TOP STORY>>Additional winter-safety tips

Courtesy of 19th Civil Engineer Squadron

Preparing for winter is more than putting away your summer clothes. The reality is that snow and ice aren’t that far away. The beginning of winter is a great time to check your house and vehicle before bad weather arrives. Winterizing your home and having a family disaster plan are things you can prepare for ahead of time to ensure you are ready. Also, have emergency kits for your vehicle especially if you plan on taking road trips for the holidays. The following are ways the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggest you can prepare for the winter months:

Winterizing Your Home:

 Ensure walls and attics are insulated

 Check weather-stripping and caulking on doors and windows

 Clean and inspect heating equipment and chimneys

 Insulate pipes and allow faucet to drip during freezing weather

 Know how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts)

 Keep fire extinguishers on hand and ensure everyone knows how to use them

 Vent fuel-burning equipment to the outside

Winterizing Your Vehicle:

 Check fluid levels

 Ensure heater and defroster work properly

 Check for leaks in exhaust system

 Battery and ignition system should be in good condition

 Lights and flashing hazards should be serviceable

Emergency Kits:

 Non-perishable food items (plan for 72 hrs per person)

 Water (plan for 72 hrs per person)

 Matches

 Candles

 Flashlights

 Battery powered radio (extra radios)

 First aid kit

 Blankets

Did you know during winter, the number of carbon monoxide poisoning accidents increase? Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when a person is exposed to vehicle exhaust, defective furnaces, wood-burning stoves, portable camping stoves, etc. This toxic gas is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating initially. In 2012, there was an increase of carbon monoxide poisoning from vehicles with the exhaust/tailpipe covered by snow. Be sure to clear the exhaust pipe and around it before running your vehicle.

In addition to the above tips, make sure that you are familiar with these winter storm hazard terms:

Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

Winter Storm Watch - A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.

Winter Storm Warning - A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

Blizzard Warning - Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

Frost/Freeze Warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected.

The following websites can assist you with building an Emergency Kit, making a family emergency plan, and even talking to your children about disasters:

Center for Disease Control & Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov/features/beready/

Be Ready

http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

For more information call Emergency Management at 987-2829.