Recently, the National Weather Service held its first National Flood Safety Awareness Week.  This week was intended to raise public attention to the dangers of flooding and ways to protect life and property.  Each day focused on a different aspect of flood safety, and the services and campaigns promoted by the NWS to raise awareness.  From our Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) to purchasing flood insurance, individuals have a number of ways to monitor and prepare for flooding. 

Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other weather related event, averaging around $4.6 billion a year during the past 20 years.  In addition, more deaths occur due to floods than from any other severe weather hazard each year.  Flooding can occur in any of the 50 states at anytime of the year.
 

The National Weather Service has continued to promote flood safety through its Turn Around, Don’t Drown campaign.  People often underestimate the force and power of water.  Most vehicles lose contact with the road in six inches of water, and can be swept away in 18 to 24 inches of water.  Many flood related deaths can be prevented by avoiding flooded roadways.  Remember, when approaching a flooded roadway, Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

Another way to prepare for flooding is to assess your flood risk and purchase flood insurance.  This information can be obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s web site at http://www.fema.gov/fima/nfip.shtm. 

Knowing what to do before, during and after a flood can save lives and reduce injuries and property damage. Be prepared by monitoring NOAA Weather Radio, local television and radio stations, or our web page.

By Jimmy Nunn, Hydro-Meteorological Technician
 

For the standard rain gauge, a plastic tube was removed for snow collection and water equivalent measurement in preparation for the winter.  Place this plastic tube back inside the collector.

Inside the top of the Fischer-Porter rain gauge is a plate with a hole in the center.  This plate was removed for the measurement of snow in the collector.  Place this plate back in the gauge and you're back in business.

And as always, if cooperative observers have any questions, please don't hesitate to call your friendly National Weather Service Lake Charles representative at 337-477-5285.  Thank you for your observations, and keep up the good work!