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All You Need to Know About Solar Storms

The Storm Crew — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:00:19 +0000

Six million Canadians mysteriously found themselves without power for more than nine hours on March 13, 1989. The cause? A surprise storm from outer space. That’s right; a powerful geomagnetic storm disrupted Hydro Quebec’s electric power transmission grid. Effects from the space storm even melted transformers as far south asNew Jersey. In our technology-dependent society, space weather can have a serious and direct impact on our daily lives. While power outages due to space weather are rare events, it’s possible that a widespread outage, like the 1989 Canadian outage, could easily occur again with even more serious consequences. Power and communication disruptions could cripple computer systems, telephone systems, satellite networks and GPS-dependent services. Planes couldn’t fly, phones would stop working, gas stations couldn’t pump fuel, and credit cards and debit cards would be rendered useless. Is extreme space weather a serious threat? Mike Hapgood, a space weather scientist at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory nearOxford,England, says yes. Hapgood says minor geomagnetic storms are a periodic – and insignificant – occurrence. Much of our planet’s electronic equipment and orbiting satellites are built to withstand these storms. But a major coronal mass ejection (a large solar flare) could cause a serious geomagnetic storm that disrupts our power grid and communication system.

There’s a 12 percent chance that a serious space weather storm could happen in the next decade. --Space Weather, online journal published by the American Geophysical Union

Depending on where you live, a hurricane, tornado or earthquake may seem far more likely to impact your daily life than a space storm. After all, a recent flare-up of solar activity in March led to lots of media coverage, but no real problems. According to Hapgood, that’s because March’s solar activity was due to solar flares, rather than a coronal mass ejection. So, what’s the difference? Think of a large solar flare as a heavy rainstorm. Sure, there may be some flash flooding, but any real damage is minimal. A coronal mass ejection, however, is like a Category 5 hurricane bearing straight down on your house. That’s never good news! Coronal mass ejections occur when the sun’s magnetic field disrupts the sun’s atmosphere, sending an ejection of charged particles into space. If this hurricane of particles hits Earth, it can overload the electrical grid and disrupt the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Should you prepare for space weather? Absolutely. Effects of solar storms, including the loss of communication technology and electricity, could cripple our country for several days or even weeks until power is fully restored. Fortunately, preparing for space weather is similar to preparing for other natural disasters. FEMA recommends all families make an emergency kit and a family communications plan. Keep in mind that you may be unable to use your debit card or credit card and that fuel pumps may not work. I always keep a small stash of emergency cash on hand and at least half a tank of fuel in my car. A car phone charger or solar-powered charger can keep your phone powered until electricity is restored.

Regional Natural Disasters: Are You Prepared?

The Storm Crew — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:00:08 +0000

Taking a road trip from Illinois to San Francisco for our annual summer vacation was an adventure in many ways. When I first looked out the window of our hotel in the Mission District of San Francisco, I peered up at the Tuscany-beautiful hills and thought, "Those have be a hassle after the first snowstorm." Then I corrected myself: No snowstorms here. While on our trip, we met up with a couple of friends who had recently moved to San Francisco from the Midwest. Instead of outfitting their cars with winter tires, they first set to work putting together an earthquake kit. For one of them, the most nerve-wracking part of their relocation was the idea that the earth could open up and swallow them — but they awaited their first earthquake with glee. When it finally happened, one friend thought a truck was going by on the street below, only it went on longer. She whooped and cheered, and then turned to see her darling husband looking pale, his forgotten beer overflowing onto his hand.

Regional Effects

I was fascinated at how the most likely natural disaster shapes the architecture and culture of a region. I thought of sturdy brick houses and brownstones found in the East as the ultimate barrier against the elements. In the West, wooden structures are considered more earthquake-proof, and many of the charming Victorian and Edwardian homes that scream "San Francisco!" (as well as "Uncle Jessie!") have wooden frames that let them bounce safely through the 1906 earthquake, yet left them vulnerable to fire. Never mind the Midwest, where we hail from. Growing up here, I remember fleeing like Dorothy to the tornado cellar, and thinking monsters were real, because that's what it sounded like. When we got back from our trip, I did a little more research and found this map detailing where to live to avoid a natural disaster, created by Sperling's Best Places and printed in The New York Times. It shows that although psychologically it's difficult to get used to the idea of the earth actually moving under one's feet (and not in a retro-funky Carole King kind of way),Northern California actually has a very low risk of natural disasters. The safest region is the Pacific Northwest, with Corvallis, Oregon listed as the metro area least likely to yield quakes, droughts, or various forms of extreme weather. At the other end of the spectrum, Dallas, Texas is most at risk for tornadoes, hurricanes, hail, high winds, drought and floods. That's right: Drought and floods, in the same city. That just doesn't seem fair, does it?

Map It Out

The maps also showed which disasters are most likely to hit each region. Predictably, the most earthquakes happen out West, with the entire left coast being one big brown earthquake-zone. The hurricane zone is most prevalent in the southeast, fromFloridaup toVirginia. The most dangerous spot for tornados appears as a big dot almost completely obscuring Oklahoma. 2011 was actually a record-breaking year for natural disasters across the United States, with tornadoes costing the most ($28 billion, according to The Daily Green) and blizzards costing the least (a mere $1.8 billion). Scientists report that though these incidents are increasing, and costs are as well, fatalities are actually decreasing as we all get better at handling them. Oddly, all these color-coded maps and details of natural disasters have had the opposite effect from the one I intended. The other day, I caught my husband testing our wind-up radio to make sure it works and refreshing the supply of D batteries in our tornado kit. But that's fine with me. The more prepared we are, the more I can enjoy tracking the storm from our basement.

Which natural disasters have you survived? How did you do it? Share below!

Busting Storm Safety Myths: The Truth Behind 4 Urban Legends

The Storm Crew — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:00:45 +0000

Batten down the hatches! Our Storm Crew is busting some of the most common storm safety myths and sharing weather safety tips.

Growing up with a father who loved chasing storms, I experienced some seriously close encounters with Mother Nature. While I certainly learned to respect extreme weather and the value of preparation, I also heard plenty of folklore and urban myths about the best way to stay safe during storms. From where to stand during an earthquake to the best way to protect your home from a hurricane, here’s the real truth behind four common storm safety myths.

Myth #1: Wear a helmet to protect your head during a tornado.

On April 27, 2011, an F4 tornado ripped through central Alabama. Head injuries caused more than half of all fatalities. Would helmets have made a difference? Maybe. Helmets can protect the head from falling debris. However, helmets are only useful if they are stored in an easily accessible location. When a tornado strikes, most people have only a few moments to seek safety. Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that “looking for a helmet in the few seconds before a tornado hits may delay you getting safely to shelter.” Truth: Helmets are not a substitute for shelter.

Myth #2: A doorway is the safest place to stand during an earthquake.

Back away from the door! According to the California State Department of Conservation, taking shelter in a doorway is only a good idea if you live in an unreinforced adobe home. In modern buildings, the entire structure is reinforced so standing in the doorway offers no benefit. In fact, standing in a doorway is dangerous – you’re more likely to be injured by a swinging door when the building shakes. Additionally, standing in the doorway of a public building can block exits and cause you to be trampled when people rush outside. Truth: Stay safe by taking shelter under a table or heavy desk.

Myth #3: Open windows prevent the roof from blowing off during a tornado.

Sorry, but simple physics quickly dispels this storm safety myth. The “open windows” myth is based on the incorrect belief that a buildup of pressure inside a house can cause the roof to blow off during a tornado. However, it’s not the pressure that destroys a home during a tornado, but the force of winds and flying debris. A 260 mph wind will flatten just about anything in its path, including your home. Open windows can do nothing to stop this. In fact, opening windows allows additional debris into your home. Truth: Don’t waste time opening windows. Take shelter immediately in an underground basement, storm shelter or a windowless interior room.

Myth #4: Tape windows with a big “X” before a hurricane to make them impact resistant.

Save your tape. Taping does nothing to strengthen windows or prevent them from breaking during a hurricane. The only safe way to protect glass windows is with storm shutters. Choose shutters constructed from 5/8-inch plywood or metal. Truth: Storm-proofing your home with hurricane shutters is a quick and easy way to reduce property damage and increase safety.

Post your safety myth below!

3 Smart Ways to Check a Used Car for Water Damage

The Storm Crew — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:04:30 +0000

Buying a used car can be a stressful process—one that involves wading your way through a sea of lemons before finding that diamond in the rough. And once you discover a car that appears to be in good shape, figuring out its history can be a whole different story. As avid storm watchers, we know that flooding and severe weather can wreak havoc on vehicles. Unfortunately for buyers, that kind of damage is often easy for sellers to conceal. In the wake of major storms, severely damaged cars can end up on lots thousands of miles away, showing few signs of damage. Consider taking these steps to see whether your prospective purchase has been damaged by severe weather:

Look for cosmetic clues

Examine the car’s carpeting and upholstery to make sure it matches the rest of the interior and fits well. If not, the original may have been replaced to conceal discoloration, fading or staining caused by water damage. You should also reach under the dashboard to bend the wires and make sure they are flexible. Wires that have gotten wet will often crack after drying.

As avid storm watchers, we know that flooding and severe weather can wreak havoc on vehicles. Unfortunately for buyers, that kind of damage is often easy for sellers to conceal.

In addition, take a look at the dashboard, below the seats, and inside the trunk and glove compartment for signs of mud and rust—too much grit and grime can be a dealbreaker. However, also beware if everything’s sparkling clean under the hood, as this may indicate the car has been pressure washed to remove signs of mud or soot.

Check the electrical system

Make sure to turn the car on and note that all gauges work properly. All of the internal warning lights, including ABS (anti-lock brake system) and air bag lights, should turn on when you start the ignition. You should also consider testing the headlights, turn signals, windshield wipers, radio, heater and air conditioner, as a flaw in these systems could indicate previous storm damage. If you’re unsure whether these components work, have the car inspected by a mechanic before you put any money down.

Ask for a vehicle history report

A vehicle history report can give you some key insight about a car’s life experience. These reports provide information about problems a vehicle has had in the past and can tell you whether it’s been registered in an area that’s at risk for floods or hurricanes. If the seller doesn’t give you a vehicle history report, you can use the car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to obtain one online through CARFAX or a similar website, or VINCheck, a tool set up by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. When buying a used car, these simple precautions can help you make sure you get what you paid for. For helpful hints about vehicle maintenance, check out the Tools and Resources section on Allstate.com.