Winter Storm Warnings and Extreme Cold Weather Tips

Since the 2000 ice storm in Texarkana, many folks are still leery and uneasy of winter weather. However, it happens, and here is what you need to know when we are facing winter storms and extreme cold spells.

We have all seen the jokes on Facebook about the runs on Walmart, "I got to get Bread and Milk...NOW!" and many have started to think that sometimes the weatherman may just be crying wolf when the forecast is a little off and a "Snowpocalypse" misses the Ark-La-Tex. Truth is, our area is no stranger to winter weather though sometimes the weather events are few and far between. Proven by the fact that almost all of us know someone who has either slipped and fell on ice, dinged a vehicle up, or has had pipes burst due to cold weather. So, here are some tips on what you need to know for dealing with Winter Weather and Extreme Cold.

First piece of advice, is download our free app "radioPup" and keep your mobile device charged. The radio stations here have gone to great lengths to make sure we are on the air, and broadcasting important information, even in situations of mass power outages.

BEFORE THE WEATHER

We are constantly reminding each other about the "P's," these being People, Pipes, Pet, and Plants. Check them all.

These are some tips from the National Weather Service. Make sure you have these on hand:

• Flashlights and extra batteries.
• Battery/Crank powered weather radio, and a portable radio to get information.
• Extra food and water. Nuts, Dried Fruit, Granola bars or other food items that need no cooking or refrigeration.
• Baby items. Diapers, formula, etc.
• Extra pet food and shelter for pets.
• First-aid supplies.
• Emergency heat source. (Make sure of proper ventilation.)
• Fire extinguisher and smoke detectors. (Make sure smoke detectors have fresh batteries.)
• Do not get out unless absolutely necessary.
• A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the National Weather Service for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your local emergency services.

Download FEMA’s Be Smart. Know Your Alerts and Warnings for a summary of notifications at:www.ready.gov/prepare.

Free smart phone apps, such as those available from the American Red Cross, provide information about finding shelters, providing first aid, and seeking assistance for recovery.

The Texas Department of Public Safety offers these tips for winter weather preparedness.

Winter storms can strand motorists traveling northern routes in Texas, sometimes striking South Texas and coastal areas. When winter storms threaten, monitor broadcast media and NOAA Weather Radio for information. Keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. On icy roads, drive slowly and increase distance required for stopping. Watch for downed trees and power lines across roads. If power is out, treat all intersections as four-way stops.

Emergency Supplies For Vehicle

• Blankets/sleeping bags and extra clothing, mittens and hat
• Cell phone, radio, flashlight, extra batteries
• First-aid kit and pocket knife
• High calorie, non perishable food, bottled water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for de-icing roadway
• Windshield scraper, tool kit, booster cables, tow rope and shovel

Emergency Tips For Home:

If heavy ice on power lines cuts utility service, be extremely careful using generators or gas powered equipment. Carbon monoxide (CO) is invisible, odorless and deadly. It can build up in a matter of minutes. Do not use generators, charcoal grills or gas grills inside the house, garage or enclosed space. Do not try to heat the house using a gas range or oven. Be prepared at home:

• Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, batteries, flashlights, cell phone and chargers, manual can opener
• One-week supply of food, water, medicine, medical supplies and items for special health care needs, babies and the elderly
• Pet supplies, kitty litter or sand for de-icing steps and walkways
• Heating fuel, properly ventilated emergency heating source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater
• Fire extinguisher, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector
• Warm clothing and extra blankets

For additional winter weather preparedness information, click on:

• http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/
• www.redcross.org
• www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/winter.html