|
 Just like thunderstorms, there can be watches and
warnings for winter weather. A winter storm watch means severe
winter weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible within the next
day or two, meaning it's time to prepare. A winter storm warning
means severe winter weather conditions are occurring, imminent, or
highly likely and therefore you should stay indoors and adjust any
travel plans you may have.
So, what are some things you can do to prepare for winter weather?
First, you can winterize your home. Make sure walls and attics are
insulated, caulk and weatherize doors and windows, and install storm
windows or cover your windows with plastic. Taking these steps can
help conserve energy and heat.
In addition to winterizing your home, make sure your pipes are also
winterized. Frozen, ruptured pipes can cause a lot of damage. An
eighth-of-an-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of
water a day! Typically pipes that are in outer walls, in crawl
spaces, or in the attic are the most prone to freezing. These pipes
should be insulated and can also be wrapped with heat tape (make
sure its UL approved). Also, make sure to disconnect garden hoses
and shut-off and drain water from any pipes leading to outside
faucets. When it gets cold out, let hot and cold water trickle at
night from faucets that are on an outside wall. It's also a good
idea to leave cabinet doors open (to get more heat to the pipes
under the sink) and make sure not to set your thermostat below 55
degrees.
In addition to getting your house and pipes ready for winter, it's
also a good idea to create an emergency supply kit for both your
home and vehicle. For your kit at home, include items such as:
• a battery-powered NOAA radio
• food that does not require cooking or refrigeration (canned
fruits, vegetables, meats; peanut butter; etc.)
• extra medications
• extra water
• flashlights and extra batteries
• a first-aid kit. [to top of second
column] |
If you have pets make sure you have the necessary supplies for
them as well. Make sure you have special items that people in your household may
need as well (infants, the elderly, etc.)
An emergency supply kit for a vehicle is important for all trips, even if it's
only a few miles. If your vehicle breaks down or you're in an accident it could
take longer than normal for help to arrive. Some items to include in your kit
include:
• a cell phone and charger
• blankets
• extra clothing
• jumper cables
• a flashlight and extra batteries
• high calorie, non-perishable food
• matches or a lighter.
Also, when you are traveling during the winter, especially during inclement
weather, make sure to tell someone about your travel plans (where you're going,
the route you're taking, and when you plant to arrive).
Finally, when you go outdoors make sure you are prepared. Dress in layers; the
air trapped between the layers insulates you and they can be removed if you get
too hot. Make sure you wear some sort of head covering as a significant amount
of body heat is lost through the top of your head. Your hands should also be
protected - mittens offer better protection than gloves. Additionally, keep your
feet as dry as possible.
To get more tips on getting yourself ready for winter check out the National
Weather Service Office in Lincoln's website on winter preparedness at:
www.weather.gov/ilx/winter-prep as well as U of I Extension's Disaster
Preparedness website at: extension.illinois.edu/disaster/.
[News Source: Ken Johnson, Extension
Educator, Horticulture
Terri Miller
University of Illinois
County Extension Unit #16 Director]
|
