Ready.gov - Aug 8, 2011. NOAA issued its updated 2011 Atlantic hurricane season outlook today raising the number of expected named storms from its pre-season outlook issued in May. Forecasters also increased their confidence that 2011 will be an active Atlantic hurricane season. Key climate factors predicted in May continue to support an active season. These include: the tropical multi-decadal signal, which since 1995 has brought favorable ocean and atmospheric conditions, leading to more active seasons; exceptionally warm Atlantic Ocean temperatures (the third warmest on record); and the possible redevelopment of La Niña. Reduced vertical wind shear and lower air pressure across the tropical Atlantic also favor an active season. Based on these conditions and on climate model forecasts, the confidence for an above-normal season has increased from 65 percent in May to 85 percent. Also, the expected number of named storms has increased from 12-18 in May to 14-19, and the expected number of hurricanes has increased from 6-10 in May to 7-10. Read more at http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/. 

NACHC - Aug 5, 2011. http://idisaster.wordpress.com/ - A blog created to provide information about Web 2.o and other information communications technologies that are (or could be) used by members of the emergency management community. The intent is to provide exemplary practices, news and information about applications of new media, with the longer-term objective of improving practice and outcomes in emergency management.
A recent NEJM article entitled Integrating Social Media into Emergency-Preparedness Efforts supports what many of us are trying to accomplish. Read the article at http://healthpolicyandreform.nejm.org/?p=14975&query=home.  

NACHC Prep Tips - July 29, 2011. September is National Preparedness Month (NPM)! This awareness month is sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps. NPM is held each September and is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. What is your health center doing for NPM? If you are planning any special events, please send the details to Tina Wright. Learn more about NPM at http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/READYNPM. 

NACHC Prep Tips - July 29, 2011. Two months into Hurricane Season and things have been a little busy in the Atlantic. If your health center is in an area at risk from hurricanes and other tropical weather, it's a good idea to review your plan, update your staff contact list, and touch base with your key partners if you haven't already.  It's also good to understand the terms used and know when you really need to start paying attention to the storms in your area. Source: National Hurricane Center.
Hurricane / Typhoon: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 74 mph or more. The term hurricane is used for Northern Hemisphere tropical cyclones east of the International Dateline to the Greenwich Meridian. The term typhoon is used for Pacific tropical cyclones north of the Equator west of the International Dateline.
Hurricane Warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area.  Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale: The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricane's intensity at the indicated time. The scale provides examples of the type of damage and impacts in the United States associated with winds of the indicated intensity. The following table shows the scale broken down by winds:
Category      Wind Speed (mph)      Damage
     1               74 - 95                      Very dangerous winds will produce some damage
     2               96 - 110                    Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage
     3               111 - 130                  Devastating damage will occur
     4               131 - 155                  Catastrophic damage will occur
     5               > 155                       Catastrophic damage will occur
Tropical Cyclone: A warm-core non-frontal synoptic-scale cyclone, originating over tropical or subtropical waters, with organized deep convection and a closed surface wind circulation about a well-defined center. Once formed, a tropical cyclone is maintained by the extraction of heat energy from the ocean at high temperature and heat export at the low temperatures of the upper troposphere. In this they differ from extratropical cyclones, which derive their energy from horizontal temperature contrasts in the atmosphere (baroclinic effects).
Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed is 38 mph or less.
Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed ranges from 39 mph to 73 mph.
Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours. 

nnlm.gov - July 28, 2011. Entries must be received by August 26, 2011. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce that the Agency is currently accepting submissions for the 2011 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards. Formerly the National Citizen Corps Achievement Awards, the name was changed to reflect FEMA's intent to recognize the innovative and outstanding achievements of all of the individuals, communities, and organizations working to ensure that the United States is better prepared and more resilient. The Awards showcase the work of the Agency's partners at the State, territorial, local, and tribal levels. This includes non-governmental organizations in the non-profit, faith-based, and private sector communities, as well as and diverse individuals, families, and communities. It is these partners who are FEMA's most important assets and allies in the Agency's ability to respond to and recover from any major disaster.