The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration updated its hurricane season forecast Thursday, reducint the number of hurricanes they expect this year to between six and nine. The forecast calls for three to five of those hurricanes to be major, which means that the  winds are greater than 110 mph. The NOAA updated forecast also predicts 13 to 19 named storms this year. But just because a storm is not technically classified "major", doesn't mean it can't do lots of damage. Last year, Hurricane Sandy,which made landfall on the Northeast U.S. Coast as a Category 2,  is evidence of that, Bell said. The storm caused hundreds of miles of flooding, killing 286 people and causing $68 billion in damage. NOAA Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook Update ...

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) meteorologists announced yesterday that they expect as many as six major hurricanes during the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season. "This year, oceanic and atmospheric conditions in the Atlantic basin are expected to produce more and stronger hurricanes,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “These conditions include weaker wind shear, warmer Atlantic waters and conducive winds patterns coming from Africa." Kathrn Sullivan, NOAA acting adminstrator said “As we saw first-hand with Sandy, it’s important to remember that tropical storm and hurricane impacts are not limited to the coastline. Strong winds, torrential rain, flooding, and tornadoes often threaten inland areas far from where the storm first makes landfall.” Make sure you adequately prepare to take care of your family and pets in case a hurrican threatens....

Disaster Gear is expanding its offerings of the quailty prepared emergency meals offered by the Wise Company.  They are sponsoring Doomsday Preppers which is now appearing on the National Geographic Channel.  Whether you are interested in short or long term food supplies, Wise is an excellent choice. Find our current offerings in our online store.  ...

Roy Williams of the Birmingham News was kind enough to feature our site in the news and on AL.com this past week. Alabama tornadoes spurred online disaster supply store A big thank you to Roy - got lots of traffic from the publicity!...

The first Alabama Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will be held July 6 through July 8, 2012.  Certain covered items will be exempted from the state sales and use tax during one weekend each year.  Items below that have a value of $60 or less per item are eligible: Batteries:  AAA-cell batteries, AA-cell batteries, C-cell batteries, D-cell batteries, 6-volt batteries, 9-volt batteries.  (NOTE:  coin batteries, automobile batteries, and boat batteries are not exempt.)  Cellular phone battery Cellular phone charger Portable self-powered or battery-powered radio, two-way radio, weather-band radio or NOAA weather radio Portable self-powered light source, including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns, or emergency glow sticks Tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible, waterproof sheeting Ground anchor system, such as bungee cords or rope, or tie-down kits Duct tape Plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window coverings Non-electric food storage cooler or water storage container Non-electric...