Let It Snow! But first… Some Winter Safety Tips

Preparing your home and property for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce some of the effects caused by winter’s weather challenges. Experts agree that the following measures can be effective in dealing with the effects of severe winter weather:

Have your snow removal equipment serviced and ready for action.
Have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways.
Make sure your walls and attic are properly insulated.
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
Have an ample supply of wood if you have a fireplace.
Have safe portable space heaters available.
Wrap water pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers to keep from freezing.
Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
Know how to shut off water valves.
In case the power goes out, have disaster supplies on hand such as a flashlight & battery-operated radio (and extra batteries), a first aid kit and extra blankets & sleeping bags.
Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm.
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

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Winterizing Your Vehicle

Preparing your vehicle for the winter season is one of the most important keys to safe winter driving. Have a mechanic check the following items on your car before the temperatures drop.

Battery
Ignition System
Lights
Exhaust system
Brakes
Oil Level
Antifreeze
Thermostat
Flashing hazard lights
Heater
Defroster
Tires/tread
Wipers and windshield washer fluid

Also, be sure to keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal, and maintain at least a half tank of gas at all times during the winter season.

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Before Severe Weather Strikes

Know how the public is warned (via siren, radio, TV, etc.) and the warning terms for each kind of disaster in your community:

WINTER STORM WATCH
Be alert, a storm is likely.

WINTER STORM WARNING
Take action, the storm is in or entering the area.

BLIZZARD WARNING
Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, and deep drifts.

WIND CHILL
Seek refuge immediately.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists.

FROST/FREEZE WARNING
Below-freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees.

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Winter Car Kit

Flashlights with extra batteries
First aid kit with pocket knife
Several blankets
Plastic bags (for sanitation)
Matches
Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap
Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels
Small shovel
Tool kit
Booster cables
Brightly colored cloth to use as flag

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The Trivia Block

True or False? It must be 32F, or colder for it to snow.

False. It has been known to snow with the temperatures in the mid 40s. That’s because the temperatures are below 32F up in the clouds where the snow is forming.

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