How you can help Typhoon victims

The U.S. Government is providing $20 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to benefit populations affected by Typhoon Haiyan, including the provision of emergency shelter, food assistance, relief commodities, and water, sanitation, and hygiene support.

How you can help:  USAId

Don’t be Caught by Summer Storms

Don’t be Caught by Summer Storms: From GovGab: "I love watching summer thunderstorms -- the wind and the rain and the lightening streaking across the sky. It's fun to watch them when I'm inside feeling safe, it's not so fun watching summer storms when I'm caught off guard and out in my car trying to drive through the storms.

The United States experiences a lot of severe weather during the summer. The southeastern portion of the country enters hurricane season, while the middle of the country is at the end of tornado season and just about anywhere can experience a wicked thunderstorm.

To stay safe in severe weather, know what kinds of storms most often impact your community and be prepared for them.

Keep emergency supplies somewhere you can easily access them, whether that's a flashlight in case you lose power, or some bottled water and nonperishable food in case you can't leave your house for a few days. FEMA provides great tips on how to be prepared for storms.

So you aren't caught off guard, stay up to date on weather warnings for your area from the storm prediction center. Even if you're on the go you can check the mobile site for updates. You don't want to get caught in a bad storm because you didn't know it was coming.

What's your best tip for preparing for summer storms?"

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day: From GovGab
"Today is Groundhog Day and like the thousands of people gathered at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, I’m eager to hear if Phil sees his shadow.
According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he doesn’t see his shadow, there will be an early spring. I know it’s just a legend, but like winning the lottery, I dream that he’ll emerge from his burrow, not see his shadow and spring weather will be just around the corner.
Groundhog Day has its origins in an ancient celebration of a point mid-way between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. These days it’s still fun to observe tradition, but I prefer to turn to the National Weather Service for weather forecasts. I’m a native Pennsylvanian, so I’ll always have a soft spot for Phil the cuddly groundhog. But when it comes to weather forecasts, I look to the scientists with the climatic data."