Winter Weather Preparedness

Posted by GSVentura -

What to do when winter weather is predicted

• Clean out your rain gutters and drains, removing leaves, branches and other debris.


• Turn off automated sprinkler systems when rain is expected.


• Lower the level in your swimming pool, so it is less likely to overflow during heavy rain. The chlorinated pool water can be harmful to your grass


• Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.


• Always keep a flashlight and battery powered lanterns on hand along with extra batteries.


• Store or strap down any lightweight lawn furniture or outside umbrellas


• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.


• Maintain at least a half tank of gas because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps, and electricity often goes out during winter storms. What to do if the power goes out


• Look to see if your neighbors are also without power.


• If everyone else has power, check your fuse box or service panel to determine if the problem is internal.


• Call the Southern California Edison, 1-800-611-1911 to report the location of the power outage. (DO NOT call 9-1-1 for information or to ask how long the power will be out - we don't know.)


• Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.


• Turn to a local station on your battery-operated radio. If the power outage is extensive or there are rotating outages, there will be announcements on local stations.


• Leave the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. Most modern refrigerators will maintain adequate cooling for over six hours if doors are not opened. If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check it carefully for signs of spoilage.


• If you see a power line or utility pole that has fallen, STAY AWAY. Live power lines can cause serious injury or even kill you. Dial 9-1-1 to report the downed power line.


• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion.


• Leave one light turned on so you'll know when your power returns.


• Consider your entertainment options - especially if you have kids! - (and if you have enough light) playing cards, books, board games, hand-held battery powered games


• Turn off or disconnect any appliances or electronics you were using when the power went out. Power outages affect many kinds of equipment Today, we depend on many kinds of equipment that rely on electricity, including some you may not have thought about.

Here are just a few of the items that may not work during a power outage:

• ATM machines (Get your cash out before the storm arrives)


• computers


• certain telephone systems


• certain types of WATER HEATERS, (No Hot Water? YIKES!)


• smoke alarms


• security systems


• elevators


• garage doors


• security gates

If you have an electric garage door opener or security gate, find out where the manual release lever is located and learn how to operate it. Sometimes garage doors and gates can be heavy, so get help to lift it. If you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home upon return from work, be sure to keep a key to your house with you, in case the garage door will not open. Protect sensitive equipment and data Protect computers and related equipment such as printers or modems, and other electronic equipment with surge suppressors and uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs).

If power goes out, a UPS provides battery power at a constant voltage for several minutes, allowing you to safely turn off equipment with minimal risk of data loss. During an outage, turn off and unplug all electronic equipment. This will help prevent or minimize damage from a possible over voltage condition when power is restored. Back up critical data often, making partial backups weekly or daily and complete backups on a regular schedule. Store backup copies in a secure, fireproof location off-site. Plan how to communicate during a power outage Don't rely on cordless phones, answering machines, or phones connected to answering machines all need electricity to operate. Keep at least one non-electrically powered telephone. Having at least one non-electrically powered telephone will also enable you to receive emergency notifications via reverse 9-1-1 if it is utilized. Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information. Do not call 9-1-1 for information -- only call to report a life-threatening emergency Traveling During Winter Weather

If you HAVE to travel during a winter weather advisory or winter storm watch, do so in daylight, don't travel alone, keep others informed of your schedule and route, and stay on main roads. Avoid driving during a winter storm warning or blizzard warning.

Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes a shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, extra hats and mittens, blanket, tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares and fluorescent distress flag Specific Information for People With Disabilities

If you or someone you know uses a battery-operated wheelchair, life-support system, or other power-dependent equipment, call your power company and ask them what alternatives are available in your area.

If you use or know someone who uses a motorized wheelchair or scooter, have an extra battery. A car battery also can be used with a wheelchair but will not last as long as a wheelchair's deep-cycle battery. If available, store a lightweight manual wheelchair for backup.

If you are or know someone who is blind or has a visual disability, store a talking or Braille clock or large-print timepiece with extra batteries.

If you are or know someone who is deaf or has a hearing loss, consider getting a small portable battery-operated television set. Emergency broadcasts may give information in American Sign Language (ASL) or open captioning.

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