HARRISBURG, (PRNewswire) – With hurricane season at an end, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency today urged the public to prepare now to meet any challenges that may arise from severe winter weather.
PEMA encourages residents to develop emergency plans for their families and take steps to protect their property. Fast-moving storm fronts can suddenly bring severe flooding or heavy snowfall, creating the risk of downed power lines and hazardous travel conditions.
“Although the official arrival of winter is still weeks away, all Pennsylvanians should take steps now to assemble winter storm kits for their homes and vehicles,” said PEMA Director James R. Joseph.
“Motorists should pay particular attention to road conditions, and alter travel plans as needed. Safe travel means preparing our vehicles for winter driving, staying in touch with family and loved ones, and avoiding unnecessary risks,” Joseph added.
PEMA recommends having drinking water, a first-aid kit, canned/non- perishable food, a non-electric can opener, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries available in an easily accessible place in your home. Maintain an extra supply of any needed prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Also, know how public warnings are issued on radio and television and learn what each kind of broadcast weather alert means. For example:
— “Winter weather advisory” means weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to
motorists;
— “Winter storm watch” means be alert, a storm is likely;
— “Winter storm warning” means take action, a storm is in or entering the area; and
— “Blizzard warning” means snow and strong winds will produce near-zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill
— seek refuge immediately.
PEMA offered additional tips for keeping warm at home:
— Dress in several layers of loosely fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Outer garments, like hats, mittens, scarves, and boots, should be tightly woven and water-repellent.
— Properly insulate walls and attics. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. Protect pipes by wrapping them in insulation and let faucets drip to prevent freezing.
— Fireplace and wood stove chimneys should be inspected annually to make sure the residue left by burning wood has not accumulated.
— Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as a wood- or coal-burning stove or kerosene heater, as a backup.
— Run generators outside only. Open windows and fans do not provide enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.
Motorists are advised to take the following steps to remain safe during winter travel:
— Avoid driving during a winter storm or blizzard warning. If travel is necessary, do it in daylight and do not travel alone.
— Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair.
— Make sure batteries, ignition systems, thermostats, lights,
— flashers, exhausts, heaters, brakes, defrosters and tires of
— vehicles are working. Check antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil levels.
— Pack a shovel, ice scraper, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, water, snacks, hats and mittens, blankets, tow chains or ropes, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares and a fluorescent distress flag in vehicles.
— Drive only at speeds dictated by conditions and increase distances between vehicles.
— Share travel schedules and routes and stay on main roads. Carry a cell phone.
Motorists within Pennsylvania may call PennDOT’s 24-hour, toll-free road condition hotline at 1-888-783-6783 for interstate conditions. Out-of-state motorists can call 717-783-5186. For assistance in the event of an emergency, call 911.
For additional emergency preparedness and winter safety information please visit the PA Emergency Management Agency Web site at http://www.pema.state.pa.us.