admin

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