#18,524
Six days ago, in Weathering Heights: Billion-Dollar Disasters In 2024, we looked at the impressive list of weather-related disasters in the United States last year, and some basic ways to prepare for them.
While it may not make the billion-dollar disaster list, this is shaping up to be the first major weather event of 2025, with the NWS forecasting:
Depending where you live, this could be a snow, ice, or severe weather event. The Storm Prediction Center shows an enhanced risk for `Severe wind gusts, tornadoes and hail ' on Sunday
All of this means there could be power outages, heavy accumulations of snow or ice, and storm damage in addition to bitterly cold conditions. Travel may be hazardous, or even impossible, and carbon-monoxide poisoning from improper heating methods becomes a real possibility.
Ready.gov is urging everyone to become #WinterReady.
Why should you be #WinterReady?
- Sixty-three percent of temperature-related deaths are attributable to cold exposure.
- Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, and winter is when most home fires happen.
- Travel during the winter has unique risks, especially if you travel by car.
Although the prime focus of this blog is emerging infectious diseases, disaster preparedness has always run a close second.
While I can't say with any confidence that we'll see a pandemic in 2025, it is all but certain that millions of people in the U.S. - and hundreds of millions of people globally - will face some sort of natural disaster in the next 12 months.
In 2024, I personally dealt with two hurricanes and multiple prolonged power outages, and for the 3rd time in 7 years, I was forced to evacuate to a friend's house (see With Milton, Evacuation Is The Better Part Of Valor).
While I try to maintain a high level of preparedness, every year I find ways to improve my ability to withstand natural disasters and other emergencies (see Post-Milton Improvements To My Power Preps).
As we careen headlong into an uncertain 2025, I would urge all of my readers to serious consider their current level of preparedness, and find ways to improve it.
You don't have to live on the gulf coast, or on a fault line, for disaster to strike.
A Personal Pre-Pandemic Plan
#NatlPrep: Prolonged Grid Down Preparedness
#NatlPrep: Preparing For Extreme Space Weather
ODNI 2024 Annual Threat Assessment: Health Security
USGS Seismic Hazard Map Update: 75% of Americans At Risk Of Experiencing A Damaging Earthquake
While being prepared does not guarantee you come out of a disaster unscathed, it can go a long way towards increasing your odds.
