Inside This Issue
Winter Emergency Kit For Your Home
- Three- to five-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)
- Food that won't spoil.
- Manual can opener.
- One change of clothing and footwear.
- One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- A first aid kit that includes your family's prescriptions and medications.
- Contacts or an extra pair of glasses.
- Emergency tools: battery-powered radio, flashlights and plenty of extra batteries.
- An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash (small denominations) or traveler's checks.
- Sanitation supplies including toilet paper, soap, plastic garbage bags and disinfectant.
- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
- Important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep the originals of all important financial and family documents in a safe place. You will need
accessible records for tax and
insurance purposes.
- Ask one person to be responsible for replacing water every three months and food every six months.
- Batteries should also be replaced on a regular basis.
- Tape the call letters and frequency numbers of your emergency alert radio stations (EAS) on the radio and make sure everyone knows how to work the radio and put in fresh batteries.
- Tape the channel number of the television emergency broadcast stations on your TV.
Winter Emergency Kit For Your Vehicle
Keep the following items in your vehicle during the winter:
- cell phone
- blankets/sleeping bags
- high-calorie foods that don't require refrigeration or cooking (protein bars, nuts, beef jerky, etc.)
- flashlight with extra batteries
- first aid kit
- pocket knife
- a change of clothing in case you get wet
- a large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
- bag of sand or clay cat litter (non-clumping)
- shovel, windshield scraper and brush
- tool kit
- tow rope
- booster cables
- water container
- compass
- road maps
- brightly colored cloth to use as a distress signal
Crisis Heating Assistance
The Energy Assistance Program is available help households in heating emergency situations with primary heat security deposits, utility heating bills, repair/replacement of heating equipment, primary heating fuel or emergency shelter. Those wishing to request assistance can see if they qualify for the program by visiting Virginia Department of Social Services or calling the DSS Information and Referral Line at 800-230-6977.
Holiday Emergency Preparedness Tips
Preventing Christmas Tree Fires
Selecting a Tree for the Holiday Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off,
the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to fireplaces or heat vents. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Menorah and Kinara Safety
Make sure that you use a sturdy, fire-safe menorah or kinara. Place the menorah/kinara on a steady table and make sure all combustibles are at least three feet from the candles’ flame. Avoid placing the menorah/kinara in small, closed areas, such as closets or between bookshelves. Keep the candles away from anything flammable. Avoid putting your menorah/kinara in windows or near doorways. If they catch fire, your exit could be blocked. Check the candles often to make sure they haven’t burned down too low. Never leave lit candles unattended.
Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only UL-approved lighting.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended
Did you know that U.S. fire departments, according the United States Fire Administration, responded
to an estimated average of 1,150 home structure fires that began with decorations 2002-2005? These fires caused an annual average of three civilian fire deaths, 56 civilian fire injuries, and $24.8 million in direct property damage. Protect your home from a holiday decoration fire by following these four simple steps:
1) Use only nonflammable decorations
2) Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace
3) Consider artificial Christmas trees
4) Keep all decorations away from heat sources
Candle Care
- Avoid using lit candles
- Never put lit candles on a tree
- Never leave candles unattended
Winter Preparedness Helpful Links
Links
Next CitE-News Issue
Wednesday, December 16
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Winter is Coming; Get Ready Now
-- Gov. Kaine declares Winter Preparedness Week, Nov. 29 – Dec. 5 --
Last March 2, Virginians got a big white reminder that winter weather packs a punch when a significant snowfall covered the Commonwealth. The storm caused icy roads, traffic crashes and power outages, and it shut down schools, offices and businesses.
“Life was disrupted, no doubt about it,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Last year we had just the one big storm, but we’re long overdue for a typical winter that brings several snows as well as ice storms. It’s really important for everyone to get ready for winter.”
Virginia is vulnerable to severe winter weather, which can lead to injury and death from hypothermia, heart attack, stroke and traffic crashes. This winter, families also are vulnerable to novel H1N1 flu. Gov. Tim Kaine has declared Winter Preparedness Week (Nov. 29-Dec. 5) to highlight importance of getting ready for possible bad weather and protecting your family’s health and safety.
“All it takes is one heavy snow that sticks around for several days to remind us that being prepared ahead of time makes a lot of sense,” said Bill Sammler, warning coordination meteorologist for the NWS in Wakefield. “Use Winter Preparedness Week as a time to get ready for the season and also to ensure your family’s safety.”
Simple Steps To Get Winter Ready
Simple steps to getting winter ready include setting aside emergency supplies, making a family emergency plan and staying informed about local conditions.
- Get a kit. Emergency supplies for winter weather include – at a minimum – these basic items: three days’ food and water; a battery-powered radio with extra batteries; and a family emergency plan. After getting these supplies, then add a first aid kit, medications if needed, blankets and warm clothing, supplies for special members of your household, and pet items.
- Make a plan. Choose an out-of-town relative or friend to be your family’s point of contact for emergency communications. Decide on a meeting place if your family cannot return home because of closed roads. Discuss with your family what you would do in case of severe winter weather in your area. Write down your plan. Get a simple family plan form at www.ReadyVirginia.gov.
- Stay informed. Before, during and after a winter storm, you should listen for up-to-date information from your local media and emergency officials. Local media will give instructions from local, state and federal agencies that cover road conditions, winter storm watches and warnings, power outages and health information. Make sure your battery-powered radio is working and you have extra batteries in case the electricity goes out.
Some additional winter safety tips include:
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from other objects. Never leave space heaters unattended. Go to Virginia Department of Fire Programs fire safety for additional winter fire safety tips.
- Install a smoke detector in every bedroom and one on every level of your home. Check the batteries monthly, and replace them once a year at the same time every year.
- Make sure outdoor pets have adequate shelter, unfrozen water and food.
- Driving is most dangerous when the temperature is at or under 32° F. If the road is wet, patches of ice are possible, especially on bridges and curves. Avoid using cruise control in winter weather conditions. Call 511 or go to www.511Virginia.org for 24-hour road conditions.
- If your household includes someone with special needs (has a disability, requires electricity to operate home medical equipment, needs to go to dialysis, etc.) call your local emergency manager to let them know where you live and what you will need during an emergency.
Find more winter-specific safety information and related links at www.ReadyVirginia.gov. For information about H1N1 flu, go to www.vdh.virginia.gov or call toll-free 1-877-ASK-VDH3.
The City's Snow Team is Preparing for Snow
The City-Wide Snow Team kicked off the inaugural monthly snow season meetings. During months when snow is eminent, representatives from Public Works, Fire and Rescue, Police, Facilities Maintenance, Utilities, and Parks and Recreation meet to review what is happening regarding their coordinated snow removal efforts.
At the first meeting, staff reviewed the snow plan, snow routes and familiarized themselves with the new streets in the southwest quadrant of the city. Only one outside contractor will help City crews this year. Their plows will be on the front of pick-up trucks and will travel where the larger City trucks are challenged by the narrow residential streets.
No changes have been made to Snow Emergency Routes due to two-way traffic on Cameron and Braddock Streets. Route 11, Valley Avenue, Cameron Street, and Pleasant Valley Road are examples of main arteries that will be cleared first. Secondary roads will follow pending weather.
Construction may hamper the treatment of snow and ice around water and sewer line replacements and road construction. Salt will not be dropped on gravel roads. The City will work with contractors on-site to clear the roadways.
Liquid calcium will not be utilized on roads as the City does not have the equipment to apply it. However, the City is applying it to bridges and sidewalks that are considered ‘hot spots’. “We can use a hand-held sprayer to apply to the smaller areas like bridges and sidewalks. If the weather is going to be bad, we can hold up traffic and apply it to overpasses since the city has so few,” Jason Didawick, Public Works Operations Superintendent told the Snow Team.
Property owners and occupants are reminded that per City Ordinance, Section 26-16, they are responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow and ice, if in daytime, within 2 hours after snow or sleet has ceased to fall. If in nighttime, by 9:00 a.m. on the day succeeding.
Snow removal truly is a team effort. In the meantime, City crews will continue to collect leaves.
For more information, review the Snow Policy & Procedures brochure.
Watches and Warnings
Source: www.vaemergency.com/threats/winter/basics/warnings.cfm
When severe winter weather threatens your area, it’s essential that you listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated information. Make sure you are familiar with the various winter-related watches and warnings.
Winter Weather Advisory: Declared when winter weather conditions are expected to cause difficulty and might be dangerous. With caution, these situations should not become life-threatening.
Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow or ice, are possible within the next day or two. Prepare now.
Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin in your area. Stay indoors.
Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds will combine to produce blinding snow with near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill. Seek shelter immediately.
Protect Your Pipes
Source: www.vaemergency.com/threats/winter/prepare/pipes.cfm
Frozen water pipes aren't life threatening. However, frozen or broken pipes do cause damage to homes each winter. If pipes in the walls aren't properly insulated, they can freeze and rupture. (A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water a day, soaking floors, rugs and furniture.) To prevent the mess and aggravation frozen pipes cause, protect your home or apartment by following the simple steps below.
Before Cold Weather
- Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing – typically those near outer walls, in crawl spaces or in the attic. Insulation made especially for this purpose is available.
- Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved).
- Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.
- Disconnect garden hoses and turn off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
When It's Cold
- Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall.
- Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to uninsulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.
- Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
- If you plan to be away, have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems) before you leave.
If Pipes Freeze
- Make sure you and your family know how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the flow of water can minimize the damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.
- Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.
- Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
Winter Health
Source: www.vaemergency.com/threats/winter/prepare/health.cfm
Extreme cold temperatures pose a substantial danger during the winter months. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia, or even death. Persons most susceptible to extreme cold are infants and the elderly.
Cold Weather Health Threats
Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure of the skin that can permanently damage fingers, toes, the nose and ear lobes. Symptoms are loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance to the skin. If these symptoms are apparent, seek medical help immediately. If medical help is not immediately available, slowly re-warm the affected areas. If the victim is also showing signs of hypothermia, always warm the body core before the extremities (see below).
Hypothermia (Low Body Temperature) is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. Symptoms include slow or slurred speech, incoherence, memory loss, disorientation, uncontrollable shivering, drowsiness, repeated stumbling and apparent exhaustion. If these symptoms are detected, take the person's temperature. If below 95°F, immediately seek medical help. If medical aid is not available, begin warming the person slowly. Always warm the body core/trunk first. If needed, use your own body heat to warm the victim. Get the person into dry clothing, and wrap them in a warm blanket, covering the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee or any hot beverage or food; warm broth is better. Do not warm extremities (arms and legs) first. This drives the cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.
Winter Deaths
Everyone is potentially at risk, with the actual threat depending upon individual situations. Recent winter death statistics in the United States indicate the following:
Deaths related to ice and snow: About 70 percent occur in automobiles; 25 percent are people caught out in the storm; and the majority are males over 40 years old.
Deaths related to exposure to cold: 50 percent are people over 60 years old; over 75 percent are males; and about 20 percent occur in the home.
Recommended Winter Attire
Wear loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers (the trapped air between the layers insulates). Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded. Wear a hat (half of body heat is lost through the top of the head). Cover the mouth with scarves to protect lungs from cold air. Mittens, snug at the wrists, are better than gloves. Gloves allow your fingers to cool much faster than mittens do. Try to stay dry. Do not stay outside for extended periods!
BE AWARE!
Cold weather puts a strain on your heart, even without exercise. Be careful when shoveling snow, pushing a car or performing other strenuous tasks. Regardless of your age or physical condition, avoid overexertion in the winter.
Winter Preparedness Frequently Asked Questions
Source: www.vaemergency.com/threats/winter/faq.cfm
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.
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. |
