Be Aware Of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

Winter months are the peak danger season for carbon monoxide poisoning. Review this information from the CDC.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled.

Carbon monoxide is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO.

Exposure to CO can cause loss of consciousness and death. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.

Important CO Poisoning Prevention Tips

• Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
• Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
• Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented. Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.
• Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
• If conditions are too hot or too cold, seek shelter with friends or at a community shelter.
• If CO poisoning is suspected, consult a health care professional right away.

ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/epr/disasters/hurricanes/video/high/CarbonMonoxideCarbonMonoxide.rmvb

CDC: Winter Weather Indoor Safety

This information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For more resources, please visit http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/

Heat Your Home Safely
If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater, be extremely careful. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remember these safety tips:

• Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space.
• Do not burn paper in a fireplace.
• Ensure adequate ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater.
• Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use—don’t substitute.
• Do not place a space heater within 3 feet of anything that may catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture, or bedding, and never cover your space heater.
• Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
• Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
• Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.
• Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater.
• If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, do not use it.
• Store a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher near the area to be heated.
• Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never using generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors. Cook SafelyNever use a charcoal or gas grill indoors—the fumes are deadly.
• Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air intake of your house because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Plug in appliances to the generator using individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords.
• Do not use the generator or appliances if they are wet because of the risk of electrocution.
• Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite.

If there is a power failure:

• Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns rather than candles, if possible.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.
• Conserve Heat
• You may need fresh air coming in for your heater or for emergency cooking arrangements.
• However, if you don’t need extra ventilation, keep as much heat as possible inside your home.
• Avoid unnecessary opening of doors or windows. Close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors, and close draperies or cover windows with blankets at night.
  

Monitor Body Temperature
Older adults often make less body heat because of a slower metabolism and less physical activity. If you are over 65 years of age, check the temperature in your home often during severely cold weather. Also, check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently to ensure that their homes are adequately heated.

Eat and Drink Wisely
Eating well-balanced meals will help you stay warmer. Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages—they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly. Instead, drink warm, sweet beverages or broth to help maintain your body temperature. If you have any dietary restrictions, ask your doctor.

Avoid Exertion
Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold. Otherwise, if you have to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly. Remember, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don’t overdo it.

Avoid Ice
Walking on ice is extremely dangerous. Many cold-weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. Sand may also be used on walkways to reduce the risk of slipping.

Be Cautious About Travel
Listen for radio or television reports of travel advisories issued by the National Weather Service. Do not travel in low visibility conditions. Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if at all possible. If you must travel by car, use tire chains and take a mobile phone with you. If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to notify authorities if you are late. Check and restock the winter emergency supplies in your car before you leave. Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow; shattering may occur. Don’t rely on a car to provide sufficient heat; the car may break down. Always carry additional warm clothing appropriate for the winter conditions.

What to Do if You Get Stranded
Staying in your vehicle when stranded is often the safest choice if winter storms create poor visibility or if roadways are ice covered. These steps will increase your safety when stranded:

• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers and raise the hood of the car (if it is not snowing).
• Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
• Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers.
• Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
• Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air.
• Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe—this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.
• Do not eat unmelted snow because it will lower your body temperature.
• Huddle with other people for warmth.
  

NOW’S THE TIME: THE READY CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES AMERICANS TO RESOLVE TO BE READY IN 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the new year approaching, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready Campaign is reminding Americans to Resolve to be Ready in 2009. Resolve to be Ready is a nationwide effort designed to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year.

“Individual planning is the cornerstone of emergency preparedness,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Since establishing this department and Ready, we have come a long way in raising the baseline of preparedness in this country, but we still have a long way to go. As 2009 approaches, I urge all Americans to consider the importance – and real value – of being prepared for all hazards.”

Being Ready for emergencies can be an easy new year’s resolution to keep by following the Ready Campaign’s three simple steps: 1) Get an emergency supply kit; 2) Make a family emergency plan; and 3) Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses.

By taking these three steps – in particular having an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car – Americans will be prepared for winter mainstays like power outages and icy roads. Each of these kits should include basic necessities such as water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you are without power or become stranded in your vehicle. Complete checklists for each kit are available at http://www.ready.gov/.

This year, the Ready Campaign is employing new media strategies to promote emergency preparedness. By using Twitter, a social networking tool, Ready hopes to not only reach new audiences, but also to open the lines of communication with the public, ensuring emergency preparedness is top of mind year-round. Twitter users can stay up-to-date on the latest Ready activities by following their username, “ReadydotGov,” on Twitter.

By making the decision to Resolve to be Ready in 2009 and following the simple preparedness steps in advance, Americans will minimize the impact of emergencies on themselves, their family and their businesses. By visiting http://www.ready.gov/ or calling 1-800-BE-READY, individuals can access free materials that will help them make and keep a new year’s resolution that will bring their families peace of mind.

February 2008 marked the Ready Campaign's fifth year at the Department of Homeland Security. Launched in 2003 in partnership with The Advertising Council, Ready is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council's more than 65-year history. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $756.5 million in donated media support. Individuals interested in more information about family, business and community preparedness can visit http://www.ready.gov/.

Holiday Home Safety Tips

Holiday Home Safety Tips

A beautiful home is a safe home, this holiday. If you decorate for the season, the National Safety Council urges doing so with care - especially if you use candles or electrical items that have potential to start fires. December and January are the peak months for fire-related fatalities, Council data shows, and 80 percent of fire deaths occur inside the home.

Candles are the biggest cause of holiday fires, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Each year there are more than 14,000 candle-related fires in the U.S. that cause about 170 deaths and $350 million in property loss. Live Christmas trees are another risk. Last year there were about 200 residential fires involving Christmas trees.

But fires aren't the only danger. Each year in November and December, the CPSC estimates about 10,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms as a result of falls, cuts, shocks and burns related to holiday decorating.

To put home safety at the top of your holiday wish-list:
Keep lighted candles far removed from trees, curtains or other potentially flammable items.
Check decorative lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.

Use indoor-certified lights indoors only, and outdoor lights outdoors. Look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label. Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Place extension cords against the wall to avoid tripping hazards - not under carpets or through windows or doors.

If your holiday does not feel festive without a live tree, select a fresh tree that is green and has a trunk sticky with sap. Cut about 2 inches off the trunk and put it in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly.
Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.

Remember, it is "lights out!" for trees and other decorations when you leave home or go to bed. The NSC offers more tips for Christmas tree safety, holiday safety and preventing home fires. Please enjoy a safe and happy season.

Report Finds Economic Crisis Hurting U.S. Preparedness for Health Emergencies

Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) today released the sixth annual Ready or Not? Protecting the Public’s Health from Disease, Disasters, and Bioterrorism report, which finds that progress made to better protect the country from disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and bioterrorism is now at risk, due to budget cuts and the economic crisis. In addition, the report concludes that major gaps remain in many critical areas of preparedness, including surge capacity, rapid disease detection, and food safety. In addition to assessing state and federal progress on indicators of emergency preparedness, the report offers specific recommendations to Congress, including restoring funding for health emergency preparedness, incorporating preparedness into healthcare reform, and enhancing research and development of technology and countermeasures.

Below is the national press release. The full report and a video release are also available on our website at http://healthyamericans.org/reports/bioterror08/. A playback of the audio press conference detailing highlights of the report will also be available this afternoon on the website.


Report Finds Economic Crisis Hurting U.S. Preparedness for Health Emergencies; More Than Half of States Score 7 or Lower Out of 10 in Readiness Rankings

Media contacts: Liz Richardson (202) 223-9870 x 21 or lrichardson@tfah.org or Laura Segal (202) 223-9870 x 27 or lsegal@tfah.org

WASHINGTON, DC, December 9, 2008 – Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) today released the sixth annual Ready or Not? Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism report, which finds that progress made to better protect the country from disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and bioterrorism is now at risk, due to budget cuts and the economic crisis. In addition, the report concludes that major gaps remain in many critical areas of preparedness, including surge capacity, rapid disease detection, and food safety.

The report contains state-by-state health preparedness scores based on 10 key indicators to assess health emergency preparedness capabilities. More than half of states and D.C. achieved a score of seven or less out of 10 key indicators. Louisiana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin scored the highest with 10 out of 10. Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Montana, and Nebraska tied for the lowest score with five out of 10.

Over the past six years, the Ready or Not? report has documented steady progress toward improved public health preparedness. This year however, TFAH found that cuts in federal funding for state and local preparedness since 2005, coupled with the cuts states are making to their budgets in response to the economic crisis, put that progress at risk.

“The economic crisis could result in a serious rollback of the progress we’ve made since September 11, 2001 and Hurricane Katrina to better prepare the nation for emergencies,” said Jeff Levi, PhD, Executive Director of TFAH. “The 25 percent cut in federal support to protect Americans from diseases, disasters, and bioterrorism is already hurting state response capabilities. The cuts to state budgets in the next few years could lead to a disaster for the nation’s disaster preparedness.”

Some serious 2008 health emergencies include a Salmonella outbreak in jalapeño and Serrano peppers that sickened 1,442 people in 43 states, the largest beef recall in history in February, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, severe flooding in the Midwest, major wildfires in California in June and November, and a ricin scare in Las Vegas.

Among the key findings:

Budget Cuts: Federal funding for state and local preparedness has been cut more than 25 percent from fiscal year (FY) 2005, and states are no longer receiving any supplemental funding for pandemic flu preparedness, despite increased responsibilities.

In addition to the federal decreases, 11 states and D.C. cut their public health budgets in the past year. In the coming year, according to the Center on Budget and Policy and Priorities, 33 states are facing shortfalls in their 2009 budgets and 16 states are already projecting shortfalls to their 2010 budgets.

Rapid Disease Detection: Since September 11, 2001, the country has made significant progress in improving disease detection capabilities, but major gaps still remain.

Only six states do not have a disease surveillance system compatible with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Electronic Disease Surveillance System.
Twenty-four states and D.C. lack the capacity to deliver and receive lab specimens, such as suspected bioterror agents or new disease outbreak samples, on a 24/7 basis.
Only three state public health laboratories are not able to meet the expectations of their state’s pandemic flu plans.

Food Safety: America’s food safety system has not been fundamentally modernized in more than 100 years.

Twenty states and D.C. did not meet or exceed the national average rate for being able to identify the pathogens responsible for foodborne disease outbreaks in their states.

Surge Capacity: Many states do not have mechanisms in place to support and protect the community assistance that is often required during a major emergency.

Twenty-six states do not have laws that reduce or limit liability for businesses and non-profit organizations that help during a public health emergency.
Only eight states do not have laws that limit or reduce liability exposure for health care workers who volunteer during a public health emergency.
Seventeen states do not have State Medical Reserve Corps Coordinators.

Vaccine and Medication Supplies and Distribution: Ensuring the public can quickly and safely receive medications during a major health emergency is one of the most serious challenges facing public health officials.

Sixteen states have purchased less than half of their share of federally-subsidized antivirals to use during a pandemic flu outbreak.

Every state now has an adequate plan for distributing emergency vaccines, antidotes, and medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile, according to the CDC. In 2005, only seven states had adequate plans. The CDC changed to a different grading system in 2007. However, questions still remain about the contents of the federal stockpile.

“States are being asked to do more with less, jeopardizing our safety, security, and health,” said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “We all have a stake in strengthening America's public health system, because it is our first line of defense against health emergencies.”

The report also offers a series of recommendations for improving preparedness, including:

Restoring Full Funding. At a minimum, federal, state, and local funding for public health emergency preparedness capabilities should be restored to FY 2005 levels.
Strengthening Leadership and Accountability. The next administration must clarify the public health emergency preparedness roles and responsibilities at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Enhancing Surge Capacity and the Public Health Workforce. Federal, state, and local governments and health care providers must better address altered standards of care, alternative care sites, legal concerns to protect community assistance, and surge workforce issues.

Modernizing Technology and Equipment. Communications and surveillance systems and laboratories need increased resources for modernization.

Improving Community Engagement. Additional measures must be taken to engage communities in emergency planning and to improve protections for at-risk communities.
Incorporating Preparedness into Health Care Reform and Creating an Emergency Health Benefit. This is needed to contain the spread of disease by providing care to the uninsured and underinsured Americans during major disasters and disease outbreaks.

Score Summary:

For the state-by-state scoring, states received one point for achieving an indicator or zero points if they did not achieve the indicator. Zero is the lowest possible overall score, 10 is the highest.

The data for the indicators are from publicly available sources or were provided from public officials. More information on each indicator is available in the full report on TFAH’s Web site at http://www.healthyamericans.org/ and RWJF’s Web site at http://www.rwjf.org/. The report was supported by a grant from RWJF.

10 out of 10: Louisiana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin
9 out of 10: Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont,
8 out of 10: Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Washington
7 out of 10: California, Colorado, D.C. Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming
6 out of 10: Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas
5 out of 10: Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Nebraska, Montana

Trust for America’s Health is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to saving lives by protecting the health of every community and working to make disease prevention a national priority. http://www.healthyamericans.org/

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. Helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need—the Foundation expects to make a difference in our lifetime. For more information, visit http://www.rwjf.org/.

National Special Needs Population Registry Beta Testing

National Special Needs Population Registry - Beta Test Underway

Center for Disaster Risk Policy at Florida State University is currently Beta Testing a new National Special Needs Population Registry in three southeastern states.

The registry’s design allows for registration of all individuals with special needs as defined by FEMA’s Planning Guide for Special Needs Populations

Designed to allow local disaster planning and response agencies to provide the highest level of assistance to special needs individuals through the latest in web based applications, the registry will allow users, at a minimum, to assign individuals to shelter locations and transportation routes, to generate route pickup maps for the transportation disadvantaged and to generate numerous (over 200) types of reports on the data contained within the registry.

For additional information please visit the following web site: http://www.spinreg.org

National Influenza Vaccination Week

December 8 – 14, 2008 is National Influenza Vaccination Week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the week of December 8-14, 2008, as National Influenza Vaccination Week. This week-long event is designed to raise awareness of the importance of continuing influenza (flu) vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine in December, January, and beyond. Since flu activity typically does not peak until February or later, December and January still provide good opportunities to offer flu shots. This year, Thursday, December 11th, is designated as Seniors' Vaccination Day. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) needs your help to ensure that people with Medicare get their flu shots. Please use this week long event as an opportunity to place greater emphasis on flu prevention. If you have Medicare patients who have not yet received their annual flu shots, we ask that you encourage these patients to protect themselves from the seasonal flu and serious complications arising from the flu virus by recommending that they take advantage of the flu shot benefit covered by Medicare. And remember, health care professionals and their staff are also at risk for contracting and spreading the flu virus, so don’t forget to immunize yourself and your staff. Protect yourself, your patients, and your family and friends. Get Your Flu Shot -- Not the Flu!

NOTE: - Influenza vaccine plus its administration are covered Part B benefits. Influenza vaccine is NOT a Part D covered drug.

For More Information
Health care professionals and their staff can learn more about Medicare’s coverage of the flu vaccine and other Medicare Part B covered vaccines and related provider education resources created by CMS, by reviewing Special Edition MLN Matters article SE0838 located at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0838.pdf on the CMS website.

For more information about National Influenza Vaccination Week, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw/

FDA: Innohep (tinzaparin sodium injection)

Innohep (tinzaparin sodium injection)

FDA has received information about the clinical study: Innohep in Renal Insufficiency Study (IRIS) that was stopped in February, 2008 by the study’s Data Safety Monitoring Committee because of an interim finding of an increase in all-cause mortality in patients who received Innohep. Information on the patients enrolled in the study, on the heparin used to manufacture Innohep, and on the heparin used in the study is still being collected and analyzed.

In July 2008, the company revised the prescribing information to restrict the use of Innohep in patients 90 years of age or older. FDA is concerned that the preliminary data from the IRIS study suggest that the increased risk of mortality is not limited only to patients 90 years of age or older. Therefore, FDA has requested that the company revise the labeling for Innohep to better describe the overall study results which suggest that, when compared to unfractionated heparin, Innohep increases the risk of death for elderly patients (i.e., 70 years of age and older) with renal insufficiency. Healthcare professionals should consider the use of alternative treatments to Innohep when treating elderly patients over 70 years of age with renal insufficiency and DVT, PE, or both. This communication is in keeping with FDA’s commitment to inform the public about its ongoing safety reviews of drugs. FDA anticipates submission of the final IRIS study report in January, 2009 and plans to complete its review soon thereafter. FDA will communicate its conclusions and any resulting recommendations to the public at that time. FDA will consider additional regulatory actions as appropriate after thorough review of all applicable data from the manufacturer of Innohep.

Read the complete MedWatch 2008 Safety summary, including a link to the FDA Communication, at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Innohep

Tule Fog

Tule FogCalifornia's Tule Fog season usually begins in November, after the first substantial rain and lasts until the end of March. Tule fog is a dense ground fog produced over land by the cooling of the lower atmosphere and is also known as radiation fog. Areas of dense fog can reduce visibility to less than 1/8 of a mile. Since the Central Valley of California has no air drainage other than mountain passes, day time heating or turbulent winds are required to break up the fog layer once it develops. Tule fog can be accompanied by drizzle and black ice. Accidents caused by Tule fog are the leading cause of weather related casualties in California. Examples of major accidents include:

December 1997 - 25 cars and 12 big rigs collided in fog near Elk Grove, south of Sacramento. 5 killed, 28 injured.
February 2002 - 80-plus car pileup on Hwy 99 near Kingsburg resulted in 2 killed.
November 2007 - a pileup involving 108 cars and 18 big rigs resulted in 2 deaths and 39 injuries.

During periods of dense fog the California Highway Patrol runs traffic breaks and pace cars on major highways to help slow traffic when visibility drops below 500 feet. Message signs provide information on changing conditions. (NOAA National Weather Service, FEMA Region IX)

CNN: An unusually destructive hurricane season ends

From Azadeh Ansari and Reynolds Wolf
CNN


(CNN) -- The 2008 Atlantic hurricane season ended Sunday, marking the finish of one of the busiest and costliest hurricane seasons ever.

The damage caused by this year's Atlantic hurricanes is estimated at $54 billion, according to the National Climatic Data Center. That's second in recorded history only to 2005, the year Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast. The total that year was an estimated $128 billion.

Government studies have noted that, when adjusted for inflation and other factors such as population density in coastal areas, some hurricane seasons from early last century could be seen as more expensive.

Still, the huge financial impact of this year's storms took their toll on an already-struggling economy.

It was the fourth busiest Atlantic hurricane year since 1944. The National Climatic Data Center said 2008 is "the only year on record in which a major hurricane existed in every month from July through November in the north Atlantic."

The most destructive was Hurricane Ike. Its unstoppable force wiped out neighborhoods in parts of Texas. Even a week later, remnants of its impact were still being felt in the Great Lakes region.

Texas had earlier taken a beating from Hurricane Dolly, which battered South Padre Island with 100 mph winds, making it the worst storm to hit the island in more than three decades.

Hurricane Gustav was also responsible for much of the 2008 devastation, leaving crippled communities, businesses, and homes from Haiti to Louisiana. Hurricane Hanna, not long after, brought massive floods to Haiti, killing hundreds and leaving thousands helpless, homeless, and hungry, before churning its way toward North and South Carolina.

In all, there have been 16 named storms since the Atlantic hurricane season started on June 1. Eight were hurricanes, five of them major -- meaning Category 3 or higher. Three -- Dolly, Gustav, and Ike -- made landfall in the United States, though none was a major hurricane at the time of landfall.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/11/30/hurricane.season.ends/index.html