The United States has many features that we can be proud of, but here's one that you may not know about. The United States is a weatherman's or weather woman's paradise. According to Joan VonAhn, meteorologist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, "The United States experiences more severe weather than anywhere else in the world."

The reason for our severe weather is geographic. We have warm, tropical weather coming from the south and Arctic weather from the north, and when they meet, it is, and she puts it, "a war zone." Unlike other countries that have a similar mix of northern and southern weather, the United States also has vast coasts, and the nearby water makes a perfect breeding ground for severe weather.

"Other countries have one or maybe two kinds of severe weather, be we have lots of every kind," boasts VonAhn.

Although we have the world's most severe weather, we are getting better and better at predicting it. Remember the blizzards that came through the Northeast last winter? According to VonAhn, fifteen years ago, we couldn't have predicted them with accuracy much more than a day or so ahead of time. Today, we accurately predict them and other weather disturbances three to five days in advance.

There are many reasons for our improved ability. VonAhn ticks them off: "Satellites, finer resolution of imaging, more data from unpopulated areas such as oceans, computer modeling with lots of testing. The better the input, the better the output," she summarizes.

Why do we bother putting so much effort into getting better forecasts? "The more time we have to prepare, the more we can save both lives and property," she answers.

NOAA works hard to provide us with advance warning, but there's a lot that you can do to protect your own family and property. NOAA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross all suggest that you develop a family plan for a weather disaster, or for that matter, any disaster.

* Agree on two gathering places in case of an emergency. One should be a spot outside your home for an emergency such as fire, and the other, a place away from your neighborhood in case you can't return home.

* Choose an out-of-state friend as your "family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated.

* Post emergency numbers by phones.

* Teach family members how to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home.

* Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days.

* Keep a disaster supplies kit on hand. It should include: a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person a day), and food that won't spoil; a change of clothing and footwear for each person; one blanket or sleeping bag per person; a first aid kit, including prescription medicines; emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio; a portable radio; a flashlight with plenty of extra batteries; an extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash; and any special items needed for infants or elderly or disabled family members.

It's true that we have a great deal of severe weather in this country. Fortunately, it's also true that we are getting better at predicting it, and smarter about preparing for it.