You’re prepared for a winter storm. You’ve stocked up on no-cook foods, extra medical supplies, extra drinking water, flashlights and batteries, and a radio or weather radio. The weather experts are issuing winter storm alerts. You should familiarize yourself with winter storm and extreme cold terms. I asked Jody Victor® to explain them to us.
Jody Victor®: FREEZING RAIN- Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coat of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.
SLEET- Rain that turns to ice pellets before it reaches the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
WINTER STORM WATCH- A winter storm is possible in your area.
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 that will last more than three hours. Considerable amounts of falling and blowing snow that reduce visibility to less than a quarter mile.
FROST/FREEZE WARNING- Below freezing temperatures are expected.
ROAD CLOSING ALERTS- Road closings are listed by levels according to who is allowed on the roads and highways.
Conserve fuel, if necessary, by turning down your thermostat. If your heat goes out during a winter storm, you can keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need. Stuff towels and blankets in cracks under doors. Drape windows with light blankets, sheets or towels. Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, a well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters. Maintain good 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. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. If your gas furnace is out but you still have electricity, you can use your electric stovetop on low for heat. Do not use generators indoors. Do not use charcoal to cook indoors. Do not use your gas oven to heat the house. Prolonged use of an open gas oven can create carbon monoxide gas.
If you lose your electrical service call your utility company to schedule repairs. Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when the power comes back on. Leave one light on to let you know when power is restored. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to reduce food spoilage.
Open all your hot and cold water faucets that are located on outer walls to a steady drip. Open counter doors to let whatever heat is in your house reach the pipes under sinks. If your pipes do freeze and burst turn off your main water supply. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. And always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and warm layers and wear a cap or hat to keep you warm from the outside. Eat and drink small well-balanced meals often to keep you warm on the inside. Food provides energy and water will keep you hydrated, eliminating stress on your circulatory system. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Keep tuned in to your NOAA weather radio for weather reports and emergency information.
All the Best!