It looks like our very active winter weather pattern will continue. Yet another winter storm threatens to bring snow, sleet and freezing rain to the area Thursday into Friday. While this system isn't expected to bring quite as much snow and ice accumulation as last week's storm, it still has the potential to cause travel and power problems. Staying safe during severe weather means planning ahead and winter weather is no exception. Check out the following tips from The National Weather Service on winter weather safety:
At Home and Work
Flashlight and extra batteries.
Battery-powered NOAA Weather
Radio and portable radio to receive
emergency information. These may
be your only links to the outside.
Extra food and water. Have high
energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts
and granola bars, and food requiring
no cooking or refrigeration.
Extra medicine and baby items.
First-aid supplies.
Heating fuel. Refuel before you are
empty. Fuel carriers may not reach
you for days after a winter storm.
Emergency heat source: fireplace,
wood stove, space heater.
• Use properly to prevent a fire.
• Ventilate properly.
Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm.
• Test smoke alarms once a month to
ensure they work properly.
Make sure pets have plenty of
food, water and shelter.
On the Farm/Pets
Move animals to sheltered areas.
Shelter belts, properly laid out and
oriented, are better protection for
cattle than confining shelters, such
as sheds.
Haul extra feed to nearby
feeding areas.
Have water available. Most animals
die from dehydration in winter storms.
Make sure pets have plenty of
food, water and shelter.
In Vehicles
Plan your travel and check the latest
weather reports to avoid the storm!
Fully check and winterize your
vehicle before the winter season begins.
Carry a WINTER STORM
SURVIVAL KIT:
• Mobile phone, charger, batteries
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Knife
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Large empty can to use as
emergency toilet. Tissues and
paper towels for sanitary purposes
• Small can and waterproof matches
to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Battery booster cables
• Water container
• Compass and road maps.
Keep your gas tank near full to
avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
Avoid traveling alone.
Let someone know your timetable
and primary and alternate routes.
Meteorologist Kyle Mounce
