The Official Allied Universal Fire Life Safety Training Blog

Summer is a great time to spend time in the sun. But while you’re enjoying summer fun, take steps to make sure you’re careful in extreme heat. According to the National Weather Service, heat is a leading weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year and even more heat-related illnesses. Extremely hot and humid weather challenges the human body’s ability to cool itself. When a body heats too rapidly to properly cool itself, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises. If this occurs, the victim may develop a heat-related illness. (more…)

July is National Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Awareness Month. To mark the occasion, enjoy summer fun in the sun. But also protect yourself from harmful rays which candamage your skin and eyes in just 15 minutes. The American Cancer Society reports that exposure to electromagnetic radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and welding torches leads to cancer, not to mention pre-mature aging. Other harmful effects from UV exposure include vision problems and immune-suppression. In all cases, your first line of defense is coverage. (more…)

In Santa Ana, California, corporate headquarters for the Allied Universal Fire Life Safety Training System, heavy rains have fallen. Winds have gusted. Mud has slid. And temps have dipped below freezing. To Southern Californians, this weather feels extreme. In contrast, those who live in the Midwest and East Coast are facing frigid temps on an entirely different level. In fact, at least 21 people have died as a result of bitter Arctic weather known as the Polar Vortex. This weather takes cold to the ultimate extreme. (more…)

Severe Weather: Landslides & Mudslides

Part 3 in a 3-Part Series

Weather-related disasters lead to devastating loss of life and cost billions of dollars each year. The first post in our three-part series about severe weather disasters focused on extreme heat. The second entry discussed floods. This last post will tackle landslides and mudslides, since they so often accompany other severe-weather events.  (more…)

Floods

Part 2 in a Part Series

Weather-related disasters across the world lead to devastating loss of life and cost billions of dollars each year. Our last post about severe weather disasters focused on extreme heat. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) breaks weather-related disasters into eight major categories. This week, we will tackle one such designation, floods. Check back, as the final post in this series will tackle hurricanes, mudslides and landslides.

A flood is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Recent floods in Charleston, and Texasare taxing resources, destroying property, injuring hundreds and resulting in troubling associated issues such as mosquito-borne disease and infrastructure damage.  (more…)

Part 1 in a Series

Extreme weather causes some of the most devastating natural disasters known to man. Already this year, the United States has faced six weather and climate-related major disaster events, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports have resulted in 36 deaths and economic losses exceeding one billion dollars. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) breaks these disasters into eight major categories: extreme heat, floods, hurricanes, landslides and mudslides, lightning, tornadoes, tsunamis, and winter weather. This week, we will discuss extreme heat. Check back for future posts, which will conclude our series. (more…)