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Winter Home • Winter Basics • Preparing for Winter Weather • Responding to Winter Weather
Winter Preparedness FAQs What is the difference between winter advisories, watches and warnings?
A winter storm watch means severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow or ice, are possible in the next 1-2 days. A winter storm warning means severe weather conditions can be expected in the next 24 hours or less. An advisory means weather conditions are causing difficulty and might be dangerous.
If the power went out and temperatures were below freezing, how long would it take before the temperature in my home would be too cold for my family to endure?
Depending on how well your home is insulated, and how cold it is outside, it could take as few as 4-6 hours before you would be uncomfortably cold and need blankets or sleeping bags for warmth.
What should I do if I don’t want to leave my home – or can’t – during an extended power outage?
Plan now to have on hand a minimum of three days of food that doesn’t have to be cooked with electricity. If you depend on well water, the electric pump will not work. Consider filling a bathtub with water before the power goes out to have some water available for bathing and/or cooking. Pipes could freeze as well, so you need to store water – three gallons per person will last three days. Choose a room in your home that will be the easiest to heat, and close it off. This should be the room with a fireplace or other heating unit. Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, and wear a hat because half of your body heat is lost through your head. Avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine because they speed up the effects of hypothermia on your body.
How should fireplaces and wood stoves be prepared for winter weather?
Have a professional take a look if it has been a long time since the last cleaning. Residue can build up that can cause fires. Be sure you have enough firewood to last through several days without heat. Tightly rolled newspapers and magazines also can be used for burning.
Are kerosene or propane heaters safe for use inside my home?
These are a fire hazard and should be used with much caution. The room must be ventilated by opening a window. A ceiling fan is not enough ventilation. Keep heaters at least three feet away from flammable objects like curtains, blankets and furniture. Place heaters on a hard surface, not on carpet, because they could tip over and cause a fire. Refuel them outdoors after they have cooled. For more winter fire safety tips visit www.vafire.com.
What is the best way to keep my essential appliances running?
Either a portable or built-in generator will work as long as you are careful. Before winter arrives, test your generator to make sure it’s working properly. Get it serviced if needed. If your generator is gasoline-powered, be sure to safely store plenty of fuel. Gas stations may be without power or closed after a winter storm. Be sure to operate portable generators outside and away from the home/business. During the power outages from Hurricane Isabel, four people died from carbon monoxide poisoning because they operated generators that weren’t ventilated properly. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions when hooking up your generator.
What if I need to drive during a winter storm?
Be aware that most traffic accidents occur within the first two hours after a storm has started. It is best to stay off the road and give the snowplows time and space to work. It is also best to wait until daylight hours before beginning a trip so that sunlight has a chance to warm the roads and help snowplow operations. Snowplows start first on the highways that carry the most traffic and then move to smaller roads. Find out about road conditions before you go by calling 511 or visiting www.511Virginia.org. Slow down for wet, snowy and icy conditions. Buckle up every time you drive. For more about how the Virginia Department of Transportation prepares for winter storms, go to www.virginiadot.org/news/snowseason.
What emergency supplies should I have on hand?
Canned food with a manual can opener and water for at least three days … battery operated radio and extra batteries … a Weather Radio is a good choice … flashlights and extra batteries … energy snacks such as trail mix, peanut butter, protein bars … first aid kit … medications … pet supplies … warm clothes, sturdy shoes, blankets and sleeping bags.
How should I take care of my pets? It is best to bring pets inside during cold weather. If they must stay outside, make sure they have shelter from the elements and insulation from the cold. Do not use electric heating pads, kerosene heaters or any other heating appliance that is not approved for use with animals. They are a fire hazard, and they can burn your pet. Also, make sure your pet has enough food and water – animals may need more during cold temperatures, and they cannot get enough water by licking ice.
What is a Weather Radio, and where can I get one?
Weather Radio broadcasts are produced by the National Weather Service. You can hear these broadcasts using standalone Weather Radio receivers, police scanners or multi-band function radios that include the weather band. Be sure to choose a battery-powered model and have extra batteries on hand in case of power outages. The Weather Radio band often is included in AM/FM radios, shortwave receivers, CB radios, VHF Marine radios, scanners, car radios and TV/radio combinations. You can buy receivers at retail outlets such as electronics and sporting goods stores, department stores, and boat and marine accessory stores. They also can be purchased on-line and from catalogs and range in price from $20-100. Look for the Public Alert logo, which means the device meets certain technical standards.
Go to www.ReadyVirginia.gov for more about preparing for winter weather emergencies.