Dave Baker
Posted: Apr 10, 2003 11:55 AM
Updated: Nov 4, 2009 6:15 AM
Dave Baker grew up in Granite City, Illinois just across the river from downtown St. Louis. After high school, he attended Western Illinois University graduating in 1991 with a degree in Meteorology/Geography with a minor in Broadcasting. While at Western he was a radar operator and storm spotter for McDonough County Civil Defense. Dave discovered the television world in 1989 when the Department of Broadcasting needed a few brave Meteorology students for the launch of the first live, local newscast from the WIU Campus.
After graduation, Dave went to WTWO-TV in Terre Haute, Indiana to become the morning meteorologist for TV2's First Report. While at WTWO, Dave also found his place reporting, shooting, producing, technical directing, and working the assignment desk. He was an essential part of team coverage of a tornado outbreak in 1993, and the Arctic cold blast in 1994 where the temperature at WTWO dropped to minus 31 degrees!
The sunshine and warm temperatures attracted Dave to Louisiana. When he arrived at KATC in April of 1994, he joined anchors Tom Voinche and Deborah Terribile on Good Morning Acadiana. Dave earned the American Meteorological Society's Seal of Approval in 1995. Dave was Chief Meteorologist from 1995-2004. He worked Acadiana's NewsChannel at 5, 6 and 10 from 1995-2000, and returned to Good Morning Acadiana in April of 2000 where he remains today. Dave says he enjoys "Waking People Up" on GMA rather than "Putting them to sleep". He has been recognized by the Louisiana Associated Press earning "Best Weather" and "Breaking Weather" awards. Dave was an integral part of the superior StormTeam3 coverage of Hurricanes Lili, Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike. He presented a radar study of Hurricane Lili at the Baron Weather Conference in 2003, and served on the Katrina/Rita recovery panel at the 2007 Bahamas Weather Conference. He has visited hundreds of schools, and has made presentations to more than 20,000 students. No other meteorologist has worked at KATC longer than Dave. He has been forecasting weather for more than one third of KATC's existence!
Dave is married to Margo, a New Iberia native and award winning artist. They live in a 135 year old farm house in New Iberia with their four boys. Dave enjoys traveling, and playing with his kids. His two younger boys compete on a USA Swimming Team in Lafayette. As a teenager Dave was a National Qualifier in YMCA and USA Swimming. He was also a member of the Western Illinois University Swim Team. He has stroke judged for LHSAA Swim Meets, and is currently working on his certification as an official for USA Swimming.
Marsha LaValle at Dec 24th 2009 7:16 AM
I am 59 & driving to & from NO today. What time will the heaviest rain pass through Lafayette? I should be there by 11AM. Any suggestions for travel times? Thank you. Marsha.
Dolores at Jan 6th 2010 7:01 AM
Unless you have no heat in the house the pipes inside your cabinets won't freeze. It is outside leading up to the house where they freeze.
Mark T. Dupuis at Jan 6th 2010 4:44 PM
N e w s R e l e a s e
Office of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal
8181 Independence Blvd.? Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
www.lasfm.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: H. ?Butch? Browning, Jr., Fire Marshal
Phone: 225-925-4911
Date: January 6, 2010 Fax: 225-925-4593
EXTREME COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS
As all of us are keenly aware, the state of Louisiana is bracing for very uncommon extremely cold temperatures this week.
All residents and citizens should prepare themselves, their families and their homes for the arctic winter blast heading to Louisiana.
The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many citizens to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use of wood burning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly, or coming out of storage. Fireplaces are burning wood and man-made logs. All these methods of heating may be acceptable. They are however, a major contributing factor in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented.
In the event of winter storm damage that knocks out electrical power, have a plan and course of action to ensure the safety of your family and all occupants of your home. Avoid makeshift heating, which can be dangerous ? even life-threatening.
Operating a kitchen oven with the door propped open is extremely hazardous, especially with a gas appliance. If the flame goes out, gas continues to flow, creating a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning
The following fire safety tips can help you stay safe and maintain a fire safe home during this winter blast:
1. Dressing for cold weather:
Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing.
Wear mittens instead of gloves. Wear a hat.
Remember that entrapped, insulating air, warmed by body heat is the best protection from the cold.
2. Winterize Your Vehicle Early:
Make sure that your car has adequate antifreeze.
Make sure you have a good set of jumper cables
Make sure that your tires have good traction and are inflated to the right pressure.
Make sure that your heater and defroster work properly.
Make sure that your battery is not more than 3 years old and that it can carry a full charge.
3. Carry a Winter-Survival Safety Kit in your vehicle if you plan to travel:
Bring along blankets and a bright piece of cloth to tie on your antenna if you become stranded.
Keep a Flashlight with spare batteries.
Carry an extra change of clothing to keep dry.
Pack a few non-perishable foods such as candy bars, canned goods, or high calorie food like Power Bars.
5. Before traveling:
Check the latest weather forecast.
Check the latest road conditions before you head out. Call LSP *511 or go to
Let someone know where you are going and when you think you will reach your destination.
6. If you become stranded in your vehicle:
Stay in your car, truck, or minivan.
Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat.
Maintain proper ventilation by making sure the exhaust pipe is not plugged.
Leave the windows open slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Use mobile phones to call for help or Dial 911 for emergency assistance.
8. If you lose Power and/or heat in your home:
Include a home safety kit that includes extra non-perishable food, medicine, and a battery operated radio.
Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy.
Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms, or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
Keep candles and matches handy for extended periods of electrical loss.
Seal off any unused rooms by stuffing towels or rags in the cracks under the door.
Cover the windows with blankets or sheets at night if you have some extras available.
9. Install and test smoke alarms in your home:
Have fire extinguishers checked to combat an accidental fire due to the use of alternative heat sources
Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially
toxic fumes.
If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to
carry the amp load. Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the appliance electrical cord.
Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm, and be sure to check and clean it on a monthly basis.
Finally:
Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide and can lead to death.
Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite these materials.
Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace.
A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house .
Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family.
Contact your local fire department or the State Fire Marshal?s office for advice if you have a question on Home Fire Safety.
?Winter storms and below zero temperatures in Louisiana are not very common, everyone is potentially at risk?, stated Louisiana State Fire Marshal H. ?Butch? Browning, Jr. ?However the actual threat to you depends on your specific situation. Extreme cold weather can present serious problems, but with a little careful planning, preparedness and common sense can help prevent many of these problems and make you and your family a lot safer?, he concluded.
Sal at Feb 8th 2010 12:21 PM
I've been watching GMA from its beginning.
Couldn't start the day without Dave, Tom and Tracy.
Thanks guys
AnG at Feb 10th 2010 12:01 AM
Dave ...thought this would make you laugh at the recent weatherman who freaked out. http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/114284a76c/weatherman-freaks-out?rel=player