NOAA
2005-R245 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Chris Vaccaro 5/6/05 |
NOAA
News Releases 2005 NOAA Home Page NOAA Public Affairs |
NOAA’s National Weather Service Forecast Offices in the Pacific Northwest will host the first region-wide Severe Weather and Wildfire Awareness Week from May 9-15, 2005. The effort is to raise public attention to the dangers of severe weather and wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and provide information to help protect life and property. NOAA is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Education is key to a successful forecast and warning process and is the goal of this awareness week,” said retired Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “When National Weather Service forecasters warn the public of severe weather or wildfire hazards, it’s important for citizens to know how to react in order to protect themselves and their property.” “Some people incorrectly believe that the Pacific Northwest does not get severe weather,” said John Livingston, meteorologist-in-charge of NOAA’s National Weather Service in Spokane, Wash. “Yet, history shows this region does get severe weather, including tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash floods.” “Wildfires are a perennial hazard in the Pacific Northwest,” added John Jannuzzi meteorologist-in-charge of NOAA’s National Weather Service in Boise, Idaho. “With most of the Northwest in severe to extreme drought conditions, wildfires may be a significant hazard this summer and fall.” Topics to be covered during Severe Weather and Wildfire Awareness Week:
NOAA’s National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NOAA’s 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, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, 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 National
Weather Service Safety Tips: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/safety.php |