One snow storm, does not a winter make

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 913th Airlift Group
Little Rock AFB, Ark. --  The first winter storm of the season delivered a snow day to happy children across the Central Arkansas region Jan. 22, 2016. The line of storms that crisscrossed the country set records as people found out the hard way that being prepared, saves lives, reduces property damage, and can prevent major inconveniences.

Although this weather seems milder than normal, that can change, because winter is not over.

Meteorologist Sarah Fortner with THV 11 in Little Rock, Ark., said, “As far as winter weather goes, February is the most active month, and we’re only on the eighth day.”

“Right now, the long range outlook, the 15th - 21st, will have above average precipitation according to the National Weather Service,” Fortner said.

Keeping that in mind, preparing for the worst case scenario is a good practice. When temperatures drop below freezing, which is currently happening in the evening more often than not, unsafe conditions can occur.

Traveling:
Bridges and overpasses freeze quicker than road surfaces and can result in dangerous situations long before sand or salt trucks ever get to them.

• If driving is a necessity, ensure all persons use seatbelts
• Allow enough time to get to the destination
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles on the road
• Plan long trips carefully
• Vehicles should have had a recent safety inspection
• Check for proper fluid levels
• Keep a windshield scraper for ice and snow removal
• Maintain a full tank of gas during the winter season
• Always travel long distances during daylight
• If possible, take at least one other person on the trip
• Always keep others informed of traveling routes and schedules

It would be wise to keep an emergency winter kit with blankets, candles, lighter or matches and extra clothes in the vehicle at all times. If you don't need it, you may come upon someone who does.

If you must get out in bad weather, wear warm layered clothing to include gloves, appropriate footwear and headwear protection.

Homes:
Preparing homes for winter weather is no less important than a vehicle. Most Americans spend more time in their homes than in a vehicle, so prudence would have it that preparing the home would be on the top of the list for the winter season. If living in an area prone to harsh winter weather, there are numerous things that can be done to prepare for weathering the storms, which include making sure water pipes are adequately insulated. Here are some of the key items that should be stocked in the event weather prohibits travel or causes a loss of electrical power.

• Keep a battery-powered radio on hand
• Have a flashlight with extra batteries
• Drinking water
• Pet food
• Extra prescription medications
• A first aid kit
• Non-perishable water food items that do not require cooking

Mobile Homes:
Preparing mobile homes or travel trailers for winter weather can be a challenge. Underpinning a trailer to keep the cold wing out from under the structure is a necessity. This can be done quickly and inexpensively by purchasing a fabric construction silt fence with four-foot poles at the local hardware store. They are simple to install with a carpenter’s hammer and will keep the wind from blowing under the trailer, reducing the chances for pipes freezing. Leaving water dripping during freezing temperatures always reduces the risk of frozen pipes.

Remember, winter is not over, and the worst may be yet to come. Being prepared is the second step in staying safe. Knowledge is the first.

For additional precautions and tips for surviving the winter, go to: http://www.beready.af.mil/

For the latest road conditions: http://www.idrivearkansas.com or http://www.arkansashighways.com

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lzk/