Being "Ready" for a Winter Storm

Winter;

.. coldest season of the year, between autumn and spring; the name comes from an old Germanic word that means “time of water” and refers to the rain and snow of winter in middle and high latitudes. In the Northern Hemisphere it is commonly regarded as extending from the winter solstice (year’s shortest day), December 21 or 22, to the vernal equinox (day and night equal in length), March 20 or 21, and in the Southern Hemisphere from June 21 or 22 to September 22 or 23. The low temperatures associated with winter occur only in middle and high latitudes; in equatorial regions, temperatures are almost uniformly high throughout the year.  - per the Encyclopedia Britannica

Except for the unfortunate and deadly freezing rain event that caught many by surprise in the Philly area, Winter 2015 has not been that much of a challenge when compared to the deep snowfall we saw last year.  Being prepared makes a big difference between life and death situations.  The average person may not pay attention to the news to know what storm is headed our way, or have the proper basic gear in their car.  This could be a problem if you venture out into a big snowstorm and end up stranded on a major highway where you could be miles from a gas station or even an exit ramp to find water, medication, fuel or even food. Highway "Shut Downs' do occur more than we think.

Former PA governor Rendell had to investigate what happened on I78 during a snow storm that left many motorists stranded for days (back in 2007).  Please read this story by the NY Times: nytimes.com story I78

So this all being said I wanted readers to pay attention to the news, please do not take the weather reports for granted and do make sure your family and friends are safe this winter.

What can you do to be prepared for a winter storm?

Here is a Great list by the CDC   (original website here: Supply list by the CDC )

Winter Checklist:

Stock up on emergency supplies for communication, food, safety, heating, and vehicles in case a storm hits.

Communication Checklist

Make sure you have at least one of the following in case there is a power failure:

Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries.

Battery-powered radio, with extra batteries, for listening to local emergency instructions

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio receiver for listening to National Weather Service broadcasts. Learn more about NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.

Find out how your community warns the public about severe weather:

• Siren
• Radio
• Television
• Local public health and emergency management websites
• Listen to emergency broadcasts.
• Make a Family Communication Plan. Your family may not be together during an extreme winter event, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together, and what you will do during an emergency.

Be sure to check on older neighbors and family members; assist as necessary.

Know what winter storm warning terms mean:

Winter Weather Advisory: Expect winter weather condition (e.g., accumulation of snow, freezing rain, and sleet) that could cause severe inconvenience and life-threatening hazards.

Frost/Freeze Warning: Expect below-freezing temperatures.

Winter Storm Watch: Be alert; a storm is likely.

Winter Storm Warning: Take action; the storm is in or entering the area.

Blizzard Warning: Seek refuge immediately! Snow and strong winds, near-zero visibility, deep snow drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.

Other terms are available from NOAA.

• Heating Checklist

Turning on the stove for heat is not safe; have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out:

• Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats
• Fireplace with plenty of dry firewood or a gas log fireplace
• Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters
• Check with your local fire department to make sure that kerosene heaters are legal in your area.
• Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements.
• Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
• Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
• Keep heat sources at least 3 feet away from furniture and drapes.
• Have the following safety equipment:
• Chemical fire extinguisher
• Smoke alarm in working order (Check prior to winter storm season and change batteries, if needed.)
• Carbon monoxide detector (Check prior to winter storm season and change batteries, if needed.)

Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air intake of your home because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Do not use the generator or appliances if they are wet.

Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite.

Use individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords to plug in other appliances.

•  Cooking and Lighting Checklist

Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns.

Never use charcoal grills or portable gas camp stoves indoors. The fumes are deadly.

Avoid using candles as these can lead to house fires.

If you do use candles, never leave lit candles alone.

• Food and Safety Checklist

Have a week’s worth of food and safety supplies. If you live far from other people, have more supplies on hand. Make sure you have the following supplies:

• Drinking water
• Canned/no-cook food (bread, crackers, dried fruits)
• Non-electric can opener
• Baby food and formula (if baby in the household)
• Prescription drugs and other medicine
• First-aid kit
• Rock-salt to melt ice on walkways
• Supply of cat litter or bag of sand to add traction on walkways
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-powered lamps or lanterns
• (To prevent the risk of fire, avoid using candles.)
• Water Checklist

Keep a water supply. Extreme cold can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes break.

Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.

Keep the indoor temperature warm.

Allow more heated air near pipes. Open kitchen cabinet doors under the kitchen sink.

If your pipes do freeze, do not thaw them with a torch. Thaw the pipes slowly with warm air from an electric hair dryer.

If you cannot thaw your pipes, or if the pipes have broken open, use bottled water or get water from a neighbor’s home.

Fill the bathtub or have bottled water on hand.

In an emergency, if no other water is available, snow can be melted for water. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most germs but won’t get rid of chemicals sometimes found in snow.

• Car and Emergency Checklist

Is Your Vehicle Winter Ready? - A bird character near the back of a vehicle with a water bottle, flash light, ice scraper, jumper cables, cell phone, shovel, first aid kit, and blankets.Minimize travel, but if travel is necessary, keep the following in your vehicle:

• Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Water
• Snack food
• Extra hats, coats, and mittens
• Blankets
• Chains or rope
• Tire chains
• Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
• Road salt and sand
• Booster cables
• Emergency flares
• Bright colored flag or help signs
• First aid kit
• Tool kit
• Road maps
• Compass
• Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water
• Paper towels

You should check you local news source for storm updates.

For weather information you can check The National Weather Service

Be Prepared so that you can be safe..