By Emily Miller
With the winter season approaching, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds individuals to be prepared for the extreme cold and winter storms.
While the dangers of severe winter weather varies across the country, everyone can benefit by taking a few easy steps now to prepare for emergencies, as last winter was especially harsh for northern states.
A first step, regardless of where you live, is to visit the Ready.gov website sponsored by FEMA to find preparedness ideas you can use all year around. The website provides tips on how to prepare for a variety of weather risks such as earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods and winter storms.
Each weather risk has its own section of the website, which is dedicated to educating Americans about said risk.
“In our part of the country we make the most of winter,” said FEMA Region VIII Acting Administrator Tony Russell in a press release. “However, severe storms and blizzards can create major problems and residents need to take winter weather seriously by taking appropriate steps to prepare.”
Severe winter weather can include snow or subfreezing temperatures, strong winds and ice or heavy rain storms. An emergency supply kit both at home and in the car will help prepare you and your family for winter power outages and ice or impassible roads.
Both kits should include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
In addition, your home kit should include a three-day supply of food and water. Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:
· Rock salt to melt ice on driveway
· Sand to improve traction on driveways and sidewalks
· Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
· Adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm
When traveling in winter weather conditions, be sure to contact someone, both before your departure and when you safely arrive. Always travel with a cell phone that is fully charged and delay plans if conditions worsen.
During this time of year weatherman will use certain keywords to describe a particular type of weather. It is important to familiarize yourself with these words so you can know how to plan your day and possible trip.
FEMA highlights the following keywords used to describe winter storm hazards below, which includes the following:
· Freezing Rain – a coating of ice on roads and walkways
· Sleet – rain that has turned into ice pellets before reaching the ground and makes surfaces extremely slippery
· Winter Weather Advisory – cold, ice and snow are expected
· Winter Storm Watch – severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or so
· Winter Storm Warning – severe winter conditions have begun or will begin shortly
Finally, it is important to review one’s auto and home insurance before the winter season begins to make any necessary adjustments or corrections. It’s always better to be over prepared than not prepared at all.
