by

Dave Hardin

Public Information Officer

Some parts of our county had low temperatures in the upper teens in mid-November.  That's a little early for that kind of cold weather, but it does remind me to pass on advice from Catawba County Emergency Services on preparing for winter weather.

It's not too early. One of the worst ice storms we ever had in Catawba County came during the first week of December. Unlike some things you can do quickly to face high heat in summer, you've got to plan ahead for winter.

First, develop a Family Disaster Plan ahead of time. Decide where to go if a winter storm warning is issued, whether you're at home, school, work, outdoors or in a car. Update the plan at the start of every school year, or as your place of employment or residence changes.

Designate a friend or relative, who lives outside your area and is less likely to be hit by the same storm, as a contact for everyone in the event you're separated from family members during a severe winter storm. Agree upon a place where family members will meet if separated.

You should also prepare a Family Disaster Supplies Kit, and this is most definitely something you need to do ahead of time. Essentials for such a kit include a battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries. You shouldn't use candles if the power fails, because candles cause more fires following severe storms than anything else.

Since you could lose water service to frozen pipes or wells, it's a good idea to set aside a minimum of three gallons of water per person in your home, in food-grade, plastic containers. You'll also need additional water for sanitation purposes.

Store a minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration. These are foods like dry cereal, canned fruits and juices, ready-to-eat soups (not concentrated), peanut butter, canned vegetables, ready-to-eat canned meats and quick energy snacks.

You should also create or buy first aid kits for your home and for each car your family owns. It's important to make sure you have all your prescription drugs filled before a storm hits and that you have non-prescription essentials such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicines and antacids.

Finally, make sure your home is prepared to face a winter storm. Check to see that you have the proper insulation, weather stripping and storm windows. Make sure emergency heating equipment has enough fuel.

If you use space heaters, make sure you know how to safety place and use them (at least three feet away from furnishings, drapes, and any flammable object). Never drape wet clothes, gloves, hats or socks over a space heater in order to dry them.

It can be difficult to get all this done if you wait until the weather forecasters are calling for ice or snow, because so many other people will have waited until the last minute to hit the hardware store, the auto supply shop or the grocery store. Planning now for bad winter weather that might be weeks away could save you a lot of trouble and added effort.