Magoffin Co. Disaster Emergency Management Winter Preparedness Suggestions
Magoffin Co. D.E.M.
Winter Preparedness Suggestions
Remember the "Dusting of 98?" I doubt anyone in the Eastern half of Kentucky will forget it anytime soon. Twenty plus inches of snow in how many hours?
Much of the content of this document was posted last year about this
time. We had such good response from it, a second posting seemed like a good idea.
Feel free to post, repost, and pass around this document.
Wish our best wishes, hopes for a mild winter, and concern for everyone's
safety. Enjoy!
-Magoffin County D.E.M.
Most of the following information is common sense, and has been compiled from several sources including the National Weather Service, and many disaster agencies.
First, the basics. It is always best to prepare yourself for the
worst. During the severest winter weather, you cannot count on electrical service, telephone service, the ability to travel, or any of our normal everyday activities. So, there are many things to think about.
The basics include food, shelter, water, and necessary items to maintain your health and welfare. We all think of food, water and shelter, but what else do "I" need for my health and welfare? Here is a basic list. While considering this list, think about your individual needs and what you need for your comfort as well.
When planning for winter storm emergencies, consider that it may be several days or a week before services can be restored, motor vehicle travel is possible, or help can get to you. With this in mind, we suggest the following guidelines for winter storm preparedness. These supplies should be in addition to your normal living provisions.
-One gallon of water per person, per day.
-Non-perishable food such as canned goods, dry goods, and foods that do not need preparation requiring electricity. Do not forget to plan for those who because of medical reasons have special dietary needs.
-Adequate clothing. If you are at home, this should not be a problem. However, if you are out on the road, make sure you have plenty of changes of clothes, as well as plenty of clothes to provide for the wearing of many layers. We will cover more on this later.
-Medication. If someone in has a medical condition requiring medication, be prepared and have extra medication on hand in the event the area is "snowed in" in for several days. This will prevent worsening conditions, and trying to arrange emergency medical transport should you run out of medicine.
-Batteries, fuel, and other supplies are also not to be forgotten. If electrical power is out, you may need batteries for several days. We are not talking about batteries for your amateur radio, but for flashlights, battery-powered lamps, radios, weather radios, smoke alarms, and anything
else that will provide you with needed light, information, or comfort.
-Sanitation supplies should also be considered. Make sure you have plenty of the everyday supplies that you need for health and sanitation. Don't forget toilet paper, feminine products, skin lotion (don't forget winter winds are very hard on the skin), waterless soap, and anything you desire to enhance your basic sanitation needs.
-Don't forget your pets and their needs!
A word about safety. There will, not doubt be candles, fireplaces, and kerosene heaters in use. You need to be painfully aware of the danger of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you have adequate ventilation, and practice extreme caution with any source of open flame. If your home catches on fire, the fire department may not be able to get to you. Also, consider
you may not have a source of water to put out a fire with frozen pipes. Travel? What about it? If at all possible stay home! Winter storms are often tracked for days before they enter our area. If you watch the news, you should know in advance if a storm is coming. Don't let yourself get stuck on the road in a winter storm. Rearrange your travel plans if possible. If not,
make sure you have everything you would have in your home preparedness kit, plus blankets, a full tank of gas, and signaling equipment.
Simple things to remember
-A 12 volt battery and dash light bulbs provide a safe, low amp light source.
-If water is unavailable, water can be drained from your hot water heater, and the toilet tank (not the bowl) for emergency use.
-If you need emergency heat, and you can get to your car, it can be used for short periods of time. Don't forget to make sure the exhaust pipe is not obstructed and be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning.
-Gas stoves can be used for heat, but again, be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning.
-Snow and ice can always be melted for water.
-This may sound like common sense, but it has been tried before. DO NOT ignite your grill inside your house. This is a major fire and carbon monoxide hazard.
-Have something on hand for entertainment. Cards, board games, etc.
-Use battery operated equipment, including your amateur radio sparingly.
Save your batteries!!
With all of this said, use your common sense, and add to this list of suggestions yourself. Almost all deaths in winter storms result from exposure, and people who are caught in the extreme conditions. This includes those who die from heart attacks shoveling snow. Once again, use your head, and stay home, and take care of your family and yourself.
This was copied from a E-mail posted by the Fayette Co. A.R.E.S.
For more information, you can email Stanley Howard, D.E.M. Director for Magoffin at:
mcdes@foothills.net
