Letter from Southeast Tennessee Executive Director, Julia Wright - January 2015

It’s that time of year.  We have taken the decorations down, celebrated the beginning of a New Year, and made our resolutions for 2015. While many of us typically make resolutions like exercising more, losing weight and eating healthier; this year, consider making a resolution to make your families safer. 

With the winter vortex on its way, there is no better time to think about Winter Storm Preparedness.  Here are some quick tips to get you started.  

• Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit to include winter-specific supplies for both home and vehicle that include a flashlight, first aid supplies, warm outerwear, water resistant boots, a blanket and extra warm clothing.  Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good to have on hand in case your car is stuck or to help make walkways less slippery.  Additionally, your home kit should have essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, and a battery powered radio with extra batteries in case of a power outage.

• Heed Storm Warnings:  A winter storm WATCH means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA weather radio or local radio or television stations. A winter storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

• Preparing Your Home and Car: If you heat with natural gas, be sure to identify the location of your meter and vents. It's important to keep them clear during storms and to ensure they are not damaged. Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, which helps prevent the fuel line from freezing. Make sure your home is properly insulated by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Running water, even at a trickle, helps to prevent pipes from freezing.

Winter weather has a way of sneaking up on us, so now is a good time to be taking steps to reduce any weather-related issues.  To learn more on how to prepare you family visit www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm

--Julia