The South and East are bracing for what could be a dangerous stretch of severe winter weather, with the weather service warning that in some areas, travel will be nearly impossible. Additionally, strong winds and potentially life-threatening conditions are possible from Friday through Sunday, reports CBS News.
Lonnie Quinn, chief weather-caster of CBS New York station WCBS-TV, says computer models show the storm’s center hitting the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains Friday afternoon and dropping as many as 12-20 inches of snow. While it may be too early to predict the full extent of the storm’s impact on New England, the weather service advises that we prepare for the worst.
Most of us know what to expect during extreme winter weather where we live. Some areas are prone to losing power, while other areas see a lot of trees come down, causing power outages. So it is important to have a battery-operated radio if the power does go out to keep up with local emergency messages.
There are also a number of things everyone can do to be prepared for those “worst case scenarios.” Let’s look at a few things we can do to prepare.
Before the storm arrives
1. Check to be sure there is adequate heating fuel for the home and fuel in your vehicle.
2. Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment available.
3. Check to be sure prescriptions are filled in case your family becomes isolated for several days.
4. Adequate warm clothing and blankets should be available for warmth in case the power goes out.
5. Plan on keeping pets safe and warm.
6. Make sure flashlights and lanterns have fresh batteries. Keep in mind that candles are not recommended as a source of light or heat because of the risk of fire.
7. Elderly family members and neighbors need special attention during bad weather. Please make plans to check on them often, at the same time making sure they are prepared for power outages. The elderly are at great risk from cold weather illnesses.
Food safety and water tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
1. It’s important that in the event of being snowed in, and even if the power goes out, that you be prepared. Make sure there are plenty of food and beverages for the family to last at least five days. If there is a baby in the house, stock up on formula, disposable diapers and baby foods to last for five days.
2. Keep a three-day supply of a variety of foods that don’t require cooking on hand. This includes bottled water. Having a manual can-opener is also a good idea.
3. If the power does go out, plan on keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed. This will preserve the cold in a refrigerator for about four hours at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. A full freezer will hold it temperature about 48 hours, and 24 hours if half full, according to the USDA.
4. Many of us have put perishable food outside on the back porch during a snow storm, especially when the power goes out, but it is not recommended. Wild animals could be drawn to the smell, or even worse, the food could spoil when the sun comes out.
5. The best advice for all of us is to plan on staying safe. Keep off the roads unless it is absolutely necessary. Check on the elderly, please. And keep your family safe.
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