Winter Weather
Every part of Mississippi is susceptible to winter weather conditions, including ice and snowstorms. While they are not common occurrences like severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, we must still be prepared.
Winter Weather: Know the Terms
- Winter Storm Watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to your NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for more information.
- Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.
- Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.
- Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
- Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected.
Dress for the Weather:
- Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight and warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
- Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
- Wear a hat.
- Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
3 HAZARDS WINTER WEATHER
EXTREME COLD paired with brisk winds can result in dangerously cold wind chill values and ultimately lead to frostbite and hypothermia.
SNOW is frozen precipitation in the form of ice crystals. The weight of snow can cause roofs to collapse and result in power outages and dangerous roads.
ICE can accumulate when there is freezing rain, which occurs when raindrops freeze on contact with the surface.
PREPARING FOR WINTER STORMS
- STOCK UP ON NON-PERISHABLE FOOD
Keep a supply of bottled water available also - MAKE PLANS TO STAY OFF THE ROADS
If you must drive, make sure you have an emergency supply kit in your car - PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES
Have flashlights with extra batteries on hand, keep your cell phone charged and have blankets to help you stay warm
Prepare Your Home and Family:
- Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
- Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
- Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip slightly during cold weather to avoid freezing.
- 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.
- Learn how to shut off water valves, in the case of a pipe bursting.
- Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
COLD WEATHER TIPS FOR YOUR PETS
- DURING DANGEROUS COLD, BRING PETS INSIDE!
- IF YOU CAN'T BRING YOUR PETS INSIDE, PROVIDE THEM WITH A WARM SHELTER THAT HAS A SOLID FLOOR, THREE SIDES AND A FLAP DOOR COVERING
- GIVE YOUR PET EXTRA FOOD AND FRESH WATER THAT ISN'T FROZEN
If your pet is whining, shivering or stops moving, bring him/her inside immediately! These are signs of hypothermia.
WINTERIZE YOUR HOME
- SEAL WINDOWS & DOORS
Use caulking to seal winds and weather stripping for doors. - INSULATE PIPES
Insulate all pipes in laundry room, bathroom and kitchen. - TEST SMOKE ALARMS
House fires pose a risk when alternate heating sources are used. - INSPECT ATTIC INSULATION
If your attic and crawlspaces aren't already insulated, consider installing it.
Staying warm when the power is out
- Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat.
- Close off rooms to avoid wasting heat.
- Wear layers of loose- fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
- Eat and drink. Food provides energy to warm the body. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
Prepare Your Car:
Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
- Antifreeze levels: ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
- Battery and ignition system: should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
- Brakes: check for wear and fluid levels.
- Heater and defroster: ensure they are working properly.
- Lights and flashing hazard lights: ensure they are working properly.
- Gas tank: Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
- Winter Weather Car Kit:
- Windshield scraper
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- Blankets
- Cell phone chargers
- Water/snacks
- Emergency flares or reflectors
- Driving in winter weather conditions:
- Slow down
- Allow more space between the vehicles around you
- Brake early and gently
- Never slam on the brakes
- Ditch Distractions
- Stay Alert
"Sneaky" Winter Hazards
The winter season brings many weather events that can "sneak" up on you. These are weather hazards that cause big impacts and make travel difficult without making big news.
Rain with a Temperature near Freezing
Ice can form on roads and lead to dangerous travel when the air temperature or road temperature drops below freezing.
Safety Tips
- Slow down
- Don't use cruise control
- Leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles
TIPS FOR THAWING FROZEN WATER PIPES
- LOCATE FROZEN PIPE
- OPEN THE FAUCET
- BEGIN THAWING PIPE NEAR FAUCET & WORK YOUR WAY DOWN
WHAT TO USE TO THAW PIPES:
- HAIR DRYER
- SPACE HEATER
- HOT TOWELS
- HEAT LAMP
DO NOT USE AN OPEN FLAME!
