Hoosiers observing Winter Preparedness Week Nov. 17-23

Thursday, November 21, 2013

INDIANAPOLIS - The week of Nov. 17-23 has been designated Winter Weather Awareness Week by the National Weather Service.

The Department of Public Safety and the Division of Homeland Security would like to encourage Indiana residents to be prepared for snow, ice and extreme cold temperatures.

"Indiana winter storms can sometimes catch us off guard and it so vital for you and your family's survival to be prepared ahead of the storm," Public Safety Director Troy Riggs said.

Severe weather can develop in Indiana very quickly. As the winter months approach, are you ready? Take some time, in the coming days to review a plan and make the appropriate arrangements for your family if a winter storm were to develop.

"We have seen in years past how being prepared not only helps individual households but also communities," Gary Coons, Division of Homeland Security chief, said. "In the case of an emergency, it is important to first care for your family but then check on neighbors and nearby friends."

The National Weather Service uses specific winter weather terms to ensure people know what to expect in the coming days and hours. It is important to understand the differences between the following terms: watch, warning, and advisory.

Winter Storm Warning: Issued when hazardous winter weather is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.

Winter Storm Watch: Possibility of a blizzard, snow, freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.

Winter Weather Advisories: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.

Blizzard Warning: Sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more and snow fall creating visibilities at or below ¼ mile.

Wind Chill Warning: Wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure.

Wind Chill Advisory: Wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to hazardous exposure.

Ice Storm Warning: Significant and damaging ice accumulations are expected

Hoosiers are advised to build a kit, make a plan, be informed and get involved.

Place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently, and check the temperature of your home often during the winter months.

Check on family and friends who might need assistance when it is extremely cold or snowy.

Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.

Weatherproof your home by adding weather stripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows, or thermal pane windows.

Safe home heating tips include:

-- If you are unsure whether your heat source is safe or not, have a fire inspection conducted.

-- Use only portable heating equipment approved for indoor use.

-- Do not use your stove or oven to heat rooms.

-- Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes and carpeting at least three feet away from the heat source. Never drape clothes over a space heater to dry.

-- Always keep an eye on heating equipment. Never leave children alone in the room with a running space heater. Turn it off if you are unable to safely monitor it.

-- If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year.

-- If you'll be using a fireplace, wood stove or kerosene heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated.

It should be noted that dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) -- a colorless, odorless gas -- can be produced from improperly vented furnaces, plugged or cracked chimneys, water heaters, space heaters, fireplaces, stoves and tail pipes.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are flu-like and may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, vomiting, and possible death.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, open windows, move yourself and other victims to fresh air immediately and call 911.

Preparing your car for severe cold and winter weather:

-- Keep a winter survival kit in your car. Include the following items: blankets, first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, a knife, booster cables, compass, paper towels, collapsible shovel, high-calorie...non-perishable food, a bag of sand or cat litter for traction, and a small can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking.

-- Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends. In addition, every fall: have the radiator system serviced or check the antifreeze level yourself and add antifreeze as needed, replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture, and replace any worn tires and check the air pressure in the tires.

Keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

Power outages tips include:

-- First, prepare for outages before they happen by having a flashlight, a portable radio and extra batteries on hand.

-- Carefully check the circuit breakers or fuses in your home. If this step fails to restore power, check to see if your neighbors have electricity.

-- To conserve heat during an outage in cold weather, limit the number of times outside doors are opened.

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