A Message from a Republican Meteorologist

There are some issues that are so important for our common good that they should have bi-partisan support. 

One of these is the risk that the climate changes we are experiencing may be caused by burning fossil fuels to supply us with energy.  Some people say it is just an atmospheric cycle, yet many respected scientists are saying with supporting facts that carbon dioxide and methane gases are rapidly building up in the outer atmosphere and creating a “blanket” around the earth.  This build up keeps more heat here on earth and is causing glaciers and the polar ice to melt.  This melting will cause oceans to rise and force people to migrate to higher ground.  The rising water will be disrupting, but millions of migrants with no home will affect us all in unimaginable and countless ways!

Just assume climate change is a hoax, and we all save energy and generate clean power from renewable sources anyway.  Then, we find that the World and the people in it are better off. It is a win-win response to a risk that we need not take.  There are here and now proven ways that we can reduce our dependence on the burning of fossil fuels and people are just as happy or happier – and our children and grandchildren will be also.

I recently read the following article “A Message from a Republican Meteorologist on Climate Change -- Acknowledging Climate Change Does Not Make You a Liberal or a Conservative.”  It is worth reading – just click on the link below:

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2012/03/29/454476/a-message-from-a-republican-meteorologist-on-climate-change/

Thanks for taking the time to read it and then encourage your favorite politicians to take bi-partisan action!

A Huge Energy Spill!

Yes, have a "nice day!"

For more information, go to the following website:

http://votesolar.org/

Structural Resilience – Peace of Mind During Storms

New emphasis is being focused on building homes stronger, so you and your family can feel and be secure during storms despite all the lightning, thunder, high winds, and storm sirens. Yes, the chance of severe weather damaging your home is low, but on average, it storms about twice per month. If bad weather causes fear and anxiety for anyone in your family, you will be affected negatively every month. But, if you know you are in a well built, “resilient” structure, or you have access to a storm shelter, you will face the storms with a subtle peace of mind.

How can you build a structurally resilient home? Start by bolting your walls to a steel reinforced foundation and tying the walls and roof together with steel fasteners instead of simple toe-nailing. Building a storm shelter capable of withstanding most any storm instead? Use concrete for the floor, walls, and roof; install a steel door with steel jamb and triple-deadbolts; and fasten them all together with steel rebar. That will meet FEMA safe room specifications. http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/saferoom/faq.shtm  Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) filled with reinforced concrete are excellent for building a structurally resilient new home or a storm shelter for an existing home. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulating_concrete_form.

Be mindful that tornadoes and even straight-line winds have a way of finding the weakest points in a building. Floor, walls, and roof must respond as a single, reinforced unit. Even concrete walls fastened properly to the footings and ground can’t offer the protection you need if your roof is not fastened to them with steel plates and fasteners.

The FORTIFIED for Safer Living® program, created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, helps homeowners and homebuilders build stronger, safer homes from the ground up. http://www.disastersafety.org/fortified .

It’s clear our weather patterns are changing. Why is the question. My next blog addresses this controversial topic – so stay tuned.

Orlo Stitt