Special Weather Statement Issued
From
West York
Sent
Sun, Nov 5 @ 6:44am
Description
Special Weather Statement issued November 5 at 6:32AM EST by NWS State College PA
The week of November 5th to 10th is Winter Weather Awareness Week
for Pennsylvania.
Each day we will feature a different educational message concerning
the dangers and safety concerns associated with winter weather.
Today's Message:
PREPARE FOR WINTER STORMS.
One of the key lessons from natural disasters over the last several
years is that individuals must be prepared to deal with the effects
of hazardous weather conditions. Today we explore steps you can take
to mitigate against Pennsylvanias sometimes harsh winter weather.
Heavy snow can pile up several feet, delighting skiers, but clogging
roads or trapping us in our homes. Freezing rain can rob us of
electricity or turn our highways into deadly thoroughfares. Biting
cold and strong winds can make the spot by the fireplace seem cozy,
but they also numb our fingers and toes, or even worse. These are
all facts of life in our temperate climate during the winter.
However, there is plenty we can do to help protect ourselves and our
loved ones.
Winter is the most dangerous time of the year for drivers. Nearly
three out of every four winter weather related deaths occur on our
highways. When roads are snow covered or icy, slow down and drive
very carefully.
The cold weather also puts an added strain on vehicles. We suggest,
if you have not already done so, that you get your car in good
mechanical working order now. Make sure it is tuned up. Check your
tires, brakes, windshield wipers, and antifreeze. If your car is in
good working order, there is less chance it will fail when you need
it most.
Consider keeping a blanket or a sleeping bag in your car. Prepare a
winter storm survival kit for your car. This kit should include a
first aid kit, flashlight with fresh batteries, shovel, sack of sand
or cat litter, booster cables, tow rope, ice scraper and brush,
candy bars or other high energy non perishable food, and paper
towels. You should keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid
ice in the tank and fuel lines.
Call ahead to your destination to tell someone you are on your way.
Try not to travel alone and use primary roads as often as possible.
If you are stuck in your car during a winter storm, stay there, and
tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna. Do not attempt to walk
to safety unless you can clearly see the shelter you wish to reach.
You are more likely to be rescued from your vehicle than from a barn
or other uninhabited, out of the way building. While waiting for
help run the vehicles engine and heater for several minutes every
hour, just enough to keep from becoming unreasonably cold. Make sure
to open a window slightly, and clear snow from the tailpipe. This
will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust.
Dress warmly for the cold weather. Several layers of loose fitting
clothing are better than one tight fitting garment. Mittens are
warmer than gloves. Do not forget your hat since the body's greatest
heat loss occurs through your head. Wind chill, the combination of
cold temperatures and wind, can be a real problem. A twenty mile an
hour wind makes a bearable thirty degrees feel like a bitter 17
degrees. This can have an adverse effect on your body. The strong
wind increases the danger of frostbite or hypothermia.
Be especially cautious when venturing out onto an ice covered body
of water. An ice thickness of at least four inches is recommended to
support a person. Snowmobiles and atvs need at least five inches of
ice, while cars and light trucks require at least eight to 12
inches. Factors which can be used to assess the strength of the ice
include the ice appearance, thickness, daily temperature, snow
cover, and distribution of the load on the ice.
This notification was posted by West York. West York is solely responsible for this notification and unless specifically indicated, no other community or individual utilizing Savvy Citizen is sponsoring, responsible for, or endorsing this notification.
