TklDuo-Ann
2nd Level Black Feather
- Joined
- May 21, 2003
- Messages
- 8,393
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Well, here we go again! This is probably the biggest storm of the season. And, it's headed everyone's way! (MAP & Story) The early components of it are already creating problems in western states. Later today, the systems are expected to merge. Then, all hell breaks loose!
The southern states will see severe weather. Pretty much everyone else will be seeing snow, ice, freezing rain or some combination of the three. Chicago is expecting as much as 2 feet with blizzard conditions. Areas from St. Louis to Indianapolis are expecting as much as an inch of ice...after getting at least a foot of snow. Much of the midwest and northeast is expecting a foot or more of snow and then as much as a half inch of ice.
Sounds like fun, eh?! Power outages will likely be widespread. More roof collapses are also expected. Many roads will be impassible. As the director of FEMA stated in an interview yesterday, if you're not ready before this hits, it will be too late. So, what can you do to prepare?
If you live in one of the areas that's already had tons of snow, be sure to clear as much snow off your roof as you can to reduce the risk of collapse.
If you're expecting icing, clear any earlier snow then put salt down before it starts. Even though you'll still have ice buildup, it creates a bit of a gap so you'll be able to get under it to clear it more easily once the storm is over.
If you have cellar windows that sit low to the ground, try to clear areas for runoff so you don't end up with water in your cellar. If you have a pump, like me, have it ready to set up (provided there's power to run it) so you can stay ahead of excess water buildup. Be sure the hose is thawed out and clear of ice so it will work.
Another option for helping reduce water in your cellar... Grab a plastic tarp and fill it with snow. Pack it in tightly. Roll it up and place it in front of your cellar window. It will act as a burm to keep some of the water at bay.
Since most are expecting at least some chance of power outages...
Fill your tub with water that can be used to flush toilets.
Stock up on bottled water and/or fill containers already on hand with water for drinking/cooking. Remember that your hot water heater is a backup sorce of drinking water too!
Know where shut-offs are for gas & water in case you need them.
Have batteries on hand for radios, flashlights, etc.
If you use candles, be sure they're enclosed in some sort of glass and in a sturdy spot to prevent a fire. Camping lanterns can be convenient. But, be aware of the risk of fumes if it runs on kerosene.
Some areas could be without power for a prolonged time. So, be prepared to deal with the cold. Know where extra blankets are, etc.
Have your car gassed up and cleared of snow...esp. the tailpipe. It can be a temporary break from the cold.
If you have a cell phone, be sure you have it fully charged. If trees pull down lines, you'll likely lose your landline phones too.
Have a manual can opener on hand.
If you have a grill, have it ready to pull out for use in a well-ventilated spot. You can heat water for hot drinks to help stay warm, cook foods, etc. No matter how nasty the weather is, never use a grill indoors!
Those who are expecting larger amounts of snow, be sure any exterior vents from your furnace, hot water heater, etc. are cleared. If they get blocked, carbon monoxide poisoning is a risk.
Feel free to add other ideas for being prepared. I'm sure I've left things out.
The southern states will see severe weather. Pretty much everyone else will be seeing snow, ice, freezing rain or some combination of the three. Chicago is expecting as much as 2 feet with blizzard conditions. Areas from St. Louis to Indianapolis are expecting as much as an inch of ice...after getting at least a foot of snow. Much of the midwest and northeast is expecting a foot or more of snow and then as much as a half inch of ice.
Sounds like fun, eh?! Power outages will likely be widespread. More roof collapses are also expected. Many roads will be impassible. As the director of FEMA stated in an interview yesterday, if you're not ready before this hits, it will be too late. So, what can you do to prepare?
If you live in one of the areas that's already had tons of snow, be sure to clear as much snow off your roof as you can to reduce the risk of collapse.
If you're expecting icing, clear any earlier snow then put salt down before it starts. Even though you'll still have ice buildup, it creates a bit of a gap so you'll be able to get under it to clear it more easily once the storm is over.
If you have cellar windows that sit low to the ground, try to clear areas for runoff so you don't end up with water in your cellar. If you have a pump, like me, have it ready to set up (provided there's power to run it) so you can stay ahead of excess water buildup. Be sure the hose is thawed out and clear of ice so it will work.
Another option for helping reduce water in your cellar... Grab a plastic tarp and fill it with snow. Pack it in tightly. Roll it up and place it in front of your cellar window. It will act as a burm to keep some of the water at bay.
Since most are expecting at least some chance of power outages...
Fill your tub with water that can be used to flush toilets.
Stock up on bottled water and/or fill containers already on hand with water for drinking/cooking. Remember that your hot water heater is a backup sorce of drinking water too!
Know where shut-offs are for gas & water in case you need them.
Have batteries on hand for radios, flashlights, etc.
If you use candles, be sure they're enclosed in some sort of glass and in a sturdy spot to prevent a fire. Camping lanterns can be convenient. But, be aware of the risk of fumes if it runs on kerosene.
Some areas could be without power for a prolonged time. So, be prepared to deal with the cold. Know where extra blankets are, etc.
Have your car gassed up and cleared of snow...esp. the tailpipe. It can be a temporary break from the cold.
If you have a cell phone, be sure you have it fully charged. If trees pull down lines, you'll likely lose your landline phones too.
Have a manual can opener on hand.
If you have a grill, have it ready to pull out for use in a well-ventilated spot. You can heat water for hot drinks to help stay warm, cook foods, etc. No matter how nasty the weather is, never use a grill indoors!
Those who are expecting larger amounts of snow, be sure any exterior vents from your furnace, hot water heater, etc. are cleared. If they get blocked, carbon monoxide poisoning is a risk.
Feel free to add other ideas for being prepared. I'm sure I've left things out.
