Safety and Preparedness | weather.com

Safety and Preparedness

How To Avoid A Shark Attack
2 hours ago
Florida has the most shark attacks in the U.S., with 16 unprovoked attacks recorded in the Sunshine State last year. While shark attacks are rare overall, here are some things you can do to avoid being bitten.
Keep Food Fresh In Your Freezer Or Fridge After A Storm
October 14, 2025, 1:23 pm EDT
When a storm knocks out power, spoiled food in your fridge or freezer can be a smelly - and expensive - mess. Here’s what to know to keep your food and your family safe.
How To Spot A Rip Current: Know The Signs, Save Your Life
October 7, 2025, 3:03 pm EDT
Over 100 people a year die in rip currents, according to the National Weather Service. If you know what they are and how to spot them, it could save your life.
Before You Dive In, Look Out For These Hidden Beach Dangers
September 27, 2025, 12:00 pm EDT
Before you hit the beach for spring break or maybe your summer vacation, there are some hidden dangers we want you to look out for. From deadly lightning to holes in the sand, watch this video to learn about the not-so-obvious threats to your safety.
What Drowning Really Looks Like, From A Pediatric ER Doctor
September 3, 2025, 3:14 pm EDT
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children from 1 to 4 years old, and it takes the lives of 4,000 Americans each year, according to the CDC. But drowning does not look like what you may have seen on television. So we sought out an expert on the subject: Dr. Meghan Martin is a pediatric emergency physician in Pinellas County, Florida, where she’s seen hundreds of kids who’ve survived or died in drowning incidents. Watch this video where she describes what drowning really looks like and what you should be doing to prevent it during your Memorial Day Weekend celebrations.
This Summer Favorite Sickens Millions: How You Can Stay Safe
September 3, 2025, 3:14 pm EDT
Summer is the time to get outside and get adventurous, or maybe relax and vacation with family, but it’s also the time of year when doctors see a spike in some illnesses that can spoil all the fun. Watch this video to learn what those illnesses are and how to avoid the germs that cause them.
Survey Says: Surprising Things People Pack In Their ‘Go Bag’
August 1, 2025, 5:43 am EDT
Do you have key items in your “go bag”? What’s on your hurricane kit checklist? A survey asked 2,000 people what they’d grab if they only had five minutes to leave their house in an emergency, such as a storm, flooding, a wildfire or other impending disaster. Some of the answers might surprise you.
Parenting Through A Natural Disaster: Preparation Is Key
August 1, 2025, 5:43 am EDT
Children’s physical and mental health are more at risk during natural disasters compared to adults who live through them. Heather Talley and her family escaped Helene as the storm descended on North Carolina in September. Here’s what she learned about parenting through a natural disaster.
Not Just Seashells On The Seashore, Scary Germs Are Lurking
July 30, 2025, 12:00 pm EDT
Nothing can ruin a beach trip faster than getting sick after a swim or a walk along the shore. Watch this video to get the scoop on four of the scary germs you can encounter at the ocean or lake, and how you can protect yourself.
Danger Of Digging Holes In The Sand At The Beach
July 29, 2025, 10:25 am EDT
A teenager from Virginia recently <a href="https://weather.com/news/news/2023-05-08-teen-dies-dune-collapse-cape-hatteras-national-seashore">died at Cape Hatteras National Seashore </a>when a nearby dune collapsed into a hole he was digging and buried him under several feet of sand. It's the latest reminder that digging holes in the sand can be incredibly dangerous.