Rural Rites: Ready for winter’s worst?

By MINDY POEHL | Central Texas Edition

Dec. 29, 2005 - The prime winter months are upon us and ice storms can cause problems for residents across the state of Texas.

One of the best ways to prepare for potential weather-related problems is to “stay tuned to the latest forecast by radio or television,” Dan Dixon, forecaster with the National Weather Service in Dallas/Fort Worth, recommended to drivers and residents.

�The main thing to get across is that people shouldn�t try to travel,� said Dixon. �Ice is more dangerous than snow and sleet. Even a little ice is dangerous because it can coat the ground.�

Motorists are generally unaccustomed to driving on slick roads and traffic accidents increase. Drivers should know the best “snow route” to their “have-to” destinations, such as home. The safest route is the one with fewest hills possible. Plus, well-traveled roads are the safest roads to travel on, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Residents should also “be prepared ahead of time,” stated Dixon. “Have extra food and water and prepare for power outages, which are significant in ice storms.”

Non-perishable food and high-energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, make good options. Also, food items that require no cooking or refrigeration are best.

�Make sure you have an extra source of heat, such as wood for the fireplace or a backup generator,� Dixon said.�

Intense ice storms and cold fronts can knock down trees, utility poles, and power lines. Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees, electrical wires, telephone poles and lines, and communication towers.

Residents should “keep tree limbs around power lines trimmed down,” Dixon said. “Ice can accumulate on the branches, causing them to fall on the power lines.”

Communications and power can be disrupted for days while utility companies work to repair extensive damage, so the Red Cross suggests keeping these items on hand:

� Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.

� Flashlight and extra batteries.

� Extra medicine and baby items.

� First-aid supplies.

� Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm.

� Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc.

� Fire extinguisher and smoke detector.

The National Weather Service also advises winterizing homes to extend fuel supply:

� Insulate walls and attics.

� Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows.

� Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.

Take steps to prevent frozen water pipes:

� Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing � typically those near outer walls, in crawl spaces, or in attics.

� Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved).

� Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.

� Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

� Make sure all household members know how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst.

And, the Red Cross reminded to help neighbors who may require special assistance, such as infants, elderly people and people with disabilities. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.

Also, avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles. 

And, lastly, avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.