NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 2, 2022 - Winter Storm Landon could bring potentially dangerous ice to millions from Texas to New England, with an expected significant impact from Memphis, Tennessee to Paducah, Kentucky. As much as a quarter inch of ice is expected and this can cause serious safety issues. Freezing rain is particularly dangerous. The storm moves into Tennessee early Thursday morning until late on Friday night.
The American
Red Cross of the Tennessee Region offers several safety tips to help you
prepare and deal with the latest winter blast.
Protecting your family while traveling:
- Talk with your
family about what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.
Discussing winter storms ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for
young children.
- Stay off the roads
unless you must travel.
- Have your vehicle
winterized before the winter storm season to decrease your chance of being
stranded in cold weather.
- Have a mechanic
check your battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid,
ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust
system, heater, brakes, defroster, and oil.
- Install good winter
tires with adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate but
some jurisdictions require vehicles to be equipped with chains or snow
tires with studs.
- Keep in your
vehicle:
- - A windshield
scraper and small broom
- - A small sack of
sand for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or
traction mats
- - Matches in a
waterproof container
- - A brightly
colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna
- - An emergency
supply kit, including warm clothing.
- - Keep your
vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and
to keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Keep a supply of
non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery.
- Service snow
removal equipment before the winter storm season and maintain it in good
working order.
- Keep handy a warm
coat, gloves or mittens, hat, water-resistant boots, and extra blankets
and warm clothing for each member of the household.
Wind
chill: Avoid
staying outdoors for long and wear layers of clothing to stay war. This
includes mittens or gloves as extremities can get frost bite easily. Make sure
to wear waterproof insulated boots and keep feet dry. Get out of the cold if
signs for hypothermia or frostbite appear.
Shoveling: Take caution when shoveling in
temperatures that are in the teens. Take frequent breaks and be careful not to
overexert yourself.
Stay
hydrated: Be sure
to keep hydrated, especially with warm drinks while avoiding caffeine and
alcohol.
Check-Ins: Be sure to check on elderly, disabled
or homebound neighbors and family.
Pets: Do not leave your furry friends
outdoors! Family pets need to be brought in the home during these frigid
temperatures. If that is not possible, be sure to provide them with warm
shelter that keeps the cold air and wet conditions out.
Protect
your pipes: Prevent
frozen pipes in the home by opening cabinet doors and keeping a slow cold-water
drip from faucets.
Power
Outage and Medical Needs:
If a person uses an electronic medically dependent device, make sure they have
plans in place in the case of a power outage.
Generators: Never operate a generator indoors. This
will cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow the manufactures directions for
safe setup for your generator.
Heating: Do not use ovens or stoves to heat a
home. Always keep fireplaces covered with screens and never leave them
unattended.
Space
heaters: Use these
heaters only on level and non-flammable surfaces. Do not place them on carpet,
or near bedding or drapes. Keep pets and children away from any heat source. Do
not dry clothes on space heaters. Do not plug them into extension cords, only
directly into outlets. Never leave the room or go to sleep with a space heater
on.
For more
winter weather safety steps, you can download the Red Cross Emergency App for
free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.
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