Every winter we try to share these safety tips to keep people and pets alive, and here is some information that we think will help get you through it with a lot less trouble and worry, no matter what Mother Nature has in store for us.
Some dangerous cold air is on the way to the Ark-La-Tex with some ridiculously cold wind chills. Of course, we always talk about “The P’s”… People, Pipes, Pets and Plants. We also want to share some of these tips from the National Weather Service.
- 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.
MAKE SURE YOUR MOBILE DEVICES ARE CHARGED.
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:
