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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
648 AM EDT Tue Oct 29 2024

...Winter Weather Preparedness Week - Home Preparations...

The National Weather Service has declared the week of October 28
to November 1 as Winter Weather Preparedness Week. The following
is part 2 of a 5-part series of informational statements.

Part 2 - Preparing For The Storm At Home

At home and at work, the primary concerns from a powerful winter
storm are loss of heat, power, and telephone service. Also a
shortage of supplies can occur if storm conditions occur for more
than a day. Here are some suggestions for safety preparations
before and during a winter storm.

Have available:

1. Flashlights with extra batteries on hand.
2. Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio to be
   able to receive emergency information. These may be your only
   links to the outside.
3. Extra food and water. Have high-energy food, such as dried
   fruit, nuts, and granola bars, and food requiring no
   cooking or refrigeration.
4. Extra medicine and baby items.
5. First aid supplies.
6. Heating fuel. Be sure to refuel before you are empty. Fuel
   carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm.
7. Emergency heat source such as a fireplace, wood stove or
   space heater. Proper ventilation is essential in order to
   avoid a deadly build-up of carbon monoxide. Fire is also a
   major risk when using such heating sources. Keep in mind that
   fire departments may not be able to reach your location
   during a winter storm.
8. Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm, and carbon monoxide
   detector, tested regularly.
9. Plenty of food, water and shelter for pets.

If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels
in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with
extra blankets or sheets. Food provides your body with energy for
producing its own heat. Keep your body replenished with fluids to
prevent dehydration. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight,
warm clothing. Remove layers occasionally to avoid overheating,
perspiration, and subsequent chill.

To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers
of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out
moisture. Allow a trickle of warm water to run from a faucet that
is farthest from your water meter or one that has frozen in the
past. This will keep the water moving so that it cannot freeze.
Learn how to shut off your water if a pipe bursts.

If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets
and pour hot water over the pipes or wrap them with towels soaked
in hot water, starting where they are most exposed to the cold.
A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.

Be a good neighbor. Check with the elderly or disabled relatives
and friends to ensure their safety.

$$

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