Tag Archives: natural disasters

LET’S HOPE FOR MORE “GOOD” NEWS IN 2012!

We know that the world we live in isn’t perfect, but it seems that 2011 has had more than its’ fair share of bad news around the world.  There has been so much unrest in parts of the world because people had been persecuted for years; thanks to the internet, Facebook, and Twitter, they were able to bring attention to their dilemma to the rest of the world, which brought about much change. 

“Protests” seemed to be a popular word in 2011, and almost everyone was protesting something.  In the Middle East, there were revolutions against leaders, which resulted in the resignation of Hosni Mubarak in Egypt.  Other leaders were either killed or ousted by those who had been oppressed by their governments for years.  The Arab Spring wave of popular uprisings in the Middle East also caused Moammar Gadhafi, brutal leader of Libya, to meet his demise.  Citizens of these countries hope to see an establishment of greater democracy. The United States Navy Seals were successful in taking out Osama bin Laden, who had boasted that he masterminded the destruction of the World Trade Center September 11, 2001.  The new World Trade Center Memorial opened in September, to honor thousands who lost their lives that tragic day, and reports are that more than 10,000 people visit the memorial daily.

Natural disasters also prevailed throughout the world.  Tornadoes happening at unusual seasons of the year, volcanic eruptions, and devastation brought about either by too much water, (flooding), or not nearly enough (drought).  Along with the drought came horrific wildfires, costing the lives and property of countless citizens and wildlife.  

In Japan, a 9.0 earthquake, resulted in a tsunami, killing 15,843 persons.  Their nuclear plants were badly damaged, which caused fallout of a different type, in addition to the destruction of homes and businesses.  Turf battles still go on in Mexico, with the powerful cartels shipping drugs to the United States.  Many innocent Mexican citizens and Americans have lost their lives to these cartels.    North Korea lost their leader, Kim Jong-il just recently; his third son, Kim Jong-un will replace him.  South Korea and the world are anxious to see how the new North Korean leader will act toward South Korea. 

On our home front, there was the Casey Anthony trial, which kept persons tuned to their televisions to listen to the allegations made that she took the life of her beautiful daughter, Caylee, age 2.  Anthony was found not guilty; however, many felt that justice was not served for the child.  Recently, the Penn State scandal brought to the forefront the abuse that young boys suffer at the hands of someone they trust, such as a coach.  That accused coach is Jerry Sandusky.   He has not come to trial yet, but hopefully justice will be served for the many young men that allege they suffered assault by him. 

In Tuscon, Arizona, we learned that our representatives in Congress may not even be safe in their own backyard, so to speak.  U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords was shot at a “Congress on the Corner” meeting in front of a grocery store.  The perpetrator was a mentally unstable young man.   Six people died and fourteen others were wounded.  Representative Giffords is making a remarkable recovery, but still has a long way to go.  It is hoped by all that she can return to Congress. 

Good news for the U.S. and allies this month was that the Iraq war was officially over, and troops got to come home!  We honor our faithful men and women who served in Iraq and continue to do so in other countries, fighting for freedom from oppression of their citizens.  

Of course, the economy was one of the biggest stories of the year.  This included many countries, not just the United States.  One thing for sure:  we need to get back to the basics of balancing our budgets, and operating openly and honestly.  People need to trust financial institutions, and political leaders.  This will be a big year of campaigning for the U.S. Presidency and other offices; most of us are prepared to hear the things we want to believe will be done.  Sadly, that’s usually not the way it turns out.  Our representatives and President are there to serve the citizens of our country and do what is best for the country.  It is sad that it takes millions of dollars of campaign money to get a job.  There should be a limit to what is spent on campaigns, so the battlefield is even.   It seems obscene that so many people can’t find a job – any job, during this time of their lives,  yet all that money is being spent to become their leaders. 

There are so many persons who try to keep us safer, that we owe a debt of gratitude, such as firemen, law enforcement, rescuers and first responders, physicians, nurses, and healthcare providers.  Let’s hope that 2012 will bring a more peaceful world.  Maybe there won’t be as much “bad” news, but instead, some “good” news.  Somehow, the good news makes the back page.  Let’s all try to change that by being good citizens and helping others to focus on the positive.

 Please drive safely this New Year’s week-end and celebrate the end of 2011.  It is the wish of Blog4Safety and parent company, Texas America Safety Company that you will have good health, a job, peace, prosperity, and happiness in 2012.

HAS THE MONTH OF APRIL BEEN CONFUSED?

The old saying, “March comes in like a lion, and out like a lamb,” really didn’t come true this year!  It went out the same way it came in!  Just because that happened, the month of April didn’t have to carry on the “lion” tradition; however, for some reason, this month didn’t get the message!    The week of April 14th  through 16th  brought the largest single system of tornado outbreaks in United States history – 153 confirmed twisters.  These wind funnels danced through at least 14 states, killing an estimated 43 persons.  St. Louis, Missouri’s Lambert Airport was hit Sunday, April 24th,  by the most powerful tornado that had happened in their area in forty-four years.  Miraculously, no one was seriously hurt or killed, but more than 100 homes were destroyed.  News that tornadoes are continuing this week makes us even more aware that we must be prepared.  

The Weather Channel has reported the confirmation of 292 tornadoes in the United States so far this month, beating the previous April record of 267 in 1974.  Storm survey teams continue to assess the damage from this month’s storms and could change the number of confirmed tornadoes. The average for April is only 116, according to the nation’s Storm Prediction Center, in Norman, Oklahoma.  With a few days left in April, one can only wonder how many more will touch down somewhere.

Last week, my husband and I decided to subscribe to a weather prediction service offered through one of  Dallas’ television stations, as tornado season seems to have hit with a vengence.    On Saturday and Sunday night, we received several phone calls from this service, warning of either severe thunderstorms in our immediate area or tornado warnings for our area.  (I believe we got our money’s worth for a year’s subscription to this service in those two nights.) Local sirens also sounded, adding to the warnings.  We were relying on these  types of warnings, as our television satellite usually fails during storms.  A NOAA battery-operated radio is also very helpful.  By checking the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service website, you can obtain just about any kind of warning, forecast, or information needed for your location.  Images of tornado tracks in the United States look as though a line was drawn down the center of the U.S., making it much more colorful from the center to the eastern border.  Frankly, it would be just as well to live on the less colorful side of the line during storm season! 

Flooding is another very serious threat during this time of the year, too.  We never know when a natural disaster may happen, so we should take the warnings seriously and be prepared.  As previously suggested, disaster kits should be filled with staples and supplies that will last several days.  A first aid kit should be available at all times, both in the home and vehicle.   And keep that cell phone charged up! 

Early warnings, good timing, and common sense are credited with saving many lives.  Don’t ignore those weather watches and warnings – weather professionals are doing a good job by forecasting upcoming changes that pose threats.  Pay attention and be ready!  Taking a CPR class is a good idea, too.  You never know when you may be able to help a neighbor or family member that gets injured during storms.  Let’s hope that  May showers will bring spring flowers, and nothing else!  Both May and June are still months for thunderstorms and tornadoes, but maybe we will get a break this year.  If not, records will be set for 2011.

For those who have been affected by fires, tornadoes, or floods, we wish you a safe recovery and that things can someday soon return to normal.