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Social Media: Wind Safety

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Social Media: Wind
#WinterSafety #WindSafety #WindScience

 

Please help the National Weather Service spread these important safety messages on social media! Everyone is welcome to use the text and images provided below to help the NWS build a Weather-Ready Nation.

Science of Wind (Video)

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Wind is a part of weather we experience all the time, but why does it actually happen? This video covers the basics: youtu.be/kb9oRYUzlwQ #WindScience

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Wind is a part of weather we experience all the time, but why does it actually happen? This video covers the basics: youtu.be/kb9oRYUzlwQ #WindScience

 

Infographic - When the Wind Blows

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High winds can be dangerous! Identify an interior room in your house or at work that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings. If you are driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down, and keep a distance from high profile vehicles. Be aware of loose outdoor items and stay clear of trees. For more information on wind safety, visit weather.gov/wind. #WindSafety #WeatherReady

Twitter
High winds can be dangerous! Visit weather.gov/wind for safety tips and resources. #WindSafety #WeatherReady

Infographic - When the Wind Blows. Identify an interior room in your house or at work that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings (head inside immediately). If you are driving and aren't near a sturdy building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down. Keep a distance from high profile vehicles (be careful on the road). High winds can create dangerous fallen or blowing objects (stay clear of hazards from above). Stay clear of trees. Beware of loose outdoor items.

 

Science of Santa Ana Winds

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Santa Ana winds are strong downslope winds that blow through the mountain passes in Southern California. They are created over the Great Basin region from high-pressure air masses, which then blow down towards sea level. These winds, which can easily exceed 40 miles per hour (18 m/s), are warm and dry and can severely exacerbate brush or forest fires, especially under drought conditions. For more info, visit https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=10727. #WindScience

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Santa Ana winds can exceed 40 mph and can worsen forest fires. https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=10727 #WindScience

What are Santa Ana Winds? Strong downslope winds. Created over the Great Basin from high-pressure air masses. They are warm, dry, and can worsen forest fires.

 

Science of Wind Chill

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Extremely cold air comes every winter in at least part of the country and affects millions of people across the United States. The arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values. weather.gov/safety/cold #WinterScience

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Arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values. weather.gov/safety/cold #WinterScience

Infographic - The Science of Wind Chill. The average temperature of the human body is 98.6 degrees fahrenheit. Under calm conditions, the body radiates heat, creating a layer of warmth between or skin and the cold surroundings. But when it's windy, the moving air breaks up this insulating layer. It speeds up heat loss by whisking away the warmth from our skin. Hypothermia begins when our body temperature drops two to four degrees.

 

Dust Storm - Driving

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Here are some useful safety tips if you get caught driving in a dust storm. Visit weather.gov/wind to learn more about #WindSafety. #WeatherReady

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Driving in a dust storm is dangerous. Learn more at weather.gov/wind. #WindSafety #WeatherReady

Safety tips for driving in dust storms: Slow down, turn lights on, sound horn occasionally, use painted center line as a guide.

 

Dust Storm - Pulled Over

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Never stop on the roadway when you are in a dust storm. Pull over to a safe location on the shoulder or further off the road. Learn more at weather.gov/wind. #WindSafety

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Never stop on the roadway when you are in a dust storm. Pull off the road to a safe location. Learn more at weather.gov/wind. #WindSafety

Dust storm safety tips for pulled-over vehicles: Pull off the road as far as possible. Stop and turn off lights. Set the emergency brake. Be sure tail lights are NOT illuminated.

 

Driving During Windy Conditions

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High winds can make driving dangerous. If driving during windy conditions, slow down and keep two hands on the wheel, avoid large trucks and trailers, and be aware for downed tree branches or downed trees and power lines. Bridges and overpasses can be particularly dangerous to drive over when it is extremely windy so choose routes to avoid them. weather.gov/safety/wind-during #WindSafety

Twitter
When windy: slow down, keep two hands on the wheel, avoid large trucks, powerlines & trees. weather.gov/safety/wind-during

Strong wind can impact travel. Strong wind can be a hazard to high-profile vehicles.

 

Wind Dangers for Recreation

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Each year, numerous campers, hikers, and all-terrain vehicle riders are injured due to the wind. Falling tree branches and blowing debris are most often the cause. The wind doesn’t have to be that strong to knock a dead branch out of a tree. If you will be spending time outdoors when it is windy, adjust your plans to avoid areas with trees or other items that could cause injury. If high winds are forecast, consider rescheduling for a later date. weather.gov/wind #WindSafety

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Each year there are numerous campers, hikers, and all-terrain vehicle riders injured due to the wind. weather.gov/wind #WindSafety

A camper is NOT a safe shelter from strong wind. Camp sites are often full of trees. Large branches can fall during strong wind. Seek shelter in a sturdy structure.

 

Wind Dangers for Boaters / Mariners

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Wind can be dangerous for those out on the water. Winds are the primary cause of waves and strong winds are dangerous because they create large waves. If high winds are forecast, adjust your plans so that you can have your boat safely stowed before conditions become hazardous. weather.gov/safety/safeboating #WindSafety (Photo courtesy of the US Coast Guard)

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Wind creates powerful waves, making conditions dangerous for boaters. weather.gov/safety/safeboating photo: @uscoastguard

Wind and waves are a hazard for boaters.

 

Prepare Your Home

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Strong storms with whipping winds commonly impact the U.S. during the cooler months. Each year there are reports of trees and powerlines that have been knocked over and homes that have been damaged. Trim trees and shrubs and repair loose siding or shutters around your home well in advance of a storm. This can help reduce damage to your home. weather.gov/safety/wind-before #WindSafety #WeatherReady

Twitter
Before it gets windy, prepare your home! Trim trees & repair loose siding & shutters. weather.gov/safety/wind-before #WindSafety #WeatherReady

Before it gets windy, prepare your home! Trim trees, repair loose siding and shutters.

 

Securing Loose Items

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Even the most common items become dangerous objects when picked up and carried by the wind! When a High Wind Watch or a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued, secure outdoor items such as patio furniture, sports equipment and trash cans. Have dead tree branches that are near your home taken care of before the next strong storm system blows through. weather.gov/safety/wind-during #WindSafety

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Even the most common items become dangerous objects when picked up and carried by the wind! weather.gov/safety/wind-during #WindSafety

Secure loose items before strong winds.

 

Power Outages

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Powerful storms can pack a windy punch. Don’t wait until you’re in the dark! Check your emergency kit now to ensure you have plenty of batteries and other essential supplies on hand. ready.gov/kit #WindSafety #WeatherReady

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Powerful storms can pack a windy punch, knocking out power. Are you ready? ready.gov/kit #WindSafety #WeatherReady

Be prepared for power outages. Strong winds can knock out power. Check your emergency kit to make sure it has everything you need.

 

Family Communication Plan

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Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan in advance: how will you get to a safe place; how will you contact one another; how will you get back together; and what will you do in different situations. Create a Family Communications Plan. http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan #WindSafety

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Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes. Make a plan. http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan #WindSafety

Family Communication Plan