We've been spending a lot of time with the Boy Scouts this year. They're helping us Regreen Green Country by planting trees in areas that were devastated by last year's Ice Storm. Can you believe it's almost been a year since we suffered through that historic storm? Several waves of freezing rain came through on December 9th and 10th coating Green Country with a thick layer of ice.
We have dodged snow and ice so far this Fall, but with Winter right around the corner, I think of our partners the Boy Scouts of America, and their motto of "Be Prepared."
Governor Henry is onboard with this. So much so, that he has declared today, November 13th, 2008, "Winter Weather Preparedness Day". He's urging us all to get ready now in advance of snow and ice.
So what are some steps you can take today?
BE AWARE
Know what Winter Watches and Warnings mean.
Here's a quick review:
- A Winter Storm Watch is a heads up that conditions are favorable to a winter storm.
- A Winter Storm Warning means that a winter storm is happening.
PLAN NOW FOR LATER
- Have a plan in place if a Winter Storm hits and the family is not together.
- Make sure your pets have adequate shelter to protect them from Wind Chill and wintry conditions.
- Winterize your home and car.
- Also, prepare a Winter Storm Disaster Kit for both.
Consider including the following:
- A cell phone with an extra battery.
- Windshield scraper
- Blankets and sleeping bags
- An extra set of warm clothing, gloves, socks and a cap
- Snacks (Non perishable, high Protein items are best)
- Water ( Several bottles)
- Rock Salt or Kitty Litter to be used for traction if your car gets stuck
- Jumper Cables
- First aid kit
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- A brightly colored cloth to tie to your antenna so you can be spotted if you are stranded.
Winter officially arrives on December 21st, but often times Mother Nature does not match the calendar. Last year our first snow came on November 23rd, and of course when the Ice Storm hit, technically it wasn't even "Winter" yet.
It is perhaps a little ironic, that today will be the warmest day of the workweek, and it is also the day you're asked to start preparing for the worst of Winter, but think of it like this... the weather will be perfect for running around town to prepare now. It's so much better, easier ( and oftentimes cheaper) to get ready before Old Man Winter rolls into town, rather than while he's knocking on our door.
No snow is in the forecast yet, but Dan will have a look at the Winter Outlook Monday on 2NEWS at 10pm. He'll give you an early heads up on what our weather patterns indicate for the upcoming season.
If you get ready early, you know Dan, George, George and I will take care of the rest.
Scouts Honor.
