Daily Archives: March 3, 2023

To prepare for winter weather, you need to be sure that your vehicle is prepared for the cold weather.

Winterize Your Car

• Check or have a mechanic check out your vehicle
  • Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
  • Battery and ignition system – should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
  • Brakes – check for wear and fluid levels.
  • Exhaust system – check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
  • Fuel and air filters – replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
  • Heater and defroster – ensure they work properly.
  • Lights and flashing hazard lights – check for serviceability.
  • Oil – check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
  • Thermostat – ensure it works properly.
  • Windshield wiper equipment – repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
• Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions, however, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
• Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.

Check your VEHICLE EMERGENCY KIT to be sure it is well-stocked. See Vehicle Emergency Kit

To prepare for winter weather, you need to be sure your home is ready to face the cold temperatures and winter precipitation such as snow and ice.

Winterize Your Home

• Be sure you have sufficient insulation in walls and attics
• Check weather-stripping on doors and windows.
• If you don’t have storm windows or double-pane windows, consider covering your windows with plastic.
• Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic
• Allow indoor faucets to drip when temperatures drop below freezing.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Be sure you have sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Disconnect hoses from outside faucets. Place an insulated cover over outdoor faucets.
• Be sure that crawlspace vents are closed.
• Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Winterize your barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your pets, livestock or equipment.
• Be sure you have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways

Check your DISASTER SUPPLY KIT to be sure it is well-stocked: See Disaster Supply Kit

Learn more at: https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter

Be prepared for any type of emergency by keeping an Emergency Kit in your vehicle.

Your Emergency Kit should include the following items:

• Windshield scraper
• Flashlight
• Battery powered radio
• Extra batteries
• Water
• Snack food
• Matches
• Extra hats, socks and gloves
• First aid kit
• Multi-purse tool or pocket knife
• Necessary medications
• Blanket(s)
• Tow chain or rope
• Booster cables
• Emergency flares
• Fluorescent distress flag
• Rock salt and sand (Winter only)

In the event of a disaster, you may be instructed to shut off the utility service at your home.

Below is some general guidance for shutting off utility service. You should modify the information provided to reflect your shut off requirements as directed by your utility company.

Natural Gas

Natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for a significant number of fires following
disasters. It is vital that all household members know how to shut off natural gas. Because there are different gas shut-off procedures for different gas meter configurations, it is
important to contact your local gas company for guidance on preparation and response regarding gas appliances and gas service to your home. When you learn the proper shut-off procedure for your meter, share the information with everyone in your household. Be sure not to actually turn off the gas when practicing the proper gas shut-off procedure. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.

CAUTION – If you turn off the gas for any reason, a qualified professional must
turn it back on. NEVER attempt to turn the gas back on yourself.

Electricity

Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting natural gas if it is leaking. It is wise to
teach all responsible household members where and how to shut off the electricity.

To Shut off Electricity

• Locate your circuit box.
• ALWAYS shut off all individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit breaker.

Water

Water quickly becomes a precious resource following many disasters. It is vital that all household
members learn how to shut off the water at the main house valve.

To Shut off Water

• Locate the shut-off valve for the water line that enters your house.
• Make sure this valve can be completely shut off. Your valve may be rusted open, or it may only partially close. Replace it if necessary.
• Label this valve with a tag for easy identification, and make sure all household members know where it is located.

In the event of an emergency, you may be instructed to Shelter-In-Place. This is a protective action order that may be issued in order to keep you safe from a potentially hazardous environment outdoors. If you are told to Shelter-In-Place, follow the instructions below and listen to a local radio or television station for additional information.

If You Are At Home

• DO NOT GO OUTDOORS.
• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
• If there is a danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains.
• Turn off all heating and air conditioning systems.
• Close the fireplace damper.
• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal:
  1. Cracks around the doors
  2. Vents into the room
  3. Windows
• Get your Disaster Supply Kit
• Be sure you have a battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Be sure you have plenty of food and water
• Take your pets with you with plenty of food and water for them.
• Go to an interior room, above the ground floor, with the fewest windows or vents.
• Call an emergency contact to inform them of the situation and give them your location.

If You Are In Your Vehicle

• If you are close to home, continue on and immediately go inside. Follow the instructions above.
• If you must stay in your vehicle, DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE.
• Close windows and vents.
• Turn off heat or air conditioning.
• If possible, seal vents with duct tape.
• Listen to your radio for additional instructions.
• Call an emergency contact to inform them of the situation and give them your location.

If You Are At Work

• Stay there. DO NOT GO OUTDOORS.
• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
• If there is a danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains.
• Turn off all heating and air conditioning systems.
• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal:
  1. Cracks around the doors
  2. Vents into the room
  3. Windows
• Gather essential supplies:
  1. Food and Water
  2. Batter powered radio and extra batteries
  3. Flashlights and extra batteries
• Select an interior room, above the ground floor, with the fewest windows or vents. Do not select a room with mechanical equipment.
• Listen to your radio for additional instructions.
• Call an emergency contact to inform them of the situation and give them your location.

If You Are At School

• Stay there. DO NOT GO OUTDOORS.
• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
• If there is a danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains.
• Turn off all heating and air conditioning systems.
• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal:
  1. Cracks around the doors
  2. Vents into the room
  3. Windows
• Gather essential supplies:
  1. Food and Water
  2. Batter powered radio and extra batteries
  3. Flashlights and extra batteries
• Select an interior room, above the ground floor, with the fewest windows or vents. Do not select a room with mechanical equipment.
• Listen to your radio for additional instructions.
• Call an emergency contact to inform them of the situation and give them your location.

For SHELTER-IN-PLACE information for a Browns Ferry event, visit Shelter-In-Place

In a disaster, people with special medical needs have extra concerns. This information will help you and your family prepare for a disaster.

Medication

• Always have at least a three-day supply of all your medications. In some emergencies, such as an influenza pandemic, you may need to prepare for a week or more.
• Store your medications in one location in their original containers.
• Keep an updated list of all of your medications: name of medication, dose, frequency, and the name of the prescribing doctor.

Medical Supplies

• Have an extra three-day supply of any medical supplies you use, such as bandages, ostomy bags or syringes.

Electrically Powered Medical Equipment

• For all medical equipment requiring electrical power — beds, breathing equipment or infusion
  pumps — check with your medical supply company and get information regarding a back-up power source
  such as a battery or generator.

Oxygen and Breathing Equipment

• If you use oxygen, have an emergency supply (enough for at least a three-day period).
• Oxygen tanks should be securely braced so they do not fall over. Call your medical supply company regarding bracing instructions.
• If you use breathing equipment, have a three-day supply or more of tubing, solutions and medications.

Intravenous (IV) and Feeding Tube Equipment

• Know if your infusion pump has battery back-up, and how long it would last in an emergency.
• Ask your home care provider about manual infusion techniques in case of a power outage.
• Have written operating instructions attached to all equipment.

Emergency Medical Kit

• In the event that you have to leave your home, keep a bag packed at all times that contains:
  1. A medication list
  2. Medical supplies for at least three days
  3. Copies of vital medical papers such as insurance cards and power of attorney

People Who Can Help

• An important part of being prepared for a disaster is planning with family, friends and neighbors. Know who can walk to your home to assist you if no other means of transportation is available.
• Discuss your disaster plans with your home health care provider.
• Keep a list handy of people who can help and their phone numbers.

• Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with contaminated water.
• Do not mix powdered baby formula with water that may be contaminated.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Refrigerators will keep foods cool for approximately 4 hours if unopened. A full freezer will hold its’ temperature for about 48 hours if unopened. Do not eat foods that have been in refrigerator or freezer longer than the times stated above.
• Do not eat any food that has an unusual smell, color or texture. Never taste food to determine if it is safe. “When in doubt, throw it out.”
• Cook or reheat food to an internal temperature of 165º. Cook meat to an internal temperature of 170º.

During an emergency, food and water can become contaminated. The following tips will help you reduce the risk of contamination.

Food Safety

Water Safety

• Do not use bottled water unless you are sure that it came from a safe, commercial source.
• Do not use contaminated water for any reason.
• Boiling water is the preferred method to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. Most disease micro-organisms in water will be killed by vigorous boiling for one minute.
• Water can be treated with unscented household chlorine bleach, however, this method is only effective for killing bacteria. To use chlorine bleach, follow these instructions:
  1. If water is clear, add 1/8 teaspoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water
  2. If the water is cloudy, add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water
  3. Mix the bleach and water thoroughly and let stand for about 30 minutes before use. If the water does not smell slightly of bleach, DO NOT use it.

Additional information on Food and Water safety can be found at:
http://www.ready.gov/food
http://www.ready.gov/water

In the event of an emergency, you may be instructed to Evacuate. This is a protective action order that may be issued in order to keep you safe from a potentially hazardous environment outdoors.

If you are told to Evacuate, follow the instructions below and listen to a local radio or television station for additional information.

• If Time Allows:
  1. Unplug all electrical equipment, with the exception of refrigerators and freezers. (If there is a danger of flooding, unplug refrigerators and freezers.)
  2. If your home has been damaged from severe weather or other disaster, shut off your water, gas and electricity before leaving.
  3. Take medications that may be needed within a 24-48 hour period.
  4. Check with your neighbors to see if they need a ride.
• Before you leave your home, tie a white cloth on your front door or mailbox to let emergency workers know that you have evacuated your home.
• Take your Disaster Supply Kit, if you do not have an Emergency Kit in your vehicle.
• Take your pets with you with plenty of food and water for them. (Pets may not be permitted in public shelters.)
• Listen to your radio for additional instructions.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not attempt to take shortcuts as they may be blocked.
• Be alert for road hazards, such as washed-out roads or bridges or downed power lines.
• Call an emergency contact to inform them of the situation and give them your location.

For more on evacuations, please visit https://www.ready.gov/evacuation

For Browns Ferry evacuation information, please visit Evacuation – Limestone County, AL EMA (limestonecountyema-al.gov)

You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even weeks. A Disaster Supply Kit for your home is a collection of basic items that members of a household may need in the event of a disaster.

6 Basics for Your Disaster Supply Kit include:

• Water
• Food
• First aid kit
• Portable, battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Manual can opener

Foods For Your Supply Kit

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Canned juices and powdered milk
• Sugar, salt, pepper
• High energy foods–peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix
• Vitamins
• Foods for persons with special dietary needs

Special Items for Babies

• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Pacifiers
• Powdered milk
• Medications

Special Items for Adults

• Prescription drugs
• Heart and high blood pressure medication
• Insulin
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses
• Hearing aid batteries

Sanitation Supplies

• Toilet paper
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach

Tools for Supply Kit

• Paper cups & plates and plastic utensils
• Cash, including some change
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Plastic storage containers
• Signal flare
• Whistle
• Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
• Plastic sheeting

Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.

• Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
• Photo IDs, passports, social security cards, immunization records
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card account numbers and companies
• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
• Photocopies of credit and identification cards

Disaster Supply Kit Maintenance

Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to use when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition:

• Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
• Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
• Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.
• Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
• Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.

For additional information, visit https://www.ready.gov/kit