Weather Comedy Class - Defensive Driving

Preparation for Inclement Weather

It's important to prepare and equip your vehicle for winter. The most important thing to prevent is a breakdown, so be sure and keep your vehicle in good running shape. Start with a tune up and check the following:

• Tires (air, sidewall wear and tread depth)
• Battery
• Ignition
• Brakes
• Hoses and Fan Belts.
• \Air, fuel and emission filters.
• Antifreeze
• Fuel (fill it up)

Stay in your car during hail

When a hailstorm hits, the best place to be is inside your car. Hail can cause serious damage to your vehicle, and it’s important to take shelter as soon as possible. Here are some tips for staying safe inside your car during a hailstorm:

• 1. Park in a covered area, if possible. This will help protect your car from hail damage.
• 2. Pull over to the side of the road and turn off your engine.
• 3. Stay in your car and put on your seatbelt.
• 4. Close all the windows and sunroof.
• 5. If hail is coming down hard, cover your head with a blanket or jacket.
• 6. Wait out the storm inside your car until it’s safe to drive again.

By following these tips, you can help protect your car from hail damage. If your car does sustain damage, be sure to take it to a reputable auto body shop for repairs.

 

Inclement Weather and High Water

It's important to be aware of your surroundings when severe weather is present. Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in the United States, so it's important to know what to do if you find yourself in a situation where you're trying to cross high water.

The first thing to remember is not to try to cross high water. It only takes six inches of fast-moving water to knock an adult down, and two feet of water to carry away a car. It's important to stay safe and avoid putting yourself in a dangerous situation.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to cross high water, the best thing to do is call 911 and wait for help to arrive. Trying to cross high water on your own is incredibly dangerous and is not worth the risk.

Severe weather can happen at any time and it's important to be prepared. If you live in an area that's prone to flooding, make sure you have a plan in place in case you find yourself needing to cross high water. Stay safe and don't take unnecessary risks.

 

Tune to your local weather station

If you’re interested in tracking the weather, one option is to purchase and install a weather station. These devices measure various aspects of the local environment, including temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and wind speed and direction. Many weather stations also include a rain gauge.

Weather stations can be purchased from a variety of retailers, both online and offline. Once you have your weather station, you’ll need to set it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves placing the sensors in an open area away from trees, buildings, and other objects that could obstruct the wind or interfere with the rain gauge.

Once your weather station is set up, you’ll need to calibrate it. This ensures that the readings are accurate. Calibration typically involves setting the station to the current conditions as reported by the National Weather Service or another reliable source.

After your weather station is calibrated, you can begin tracking the weather! Check the readings regularly and record them in a journal or on your computer. By tracking the weather over time, you’ll be able to better understand the climate in your area.

 

Government related links for driver safety and weather

The National Weather Service (NWS) is a federal agency that is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NWS is responsible for providing weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. Their website, weather.gov, is a one-stop shop for all things weather related.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is another federal agency, also part of NOAA, that is tasked with tracking and forecasting tropical cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons, etc.). The NHC website, hurricanes.gov, provides the latest information on tropical cyclones, as well as preparedness and safety tips.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an independent agency of the United States government that is responsible for providing assistance to victims of natural disasters and promoting national preparedness. FEMA's Fema website, fema.gov, has a wealth of information on preparing for and recovering from weather-related disasters.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal agency that is tasked with protecting human health and the environment. The EPA EPA website, epa.gov, has information on a variety of topics related to weather, including air quality, extreme weather, and climate change.