Categories
Uncategorized

Winter Storm Slams U.S.

A storm that dumped several feet of snow in California has now made its way across the country. After wreaking havoc in the Midwest and heading into New England, it appears that emergency conditions will continue for a while. AccuWeather is calling it the “December to Remember,” and storm trackers are warning about heavy rains that will immediately be followed by a blast of cold air from the north:

The cold blast will bring about the worst lake-effect snow event of the season so far Thursday into Saturday. The worst of the blinding bands of snow will occur across upstate New York, where snow will be measured in feet.

With several feet of snow on the way, there’s always a danger of massive and sustained power outages. If you haven’t been thinking about emergency preparedness, perhaps it’s time to start prioritizing.  For example, if you live in an apartment in a big city, do you have the means to prepare your food and stay warm during a blackout? Your tap water won’t be coming on without electricity, or your toilet, for that matter. It may not be a fun topic to think about, but it gives people great peace of mind to be prepared for these types of emergencies, before they happen.

Source:
http://www.accuweather.com/regional-news-story.asp?region=eastusnews

Categories
Uncategorized

Cold Snaps Means Winter Preparedness

Some regions of the country may receive colder than normal weather, including snow storms. Emergency Management Agencies are doing what they can to educate the public on winter preparedness.

George Grabryan, director of the Florence-Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency in Tennessee, said the anticipated cold snap presents a good opportunity for Tennessee residents to review their winter weather preparedness plans:

“Everyone needs to take a few minutes to think about what they would do if we do have a snow or ice storm this winter. Everyone needs a plan for how they would take care of their family during a winter storm.”

Food and water needs to be high on any winter preparedness list. Grabryan advises:

“I know things are tight and people don’t have a lot of extra money, but if they could buy a little nonperishable food each time they go to the grocery store – preferably food that doesn’t have to be cooked, they will have a supply on hand if a winter storm shuts down travel or knocks out power for a few days.”

Even more of a priority than food is water. You could live for three days without food, but you could not live without water.

Source:

http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20091203/ARTICLES/912035025/1011/NEWS?Title=Cold-weather-chance-of-snow-in-forecast