Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Preparations Should Begin Now For Next Major Storm

There is still at least six weeks of winter left, in spite of the recent spate of god weather.

Because of this, it's still a good idea to be prepared for the worst, as, at this time last year, the region was hammered by 16 inches of snow.

While the latest forecast calls for little more than rain, this can change quickly with a shift in the jet stream.

With this in mind, here are some tips for getting ready for more severe weather.

First, check all flashlights, making sure their batteries are good. Or, if necessary, buy new flashlights and extra batteries. It wouldn't hurt to have some candles and matches on hand either, or possibly oil lamps.

Should bad weather hit, unplug all electrical appliances, including televisions, videocassette recorders, computers and microwave ovens.

To stay in touch with what's going on, have a portable radio with fresh batteries handy. Or, if possible, a battery operated television set, such as those used by campers.

Food should stay fresh in a refrigerator for 48 hours if the door is left closed. However, if the interior temperature of the refrigerator has been at 40 degrees for more than two hours, throw the food out as food poisoning could set in.

For those who have wood stoves, kerosene heaters, fireplaces or gas stoves, make sure to keep anything flammable from the flames, and have the heat source properly ventilated. Also, just like when camping outdoors, never leave a fire unattended.

In the event another storm hits like did at Christmas, don't forget to drain the water from pipes. This will keep them from freezing and bursting, thereby eliminating a possible plumbing bill later on.

If using a generator for electricity and/or heat, make sure all directions are read and followed. Be aware of the potential dangers involved with using a generator, and have a qualified electrician hook it to the wiring.

Don't run gasoline powered generators inside a house, as the fumes are deadly.

But, there's more than just winter weather dangers to be thinking about this time of the year.

Arkansas is known for severe storms and tornadoes during the spring, and the aforementioned tips work well for spring's dangerous weather as well.

Preparation is always the best defense for severe weather.

It would be a good idea to create a family disaster plan and practice it regularly. This is especially important for the possibility of fires with those who have small children.

Learn how to turn off the electricity, gas and water at the home and teach others in the family how to do it as well.

Have extra blankets handy, along with warm, dry clothing.

Make sure emergency telephone numbers, such as police, fire and ambulance are somewhere close, preferably being carried by someone.

Put a first aid kit together, along with a first aid book and keep it with other emergency supplies.

These other supplies should include bottled drinking water, canned and/or dried foods, along with a non-electric can opener.

For those on medication, make sure at least a week's supply is on hand.

And, fill vehicles with gasoline, check the oil and tire pressure. Don't forget to have at least some cash on hand.

Now, some of these emergency provisions are time sensitive, such as food and water, and should be rotated out every six months. Actually, it's a good idea to rotate them when the clocks are reset in the spring and fall.