Are you winter-ready? With freezing temperatures expected to last through Wednesday, January 17th, it’s important to make sure to properly prepare.Â
Check out these tips shared by KXAN:
Remember the four P’s
Experts advise people, pets, plants and pipes should all be properly cared for in advance of inclement or sub-freezing weather. Pets, plants and people should remain indoors during the freeze, and pipes need to be wrapped with insulation material and prepared before the onset of the freeze.
Stock your home with non-perishables & water
In the event of a power outage or any sudden changes in road conditions, residents are encouraged to keep several days’ worth of non-perishable food for each person in their homes. Similarly, experts at the Red Cross advise people to have on hand at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day, especially if it looks like several days of severe weather are in the forecast.
Prepare an emergency kit
Flashlights with extra batteries
Backup and portable chargers
Portable radio
First aid kit
Prescription medications
Matches in a sealed plastic bag
Candles
Non-electric can opener
Hand sanitizer, wet wipes
Cash
Whistle
Similar to emergency kits kept in one’s home, the Red Cross suggests people keep kits inside their vehicles in case they get stranded. Items like a blanket, warm clothing, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, water and boots are all suggested. Likewise, in the event of ice or snow, a snow shovel, windshield scraper and ice-melting products are key investments.
Bundle in layers before heading outside
If you need to leave your home, the Red Cross said people should make sure their nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are fully covered in warm and dry clothing since those parts of the body are at the highest risk for frostbite.
Keep heating supplies on hand
For those with fireplaces or wood stoves, make sure to keep ample dry firewood on hand. Kerosene heaters are also an alternative heating source option during an emergency, according to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
People should never burn charcoal indoors since it releases carbon monoxide and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas-powered portable generators are a heating source that should be set up in a dry, outdoor area away from air intakes to avoid similar poisoning threats.
Live road conditions can be found at drivetexas.org.
For more information, updates & resources for Travis County, click here!