Wilmington, Oh. — The National Weather Service is beginning to zero in on what the latest round of winter weather will bring.
Meteorologists say a Pacific system combined with low pressure and moisture from the south could bring a significant amount of accumulation to the area. Forecast amounts vary from 3-inches to 1-foot depending on the timing of the arrival of cold air.
The following information is offered more than 24-hours prior to the forecast weather event in order to help residents make a plan:
Winter Storms Home Preparedness Checklist
- Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
- Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways
- Sand to improve traction
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
- Sufficient heating fuel, like dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm
- Make a family emergency plan — Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency
- Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS) and be alert to changing weather conditions
- Minimize travel, but keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle
- Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather
- Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water
During the Winter Storm
- Stay indoors during the storm
- Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow; overexertion can bring on a heart attack — a major cause of death in the winter
- If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside
- Keep dry and change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat (wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly)
- Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately
- Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible
- Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day, don’t travel alone, keep others informed of your schedule, stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts
- Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route
- If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate)
- Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes
- Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects
- Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55°F
Carbon Monoxide Safety
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors
- The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire
- Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide
- If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door
- Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you
For the Road:
- Before beginning your trip, check the current road conditions and weather forecast. For statewide highway information 24 hours a day checkout your state’s Department of Transportation
- Keep your car’s windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice
- Buckle up
- Allow yourself plenty of time to make it to your destination
- Be aware of sleet and freezing rain
- Be aware of potentially icy areas
- Brake early and slowly and avoid slamming on the brakes
- Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road
- When driving on ice and snow, do not use cruise control and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers
- When merging into traffic, take it slow — Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to slide
- Don’t pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary — treat these as you would emergency response vehicles
- Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car
- Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. This is good for emergency preparedness and it keeps the fuel line from freezing.
- Most importantly, drive smart!
Thanks to Weather Underground for their contribution to this story.
