D., acting chief of the Hydrologic Services Division at NOAA’s National Weather Service. “Extensive and persistent public education on the hazards of flooding is key to reducing the loss of life and is the goal of Flood Safety Awareness Week.” Topics to be covered during Flood Safety Awareness Week: Monday,
March 21: Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service Tuesday,
March 22: Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Wednesday,
March 23: Inland Flooding from Tropical Systems Thursday,
March 24: Determining Flood Risk and Flood Insurance Friday,
March 25: Flood Safety The NOAA National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. The National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources. On the Web: NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov NOAA’s National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov Flood
Safety Awareness Week: http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/ |