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Red Cross, Mifflin County Office of Public Safety give tips for winter weather protection

Preparing homes and vehicles for the treacherous weather

LEWISTOWN –Although the severity of winter storms may vary, properly preparing homes and vehicles is key to remaining safe during the upcoming season.

Winter storms can range anywhere from light flurries to heavy snowfall with blistering winds, low temperatures, sleet and freezing rain, according to the American Red Cross website.

These factors can result in unsafe road conditions and potentially dangerous situations for homeowners without heat or properly functioning devices.

Phil Lucas, director of the Mifflin County Office of Public Safety, said the county always has significant issues during the first few snowstorms of the season because people are not used to the worsened road conditions.

Lucas said the most hazardous time to drive is typically within the first two to three hours of a snowstorm due to the change from dry to slick road conditions. As a result, he recommends people exercise caution if they need to be on the roads during that time frame.

Before entering the roadways, drivers should also make sure all vehicles are equipped with winter tires and are properly cleaned off, especially the windshield, roof and trunk, Lucas said.

“This is a precautionary measure to ensure excess snow does not hinder anyone’s driving,” he said.

Allen Weaver, director of Emergency Services in Juniata County, suggests keeping warm clothes inside of vehicles in preparation for snow storms that could potentially leave drivers stranded.

Weaver also said mechanics can help with the weatherization of a garage and stressed the importance of keeping a good, working battery in all vehicles.

Drivers should also keep a full tank of gas at all times to prevent the fuel lines from freezing, according to the American Red Cross resource guide.

In regards to home preparation, Lucas said homeowners should check to make sure smoke and carbon dioxide detectors are operating well and have working batteries, which should be replaced twice a year.

Lucas also said it’s important for homeowners to ensure chimney flues are clear and that water heaters are in working condition.

According to the guide, wood stoves and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected annually and checked monthly for any damages.

The guide also suggests using a heavy fireplace screen and storing cooled ashes in a sealed metal container that is kept outside to prevent chimney fires.

In extreme winter weather conditions, Lucas recommends checking on friends and family members, especially the elderly, to ensure their homes are heated and that they are not experiencing any emergencies.

It is also important to make sure pets are kept indoors and are provided with fresh water and warm shelter, Lucas said.

If animals need to be kept outside, make sure there is an available space where they can find warm shelter and have access to food and water, Lucas added.

There is often an issue of power outages when the weather turns cold as well, Weaver said.

“We normally offer a warming shelter if we know there’s going to be a prolonged power outage,” he said.

Weaver  suggests preparing emergency supply kits with items such as flashlights and extra batteries to keep in the home in the event of a severe winter storm.

A complete list of items to include in an emergency supply kit can be found at www.redcross.org. Click on the Get Help tab, select Types of Emergencies, and then click on the Winter Storm option.

Further information on preparing for winter storms can be found at www.ready.gov, as suggested by both Lucas and Weaver.

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