Why We Need a National Disaster Review Board

By -
We have had major chemical-related incidents in both California and Washington in the past week. These will be investigated by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. Like the National Transportation Safety Board, the USCSHIB has an admirable record of making our nation safer. 

The USCHIB has already announced it has opened an investigation into the Washington paper mill explosion which killed one person. The explosion occurred yesterday and the investigative team is arriving this morning. 

Yet, when a flood or tornado or hurricane causes triple digit fatalities in the United States there is no organized system of expert review to learn what went wrong (if anything) and how we (meteorologists, emergency managers, medical teams, etc.) can improve our responses going forward. 

A succinct outline for a National Disaster Review Board is here. Congress?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Particularly Dangerous Situation" - Update 5:35pm

By -
Image
A major windstorm is forecast for Oklahoma and Texas Sunday.  This has the potential to cause widespread power failures.  Please prepare now. More information below.  5:35pm:  Particularly Dangerous Situation watch due to wind gusts forecast to reach 105 mph and  with hail 5" in diameter. Tornadoes also possible.  If you live in a mobile home, now is the time to determine your sheltering situation. I urge you to shelter before warnings are issued (spend the evening with friends or family). Power outages are likely. A mobile vehicle from the National Severe Storms Laboratory has already measured a gust of 90 mph! 3:05pm Update: Computer models have consistently increased their forecasts of peak wind gusts pertaining to north central Texas this evening. Wind gusts of 110 mph are possible. If correct, widespread power outages are likely.  First Watch of the Day Pertaining to the  Derecho   In addition to the threat of tornadoes, wind gusts of 80...
Read more

Tornado and Destructive Wind Risk Late This Afternoon and Tonight

By -
Image
It is imperative residents of the central Great Plains use the forecast to prepare for damaging winds and, perhaps, a tornado or two.  Tornado Risk The brown area has been moved south into northern Oklahoma and now includes Bartlesville, Ponca City, Enid, and Stillwater, in addition to the cities shown. In Missouri, it includes Joplin and Nevada.  Destructive Thunderstorm Winds Here is the color code: Pink and hatched: High  risk of destructive winds of 75 mph or stronger.  Red and hatched: Enhanced risk of wind gusts of 75 mph or stronger.  Yellow: Significant risk of winds 60 mph or stronger.  If you live in the red or pink areas, I urge  you to prepare for the potential for power outages, some could last a day or more. Bring in lawn furniture or trampolines which could blow about and crash into other objects -- increasing damage. Put your car in the garage or carport. 
Read more