28 winter weather essentials to keep your home and vehicle safe

As Texans prepare for a winter storm, it’s important to have everything you need in case of an emergency. Even if your area has little to no risk of winter precipitation, freezing temperatures can be just as dangerous.

Here are some essential things to do to survive a winter storm, as recommended by the National Weather Service:

People also read:Here’s how to stay safe in the rain, sleet and snow as winter weather arrives in Central Texas

At home and at work

Your main concerns at home or at work during a winter storm are loss of heat, power and telephone service, as well as a shortage of utility services if the storm lasts longer than a day. In both locations you should have the following available:

Flashlight and extra batteries.
Battery powered NOAA weather radio and portable radio for receiving emergency information.
Additional foods and water such as dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, and other foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding salty or spicy foods, which tend to require more water. Don’t forget paper plates, cups, and disposable utensils you’ll need for eating and drinking.

CDC:How to create and save an emergency water supply

Additional prescription medication.
Baby items such as diapers and formula (if applicable).
First aid supplies.
Heating Oil: Fill up before you run out; After a winter storm, fuel tankers may not reach you for days.
Emergency heat source: Fireplace, wood stove or space heater, well ventilated to prevent fire.
fire extinguishers, smoke detectors; Test smoke detectors monthly to ensure they are working properly.
Additional pet food and warm shelter for pets.
Check Generator Safety: Never operate a generator in an enclosed space.
Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working properly and that outside ventilation is clear of leaves and debris. During or after the storm, make sure the snow is cleared.
House fires are common every winter when trying to stay warm. Check out ways to protect your home and your loved ones.

Also read:Should you leave faucets dripping or flowing during the freeze warning? What you should know if you live in Texas

In vehicles

Although traveling in winter weather should be avoided if possible, it may be necessary in some situations. Road conditions may be more dangerous than expected, especially if there is black ice. So go slowly. When temperatures are near freezing, the weather service recommends driving as if you were on ice.

Before setting out on a long journey, it is important to ensure that all fluid levels, including your gas tank, are full and that the lights, heater and wipers are working and in proper condition. If you must travel alone, let someone know your expected arrival time at each location and the main and alternate routes you plan to take.

Texas drivers can also call 511 or visit the DriveTexas website for the latest road conditions and traffic information from the Texas Department of Transportation. It’s also a good idea to keep an emergency supply kit in your vehicle at all times. Here’s what the National Weather Service recommends in a vehicle’s winter storm survival kit:

Mobile phone, charger, batteries
Blankets/sleeping bags
Flashlight with additional batteries
First aid kit
Knife
High-calorie, non-perishable food
Extra clothing to stay dry
Large empty can for use as an emergency toilet, tissues, toilet paper and paper towels
Small can and waterproof matches for melting snow for drinking water
Bag of sand or cat litter for traction
shovel
Disc scraper and brush
Tool set
Tow rope
Battery starter cable
Water container
Candles and matches provide light and, in an emergency, life-saving heat
Compass and road maps do not rely on mobile devices with limited battery life

For animal owners, farmers

In winter, please remember to take care of your pets and other animals: if you are cold, they are probably cold too! Here are some tips from the weather service:

Move animals to protected areas or bring pets indoors. Properly designed and aligned shelter belts provide better protection for livestock than cramped shelters such as stables.
Transport additional feed to nearby feeding sites.
Have water ready. Most animals die from dehydration during winter storms.
Make sure pets have enough food and water and warm shelter.

What is the difference between a clock and an alert? Know your severe weather conditions

The National Weather Service uses three categories to indicate the severity of weather. For wintry weather, this includes a winter storm warning, a winter storm warning and a winter weather warning. A winter weather advisory is the mildest, while a winter storm warning is the most severe.

Here’s how the weather service defines each:

Note on winter weather: Winter weather is expected. Be careful. Light winter rainfall or scattered snow will result in slippery conditions and may affect travel if precautions are not taken.
Winter Storm Watch: Snow, sleet and ice are possible! Be prepared. The likelihood that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain and have significant impacts is moderate.
Winter storm warning: Snow, sleet and ice are to be expected! Get active! There is high confidence that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and have a significant impact. In some situations, traveling becomes difficult or impossible. Postpone your travel plans until conditions improve.

What is the difference between freezing rain and sleet? What does wind chill mean?

While you probably know how rain differs from snow, distinguishing between the two categories can be more difficult. The weather service provides the following definitions for freezing rain and sleet as well as wind chill:

Freezing rain: Rain that freezes as it hits the ground, forming a layer of ice on roads, sidewalks, trees, and power lines.
Sleet: Rain turning into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
Wind chill: A measure of how cold people feel due to the combined effects of wind and cold temperatures; The Wind Chill Index is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin. Both cold and wind remove heat from the body; The higher the wind speed in cold weather, the faster the body loses heat. Over time, the internal body temperature also drops and hypothermia can occur. Animals also feel the effects of wind chill; However, this is not the case with inanimate objects such as vehicles and buildings. They only cool down to the actual air temperature, but much faster in windy conditions.

What other winter weather warnings are there?

The National Weather Service also explains requirements for other winter weather warnings and recommended responses:

Blizzard warnings are issued for frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph accompanied by falling and/or drifting snow, often reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile for three hours or more. A Blizzard Warning means that severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Snowfall and blowing snow are likely with high winds and poor visibility, which may lead to whiteout situations and make travel extremely difficult. Don’t travel. If you have to travel, take a winter survival kit with you. If you get stuck, stay with your vehicle and wait for help to arrive.
Winter Storm Warnings are issued for a significant winter weather event, including snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow, or a combination of these hazards.
Ice Storm Warnings are typically issued for ice accumulation of about 1/4 inch or more. This ice accumulation makes travel dangerous or impossible and is likely to result in downed power lines and falling tree limbs. Traveling is strongly discouraged.
Wind chill warnings are issued for a combination of very cold air and strong winds, resulting in dangerously low wind chill values. If precautions are not taken, this level of wind chill will result in frostbite and hypothermia. Do not go outdoors and wear warm protective clothing if you must go outdoors. See the NWS wind chill table.
Lake effect snow warnings are issued when widespread or localized lake-borne snow squalls or heavy showers are expected to result in significant snowfall accumulation. Lake effect snow typically develops in narrow bands and impacts a limited area. These bands can lead to very heavy snowfall with sudden reduced visibility. Driving conditions can become dangerous at times.

Other types of winter weather warnings

As the Weather Service’s categories indicate, advisories are less serious than observations and warnings – but precautions should still be taken to ensure your safety.

Wind chill advisories are issued when low wind chill temperatures are expected but local warning criteria are not met. Extremely cold air and strong winds combine to produce low wind chill values. If you must go outdoors, take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.
Lake Effect Snow Notes are issued when snowfall accumulation (and snowdrifts) in widespread or local maritime areas remains below warning criteria. Snow showers in the form of lakes are expected and travel is expected to be difficult in some areas. Some local bands of snow will be so intense that they will reach several inches in some areas and visibility will suddenly be reduced.

What is a Wind Chill Clock?

“Wind chill watches are issued when there is a possibility that a combination of extremely cold air and strong winds will produce dangerously low wind chill values,” explains the NWS.

A wind chill watch is different from a winter storm watch, which focuses on precipitation rather than air and wind.

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28 winter weather essentials to keep your home and vehicle safe

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