How to Protect Yourself from Winter Weather - by: DEB CHAVEZ
Winter months are upon us and now is a great time to prepare for a weather emergency at home and in your car. You can help yourself by taking the time to prepare and staying informed. Focus on the things that will keep you alive, like water, food, medications, medical supplies, warmth and sanitation for both you and your animals.
HOME:
Prepare your home by installing and testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if needed. Find your main water supply before you need to know where it is in an emergency. Learn how to keep your pipes from freezing. A good start is to wrap pipes with insulation, especially in areas that aren’t heated. Open cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms to allow heat to circulate and keep pipes warm. Drain water from outdoor pipes, hoses and sprinkler lines. If you have to, drip cold water from the faucet furthest from the main water valve to keep water moving. If a pipe freezes, immediately turn off the main water supply.
If your area is prone to flooding, know where the community sand bag station is. For example, the station in Gresham is open from November through March and is located at 2123 SE Hogan Rd.
Have a ready supply of foods you like to eat that can last without refrigeration and are nutritious. Protein and whole grains are good. Keep a manual can opener handy for canned foods. Remember to have water stored in case your lines freeze.
Have a plan for where you will go if your home becomes too cold. Maybe go to a friend or family member’s house, a public library or a warming center. If you need shelter, transportation or additional resources, call 2-1-1 for local information.
CAR:
If the weather is bad and you don’t have to drive, don’t. Remember to allow more stopping time if roads are slick or there is poor visibility. If your car breaks down, it is safest to stay with it until help comes. Here are some common items to consider keeping in a car emergency kit.
Next sign up for and pay attention to our community’s warning system. Following are several links you could choose from: