Early Season,Typhoon Neoguri Reaches South China

The Typhoon Neoguri reached China on Friday evening local time, and weakened into a severe tropical storm.

The storm which caused the evacuation of about 120,000 people from the low lying areas of the southern island province of Hainan, China "Will be the earliest typhoon of the season to affect the south China region since the founding of new China in 1949" said Chen Lei, deputy commander of the State Headquarters of Flood Control and Drought Relief.

The Xinhua News agency that provided the quote from Chen Lei, was also reporting that "The storm was expected to be one of the strongest in history to hit the region."

22,000 Fishing boats were called back to harbor however 56 fishermen were reported missing. A maritime rescue team set out at 11:00 to look for the 56 missing fishermen after officials had lost contact since Thursday evening with three boats sheltering near a reef in the Xisha Archipelago in the South China Sea, according to the Xinhua News agency.

All Ferry services in the area were suspended but flights in and out continued.

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Earthquake Strikes Illinois Today

The State of Illinois was hit by an earthquake today measuring 5.2 in magnitude on the Richter magnitude scale. Initial reports had the quake measured at 5.4 but that was later reduced to the lower level.

The earthquake struck at 4:36 AM local time and centered five miles from Bellmont, a tiny farm town close to the Wabash River, which marks the border with Indiana.

A second earthquake, an after shock hit at 10:14 AM local time measuring 4.6 in magnitude . Many other small aftershocks have been reported as well.

So far no reports of injuries or damages but the quake had skyscrapers swaying in Chicago and Indianapolis and was felt as far away as Milwaukee and Cincinnati.

Earthquakes are not only common in the region they produced two of the three strongest earthquakes in the continental United States. The fault running up the Wabash Valley is responsible for the New Madrid, MO. earthquake of December 1811 and February 1812, each thought to have been magnitude 8 or greater. (The strongest was a large magnitude 9 in the Pacific Northwest in January 1700, known mainly by the tsunami it created that lashed Japan.)

I had just posted information about the probability of an earthquake hitting California which included tips for earthquake safety.

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Big Earthquake To Strike In Next 30 Years

Well I have been a bit late in getting this news up, but as you know the USGS has announced in a new study that the probability of an earthquake of 6.7 or larger will strike in the State of California in the next 30 years is greater than 99%. The odds are actually predicted as being a 99.7% chance of the earthquake striking by the year 2037.

The last time an earthquake of this size hit California was in 1994 and is referred to as the Northridge disaster or the Northridge Quake. This earthquake caused 72 deaths and injures to more than 9,000 people as well as $25 billion in damages in USD.

This is an excellent time to review some earthquake safety tips.

Before an Earthquake

1. Check for Potential Hazards.

Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Brace overhead light fixtures..

2. Identify A Safe Place.
Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
Against an inside wall.
Away from glass could shatter, or other heavy furniture could fall over.
In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

3. Have A Disaster Preparedness Kit Ready To Go

Flashlight and extra batteries.
Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
First aid kit and manual.
Emergency food and water.
Nonelectric can opener.
Essential medicines.
Cash and credit cards.
Sturdy shoes

Note: Be Prepared to be on your own without help for AT LEAST 72 HOURS

During An Earthquake

1. If Indoors

Drop to the ground and take COVER under a sturdy table
Stay away from Glass and windows
Stay in bed if you are there when an earthquake hits, hold on and protect your head with a pillow
Use a doorway for shelter
Stay inside until shaking stops most people are injured when they try to move or leave
Be aware that electricity may go out and fire sprinklers may come on
Do NOT USE ELEVATORS

2. If Outdoors

Stay there
Move away from buildings, utility wires, street lights and elevated road ways
Try to stay in the open

3. If In A Moving Car

Stop as quickly and safely as you can and stay in the car
Avoid stopping under elevated roadways, buildings, trees and other things that may fall
Proceed with caution after the shaking stops
Avoid area damaged by earthquake

4. If You Become Trapped

Do not light a match or use a lighter
Do not move about or kick up dust
Cover your mouth with clothing or handkerchief
Tap on a pipe or outside wall so rescuers can locate you, use a whistle if you have one
Do not shout or yell as doing so may cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust

After An Earthquake

Expect aftershocks
Listen to the radio or television
Use the telephone only in an emergency
Help the injured
Be aware of tsunamis if you are in a coastal area
Check utilities for gas leaks, electrical damage and water and sewage lines for damage

How to Safely Install A Power Generator

In many disaster and emergency situations people often lose power and can be without power for several days. At times the power may even go out for other reasons as well.

Many people use generators in order to have power during times they lose power. However, many people do not know about generator safety or how to use a generator properly.

Popular Mechanics has taken the time to produce a video on how to install a power generator safely.

Power Generator Safety.

Remember Safety is paramount in any situation.

Severe Weather Safety Video by Chris Pirillo

I was going to post some information today to prepare people for severe weather.

I stumbled across a video by Chris Pirillo in which he speaks on video from a list put together by storm chasers.

So I because I am felling lazy I am going to just post this video today and add another list at a later date.

Enjoy, but take heed.