NOW
IS A GOOD TIME TO GET READY FOR WINTER
A message from
the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the NJ Office of Emergency
Management.
FEMA and the NJOEM
are preparing now to take the sting out of wintery weather. Here are
some things you can do to get ready:
- Store drinking
water, first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener,
radio, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily,
even in the dark.
- Keep cars and
other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency
kit in each.
- Get a NOAA
Weather Radio to monitor severe weather.
- Know ahead
of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors
or employees.
- Winterize your
house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter
for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Install storm
shutters, doors and windows; clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks;
and check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually
heavy weight from the accumulation of snow--or water, if drains on
flat roofs do not work.
- Also remember
that dressing in layers is important when the temperatures drop. Experts
recommend wearing several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm
clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should
be tightly woven and water-repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from
extremely cold air. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in snow or flooding
conditions.
- And remember
that if you lose your power and are using kerosene heaters make sure
you maintain ventilation to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes. Keep
heaters at least three feet from flammable objects and refuel kerosene
heaters outside.
Know
the warning terms for each kind of disaster in your community, including:
- "winter
storm watch" --- Be alert, a storm is likely
- "winter
storm warning" --- Take action, the storm is in or entering the
area
- "blizzard
warning" --- Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding
snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind
chill--seek refuge immediately!
- "winter
weather advisory" --- Winter weather conditions are expected
to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially
to motorists
- "frost/freeze
warning" --- Below freezing temperatures are expected and may
cause damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees
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