The earth's weather system is capable of almost unimaginable destruction. Hurricanes can engulf entire regions with devastating wind speeds of over 100 mph. Tornadoes have the power to lift vehicles physically into the air. Snow and ice storms have imprisoned and cut off entire communities, even in major cities. Torrential rainfall can bring metres of flood water racing through towns and villages. Conversely, prolonged drought devastates land and livestock, and threatens the unwary individual with dehydration and heat exhaustion. Surviving Extreme Weather is a complete guide to coping with extreme weather. Each chapter explains in detail how to cope with a different element, from heavy snowfall to arid drought. It explains the procedures for coping with weather-related disasters both in our own communities and if isolated in the natural world. The range of scenarios covered is exhaustive, and includes: how to prepare the home for survival; how to drive safely in deep snowfall; what to do if flood waters are approaching the home; how to recognize the signs of an impending tornado; how to improvise shelters in conditions of extreme cold; methods of preventing heat exhaustion; how to survive a lightning storm; and what to do if caught an avalanche. Surviving Extreme Weather is a comprehensive single-volume treatment of a topic which affects us all. The text is packed with real-life examples and uses the latest research from disaster organizations. Practical measures are explained with the assistance of 120 detailed black- and-white artworks showing the step-by-step processes of survival. Surviving Extreme Weather is invaluable reading no matter where you live - countryside or city - and provides an essential reference work for any home.

Gerrie McCall is a graduate from the University of Houston and now works as a freelance writer living in Austin, Texas. Her books include Monsters & Villains of the Movies & Literature.