Disasters

"GAO Cites FEMA Preparedness Gaps"

"Almost four years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has failed to clarify the responsibilities of different agencies that would respond to such disasters, according to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office."

Disasters

Public

National (U.S.)

Source: WashPost, 06/09/2009

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Book Shelf, Book 2- The Winds Of Change: Climate, Weather, And The Destruction Of Civilization

Climate change scientist paints a stark and vivid picture

THE WINDS OF CHANGE: CLIMATE, WEATHER AND THE DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIZATIONS By Eugene Linden
Simon & Schuster, $26

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Environmental Studies

Environmental Politics

Journalism & Media

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National (U.S.)

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Public

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Media Hype's Impacts On Disaster Victims And Endangered Species

By JAN KNIGHT

After a disaster, news coverage can amplify risk, create new health syndromes, study shows.

Disasters and their aftermaths can have repercussions that reach beyond the days or weeks that follow, and news reports can strongly impact public reaction to related risks, even contributing to increased reports of health-related problems that may not be linked to the disaster, a recent study shows.

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"Hurricane Forecast Predicts Slightly Milder Season"

"Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say they are expecting an average Atlantic hurricane season this year, with four to seven hurricanes."

Disasters

Public

National (U.S.)

Source: NPR, 05/22/2009

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Toolbox: RMP*Comp Projects Chemical Disaster Scenarios

Use this free software tool, downloadable from EPA, to calculate how much injury a chemical spill could cause.

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Mid-Atlantic (DC DE MD PA VA WV)

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Public

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June 22, 2009 to June 25, 2009

AMA Conference on Broadcast Meteorology

Topics include regional challenges in forecasting, including tropical, severe weather, lake effect, mountain and winter weather. Also planned: a day trip to the Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, WA.

Professional Meetings

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Colorado Hurricane Guru May Lower Forecast

"Colorado State University hurricane forecaster Bill Gray said on Wednesday he may reduce his next Atlantic season forecast because sea temperatures are cooling and a weak El Nino may appear by late summer."

Disasters

Public

National (U.S.)

Source: Reuters, 05/14/2009

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Public Risks from Chemical Facilities Aren't Just Theoretical

Accidents and criminal actions at private and government facilities continue to threaten millions of people. Find the accident history in counties you cover.

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Weather Gives CA Firefighters the Edge

"Thousands of Santa Barbara residents are being allowed to return home as low winds and dramatically cooler temperatures have given firefighters the upper hand in their assault on the 6-day-old Jesusita fire, which stretches for five miles."

Disasters

Public

California

Source: LA Times, 05/10/2009