Report by Paula Antolini, January 28, 2022, 8:58AM EDT
Information from CT Prepares – Connecticut’s Emergency Management:
Winter Storms
Before a Winter Storm
Weather forecasts usually let you know ahead of time if there is a winter storm coming.
If a winter storm is coming:
- Prepare an emergency kit.
- Avoid driving and make sure you have food and supplies to last you a few days without electricity or phone service.
If there is snow:
- Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the warm air inside.
- Fully winterize your vehicle and keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- Include adequate clothing and blankets in your disaster supply kit to keep you warm.
During a Winter Storm
- Allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
- Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- If you must be out on roadways, let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
After a Winter Storm
If caught out on roadways:
- Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
- Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes do not back up into the car.
- Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen.
- As you sit in your car, move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
- Keep one window, away from the blowing wind, slightly open to let in air.
Additional Resources
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Emergency Checklist Overview
If there is an emergency in your area, you might not have access to food, clean water, or other items you need for survival. Heat, electricity, or water might not work in the event of an emergency. Creating an emergency supply kit can help you make it though any emergency. Keep it in your home and make sure your family knows where it is. Keep it updated and current with the proper supplies on a regular basis. The kit should have enough supplies for you and your family for at least three days.
Depending on the disaster or circumstance, you may need different items in your emergency kit. Check and refill your kit every few months to make sure food and batteries aren’t spoiled or past expiration.
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Extreme Cold/Winter Weather Storm Tips
The following are tips to stay safe during extreme cold weather; including a winter storm warning:
- Take all pets indoors.
- Never use your oven for heat.
- Never bring charcoal or gas grills indoors (they are a carbon monoxide hazard).
- Use electric space heaters with extreme care; avoid placing them near curtains or other flammable materials and turn them off before going to bed.
- Make sure all portable heat-producing appliances are unplugged when not in use (irons, hair devices, etc.).
- Use candles only as a last resort, and never leave candles unattended.
- Keep dryer vents clear of snow and ice.
- Check to make sure that you have enough heating oil to get through the storm.
- Keep heat at adequate levels or leave faucets open with a slight drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Locate the main water shut off valve in your home and mark it for quick identification. Learn how to turn it off, and educate others in your household. If a water pipe bursts, shutting your home’s main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage.
- Leave kitchen cabinet doors open if pipes are subject to freezing. This will allow heat to reach the pipes.
- Don’t use an open flame to thaw pipes. If your pipes do freeze, use a hair dryer or rags soaked in hot water to thaw lines.
- Insulate pipes in unheated spaces like garages, basements, and crawl spaces. This will help prevent frozen pipes, avoiding property damage and the costs of repairs. Additionally, insulating hot water pipes will decrease your wait time for warm water.
- Protect your water meter from icy drafts and freezing temperatures. Most frozen meters are caused by drafts from an open basement door or window.
- Double check your property for drafts as the cold weather sets in. Seal openings in the basement foundation wall where cold air may enter. Stuff holes with insulation and fix broken window panes. A tiny opening may cause exposed pipe or the meter to freeze.
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