The 25 Deadliest U.S. Tornadoes
Storm Prediction Center
NOTE: Having happened before the era of comprehensive damage surveys, some of these events may have been composed of multiple tornadoes along a damage path. Death counts for events in the 1800s and early 1900s should be treated as estimates since recordkeeping of tornado deaths was erratic back then.
DATE
LOCATION(S)
DEATHS
1
18 Mar 1925
Tri-State (MO/IL/IN)
695
2
06 May 1840
Natchez MS
317
3
27 May 1896
St. Louis MO
255
4
05 Apr 1936
Tupelo MS
216
5
06 Apr 1936
Gainesville GA
203
6
09 Apr 1947
Woodward OK
181
7
24 Apr 1908
Amite LA, Purvis MS
143
8
12 Jun 1899
New Richmond WI
117
9
8 Jun 1953
Flint MI
115
10
11 May 1953
Waco TX
114
10
18 May 1902
Goliad TX
114
12
23 Mar 1913
Omaha NE
103
13
26 May 1917
Mattoon IL
101
14
23 Jun 1944
Shinnston WV
100
15
18 Apr 1880
Marshfield MO
99
16
01 Jun 1903
Gainesville, Holland GA
98
16
09 May 1927
Poplar Bluff MO
98
18
10 May 1905
Snyder OK
97
19
24 Apr 1908
Natchez MS
91
20
09 Jun 1953
Worcester MA
90
21
20 Apr 1920
Starkville MS, Waco AL
88
22
28 Jun 1924
Lorain, Sandusky OH
85
23
25 May 1955
Udall KS
80
24
29 Sep 1927
St. Louis MO
79
25
27 Mar 1890
Louisville KY
76
August 26, 2009
X-Ray Vision While You Drive - Progressive Auto Insurance Articles & Blogs
X-Ray Vision While You Drive - Progressive Auto Insurance Articles & BlogsX-Ray Vision While You Drive
Automakers and researchers are developing technology — in some cases future technology, to help eliminate blind spots.
One of the most interesting approaches, still in the experimental stage, renders a vehicle's frame transparent — allowing drivers to "see" through a car's pillars and dashboard.
The technology, dubbed the transparent cockpit, was developed at the University of Tokyo in an effort led by electrical engineer Susumu Tachi.
In prototype systems, the technology uses a pair of stereo cameras mounted on the passenger-side mirror to scan the landscape and objects that are normally hidden from the driver's view by the dashboard and the solid parts of doors. The driver wears a headset that projects the cameras' output onto the interior frame. To make the illusion work, the solid parts of the car are coated with a reflective material. The result: The driver sees the items on the outside of the car as if the car's body were transparent.
Previously, Tachi demonstrated the technology in what has become known as the 'invisibility cloaking' of a raincoat. In that demonstration, images from behind a person were projected onto a raincoat, making the raincoat appear transparent.
Transparent Cockpit Technology
In this experimental technology, outside-mounted cameras allow drivers to see "through" the dashboard and door of a car.
When applied to a vehicle, this technology is quite impressive. It looks as though the driver has x-ray vision and can see through the metal and body panels of a car. This allows drivers to see a passing bicyclist or pedestrian, better judge how close they are to a curb, and improve the chances of seeing a trailing car when changing lanes.
Unfortunately, the transparent cockpit technology is still in the early proof-of-concept stage. Industry experts believe its development might be aided because it has applications in other areas, such as aviation and trucking. Interest by these other industries might help spur development in passenger cars.
A More Immediate Fix
For those who can't wait for the transparent cockpit to come to market, there are more practical alternatives for eliminating blind spots. These include:
Special side mirrors – Many automakers and third parties now offer special side mirrors that help eliminate blind spots. Some simply use a second, convex mirror in the corner of the traditional driver-side mirror. This basically gives the driver two views, where the "extra" view includes a wider angle to help see cars and other objects next to a car. This type of dual mirror is gaining popularity. For example, last year, Ford has made a special Blind Spot Mirror available on some 2009 models. It plans to make the mirror standard equipment on many Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln cars in the future.
LaneFX technology – A more sophisticated approach incorporates LaneFX technology. Typically offered through aftermarket vendors, cars equipped with LaneFX technology sweep the mirror when the driver signals a lane change. The motion of the mirror provides a broader view of passing and trailing cars.
Dash-mounted displays – Going a step further, some manufacturers, such as Mercedes-Benz, use dash-mounted displays with optional audio tones to signal the proximity of a car in either rear quarter. The solution uses short-range radar in both sides of the rear bumper to monitor areas alongside and behind a car.
Cameras – A number of automakers are adding optional cameras that give drivers a view of blind spots—particularly of objects directly behind the car. The images are typically displayed on a video monitor in the dashboard or behind the driver's sun visor.
Radar systems – At the higher end of the technology spectrum, Buick offers a radar-based system with warning lights mounted in each of the outside mirrors, so when you check your mirrors, you'll know whether it's safe to change lanes.
Infrared detection systems – To aid drivers at night, infrared detection systems are being included as an option on some trucks and in a number of car models from Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and others. These systems typically look ahead of the vehicle and project images of cars, animals, trees and other objects onto dashboard video display systems.
Although it might be years (if ever) before transparent cockpit technology moves beyond the demonstration stage, automakers are incorporating other technologies to help improve a driver's view and avoid blind spots.
Segway Facts About Segway HT
Segway Facts About Segway HTSegway HT Facts
- The Segway HT's top speed is 12.5 mph — two to three times faster than the average walking speed.
- Charging the Segway HT's batteries for one hour provides two hours of operation and costs about 5 cents' worth of electricity.
- Traveling downhill or decelerating generates electricity, recharging the Segway HT's batteries.
- In addition to the operator, the i Series Segway HT can accommodate 10 pounds of cargo.
- The Segway HT does not have an engine, brakes or a steering wheel — it accelerates and decelerates by responding to a person's center of gravity, and turns with a mere flick of the wrist.
- The Segway HT takes up about as much space on a sidewalk as a person — its width is similar to an average person's shoulder width.
- People who buy the Segway HT participate in special orientation classes offered around the country, but operating the Segway HT is actually very easy because its gyroscopes sense subtle body movements and use them as cues for moving forward and backward.
- The Segway HT has three performance settings:
- Beginner — Slowest turning rate and a top speed of 6 mph
- Sidewalk Operation — Medium turning rate and a top speed of 8 mph
- Open Environment — Most sensitive turning rate and a top speed of 12.5 mph
- The Segway HT can operate on a variety of terrain surfaces.
- The Segway HT has many safety features that assist in ensuring safe use and performance.
- The non-balancing Power Assist Mode allows users to walk their Segway HTs over slippery surfaces, up and down stairs, across steep slopes or wherever riding is not safe and appropriate.
Understanding Car Crashes: When Physics Meets Biology
Understanding Car Crashes: When Physics Meets Biology
DVD | 2008 | color | sound | 16x9 | 24 minutes | closed-captioned
contains additional material for teachers
$35.00 for online credit card purchases; $40 for mail-in check
In stock; usually ships within 3 daysWhy do some car crashes produce only minor injuries? How can a single crash of a car into a wall involve three separate collisions? Griff Jones, award-winning science teacher, returns to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Vehicle Research Center to answer these questions and to examine the laws of nature that determine what happens to the human body in a crash.
Jones reviews levels of organization in the body and explains how body cavities house and protect major internal organs. Through creative experiments, he explores how the third collision can cause injuries to organs. He introduces the concepts of stress and strain. He demonstrates how shortwaves can damage tissue and what happens at the cellular level.
Tools from the field of injury hydromechanics, like infidelity crash test dummies, help doctors and engineers determine what works to reduce injuries and deaths in crashes. The key to preventing injuries in any type of crash, whether it's in a race car or a family sedan, is to reduce forces on occupants. Extending impact time, keeping the occupant compartment intact, and tying occupants to the compartment are what keep people safe in car crashes when physics meets biology.
Children's Watering Cans Sold Exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Recalled Due to Violation of Lead in Paint Ban
Children's Watering Cans Sold Exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Recalled Due to Violation of Lead in Paint BanNEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2007
Release #07-290Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 739-4120
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Children's Watering Cans Sold Exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Recalled Due to Violation of Lead in Paint Ban
Note: there has been an expansion of this recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.Name of Product: Robbie Ducky™ Kids Watering Cans
Units: About 6,000
Importer: Jo-Ann Stores Inc., of Hudson, Ohio
Hazard: The beak of the watering can contains lead in the paint, which violates the federal law prohibiting lead paint on children's toys. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recalled Robbie Ducky™ Kids Watering Can is yellow with an orange beak and is about 10 inches high by 6 inches wide. "Robbie Ducky™ Garden Collection Duck Watering Can" is printed on a sticker on the bottom of the watering can.
Sold exclusively at: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores nationwide from February 2007 through August 2007 for about $10.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the watering can away from children and return it to any Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Jo-Ann Stores Inc. toll-free at (888) 739-4120 ext. 7 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email the firm at guest.services@jo-annstores.com or visit the firm’s Web site at www.joann.com
Baseline Design Recall of Bean Bag Chairs
Baseline Design Recall of Bean Bag ChairsRecall Alert
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
May 8, 2002
Alert #02-539CPSC, Baseline Design Announce Recall of Bean Bag Chairs
PRODUCT: Bean Bag Chairs - Baseline Design of Linwood, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 30,000 bean bag chairs. The bean bag chairs are designed with 12-inch double zippers in various types of motifs: a smiley face, a football-shape, a baseball-shape, a basketball-shape and solid neon green, yellow, pink and blue neon colors. Walmart stores sold the bean bag chairs nationwide from September 1999 through December 1999 for about $30.
PROBLEM: The bean bags contain small polystyrene beads that present suffocation and strangulation hazards to young children who may inhale the small beads. The recalled bean bag chairs have zippers that were not properly sealed to prevent young children from opening the bean bag chairs and being exposed to the small beads.
INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Baseline Design is aware of three incidents in which the zippers opened freely. Two of the incidents involved young children who were able to open the bean bag chair zippers, and gain excess to the small polystyrene beads. One child received medical attention at a hospital after inhaling the small beads.
WHAT TO DO: Consumers should inspect their bean bag chairs. If the zippers can be opened freely, Baseline Design will provide owners with a free replacement bean bag chair with zippers that do not open. For more information and instructions consumers should call Baseline Design toll- free at (800) 497-3626, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, EST or visit the firm's website at www.foamex.com
Design Ideas Ltd. Recall of Bean Bag Furniture Sets
Design Ideas Ltd. Recall of Bean Bag Furniture Sets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2005
Release #06-005Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 426-6394
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC, Design Ideas Ltd. Announce Recall of Bean Bag Furniture Sets
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Lily Chair and Lily Ottoman Bean Bag Sets
Units: About 1,100 sets
Importer: Design Ideas Ltd., of Springfield, Ill.
Hazard: The chair and ottoman do not have locking zippers or warning labels. CPSC is aware of children who have died from suffocation when they unzipped, inhaled and ingested small pellets in similar bean bag furniture.
Incidents/Injuries: There have been no incidents or injuries reported.
Description: The Lily chair and Lily ottoman were sold together as a bean bag furniture set. The chair and ottoman sets were sold in ivory/white (model 170001), ivory/blue (model 170003), ivory/black (model 170004) and ivory/orange (model 170009). Model numbers can be found on a label affixed to the bottom of the furniture.
Sold at: Specialty gift and furniture stores nationwide sold the chair and ottoman sets from January 2004 through July 2005 for about $170.
Manufactured in: Thailand.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the chair and ottoman set immediately, keep them out of reach of young children and contact Design Ideas to arrange to return the product for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Design Ideas at (800) 426-6394 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.designideas.net
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