Severe Weather Warnings
As we all know by now and have seen everywhere- the southern states in the US are expecting severe winter weather this weekend (freezing temps, ice, and snow), - the type that we do not experience on the regular. As someone who is from the South, I can testify that not many are good at dealing with adverse winter weather, as most did not grown up knowing how to handle it or even really experience it that much so they just don't know what to do. This tends to cause a bit of panic as people try to prepare, or don't know what to do when the time actually comes. Because of just not having as much winter weather, let alone severe, the infrastructure in southern states were not built for this type of weather. My fellow southerners- This is not our faults. The supplies we have available to us that deal with snow and ice aren't nearly as stocked and readily available as northern states because this type of weather is not as normal for us as it is for them. We just don't get it often enough for it to be a commonly needed thing. Most of the time the predictions don't really pan out either and it's not quite as bad as they say it's going to be by the time the weather pattern gets to us.
That being said, it would be wise to prepare in every way possible while there is still time. Even if it doesn't turn out as bad as predicted, better to be safe than sorry. Here is a checklist of things to consider: All things considered, it never hurts to be prepared in case we get a repeat of '93. (My other fellow veterans of the Great Blizzard of 1993 will 100% understand!) Better safe than sorry! I found this checklist of things that are a good reference and you can adjust as needed.
Make Sure You Are Stocked Up On Or Have:
โข Multiple Gallons of Water (water lines are very likely to freeze in below zero conditions, even with faucets dripping)
โข Shelf Stable Food (canned goods, crackers, granola bars, cereal, etc, things that can be eaten with or without power. Don't forget a manual can opener!)
โข All Necessary Supplies for Your Pets- Food, extra water, any meds, etc. Bring outdoor pets inside or secure them somewhere warm and safe.
โข First Aid Supplies (You never know when it could be needed.)
โข Long-Lasting Candles (in case the power goes out, but flashlights are preferred over candles)
โข Matches (lighter fluid freezes in cold temperatures)
โข Flashlights
โข Batteries
โข Paper Products (Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Tissues, Paper Bowls + Plates, etc)
โข Hats, Gloves, Socks (Your hands, feet, and ears will thank you later.)
โข Blankets
โข Battery Banks (for your phone, in case electricity goes out. Do not sit and scroll on phone or use it unless you need to.)
โข For those who have a vehicle, make sure you fill it up on gas.
โข GET ANY NECESSARY MEDICATIONS REFILLED IF POSSIBLE.
DO:
โข Wear layers. I know this can be a sensory nightmare for some but if your electricity goes out, you will need to stay warm with what you have. If you have wool-based or waterproof fabrics, use it.
โข Bring in firewood or make sure natural gas is turned on for wood or gas fireplaces/stoves so you do not have to go out into the cold to do so. Take advantage of outdoor fireplaces and grills for heat if needed. Many homes these days do not have wood stoves or fireplaces, so if you absolutely need a heat source take advantage of what is outdoors if necessary.
โข Inform yourself of the symptoms of and basic treatments for hypothermia and frostbite. โข Make sure there are working/fresh batteries in your carbon monoxide and fire detectors.
โข Pay attention to your health. Do not overexert yourself. Do not waste your energy on tasks that are not immediately important. Conserve your energy.
DO NOT:
โข Do not leave any fires or other sources of heat unattended, and do not allow any flammable objects near sources of heat.
โข Do not use a gas-fueled oven or stove for a source of heat. This can lead to carbon monoxide buildup in your space. IT WILL KILL YOU. Use gas fueled things sparingly and with adequate ventilation/outdoors.
โข Do not use your vehicle for heat when it is inside a garage or other closed-off space. Again, carbon monoxide. IT CAN AND WILL KILL YOU. You will also want to save your gas as much as possible.
โข Do not try to travel unless it is absolutely necessary, and if it is necessary to travel in a vehicle be careful. If you are considering staying with a friend or relative, or even seeking shelter at a place like a hotel, get there before the severe weather hits and stay there. If you must travel, let someone know where you are going, when you are leaving, where you are going to and intend to arrive, take provisions and extra clothing/blankets/water with you in case you get stuck on the road/in snow. Contact someone immediately to let them know you have gotten stuck/wrecked. Do not leave your vehicle continuously running in case the tailpipe is covered or blocked with ice or snow, as it will cause the carbon monoxide to build up. Once again, this can and will kill you, and so would frostbite by going outside of the vehicle. Stay inside out of the elements and wait for help. Only get out and attempt to walk to safety if you are physically able and close enough to a warm indoor place that you know for certain you can make it to, then call for help there. Only take what you absolutely have to from the vehicle and leave it where it is. If you have something to write on, putting your name and contact info and putting it facing out on the dash is helpful so DOT/Police can reach you faster, but if not, your vehicle info is traceable via your tag number. Don't worry about the car, get yourself to safety. Vehicles are replaceable, YOU are not. Please stay safe everyone! Do not take any unnecessary risks, stay inside and do not travel if at all possible and lets all ride this out safely!
