PHOTOS: An unprecedented number of billion-dollar disasters — 28 in total — struck the U.S. in 2023, as the remarkably warm year wrapped up with a record-warm December. “For millions of Americans impacted by a seemingly endless onslaught of weather and climate disasters, 2023 has hit a new record for many extremes,” said NOAA Chief Scientist Sarah Kapnick.
- PUB DATE: 1/12/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

VIDEO/PHOTOS: Everyone is safe after a scary scene of water rushing onto the Issaquah ferry near the Strait of Juan de Fuca Tuesday, according to Washington State Ferries (WSF). WSF posted a video on X captured by an employee of water flooding the area where vehicles typically sit during ferry voyages.
- PUB DATE: 1/12/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

Fernanda Santos, 14, was presented with a Certificate of Heroism on Wednesday by Wenatchee Valley Fire Department Chief Brian Brett at the WVFD commissioners' monthly meeting. Santos received the award "for her actions," the award stated. "She took the necessary steps to save not only her own life but that of her sister.
- PUB DATE: 1/12/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Wenatchee World

Lithium-ion batteries power many different household devices from cellphones to e-bikes, but no matter the size, they all pose a significant safety risk. According to Pasco Fire Department Fire Chief Ben Shearer, fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are not uncommon. “It’s not just a little spark in your living room.
- PUB DATE: 1/11/2024 3:47:00 PM - SOURCE: KFFX-TV FOX 11 Pendleton

Dramatic video from Middletown Fire Company shows Delaware County’s Water Rescue Task Force saving a man’s life after getting trapped during the height of Tuesday night’s storm. "He phoned 911. All he was able to tell us was he lived off Flora Lane in Upper Chichester Township," Director of Delaware County Emergency Services, Timothy Boyce, described an emergency phone call.
- PUB DATE: 1/11/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WTXF-TV FOX 29 Philadelphia