The Fayette Citizen-Weekend Page
Wednesday, December 23, 1998
Winter has arrived, make plans for storms

Winter officially began Dec. 21, amidst some uncertainty as to what we can expect. There are some indications that La Nina may bring a warmer and drier than normal winter to the South, but forecasters warn that this does not preclude some bouts of frigid temperatures or snowfall.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) is cautioning Georgians to be prepared for the worst and not be caught off guard if temperatures do, indeed, plummet and icy precipitation ensnares us in its brutal grip.

'One thing we can predict about this winter is that is might be unpredictable," said GEMA Director Gary W. McConnell. "I cannot overemphasize the importance of being prepared."

Winter storms post a number of inconveniences and potential hazards, including the loss of electrical power, which could be out for several days until work crews can reach an area, clear tree limbs and debris and restore lines. To prepare for this possibility, plans for the winter should include and emergency heating source, such as firewood or space heaters, as well as a three-day supply of food that does not require refrigeration or cooking. A winter "disaster kit" should also include: flashlight, battery-powered radios, and plenty of spare batteries.

Vehicles should also be prepared for the winter. While Georgia does not customarily experience excessively heavy snow, ice can be a problem. Although it is unlikely that a motorists in isolated rural areas should carry a winter storm survival kit including blankets or sleeping bags, flashlights with extra batteries, a bag of sand or cat litter for traction, and paper towels. The kit should also include a first aid kit, a tool kit with jumper cables, and other useful items. Cellular phones should also be charged.

Subfreezing temperatures and icy precipitation can be more than a simple inconvenience. They can be deceptive killers. In addition to the risk of fatal or injurious traffic accidents, frostbite and hypothermia are also serious threats. Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature characterized by uncontrollable shivering, drowsiness, disorientation, and slurred speech. Victims should be warmed gradually and medical attention should be sought.

When out in the cold and snow, it is important to dress appropriately. Layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing are preferable. Medical experts also recommend eating "right" because food provides the body with energy to produce its own heat. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Overexertion can also take a toll. The strain from the cold and hard labor associated with clearing tree limbs brought down by ice, or by pushing a car that has run off an icy road can cause heart attacks, particularly in people who are out of shape. Sweating, meanwhile, can cause chills and lead to hypothermia.

"Winter clearly has the potential to be quite dangerous," said McConnell. "A little planning and a lot of common sense can, however, reduce the risks substantially."

Prepare for winter weather:

At home:

· Have adequate heating fuel, if appropriate. Have an emergency heating source, such as a fireplace or space heater, with proper ventilation and away from flammable items. Smoke detectors and dire extinguishers are also a must.

· Have at least a three-day supply of water and food that does not require refrigeration or cooking.

· Have a flashlight, battery-powered radio and NOAA Weather Radio, extra batteries, prescription medicines, and first aid supplies.

In a vehicle:

· Make sure cars and trucks are "winterized." Keep the gas tank at least half-full to prevent icing in the tank and fuel lines in extreme cold weather.

· Being stranded is unlikely, but if you are travelling in a rural or isolated area when winter storms are forecast, carry a "survival kit" including: blankets or sleeping bags, a flashlight with extra batteries, a supply of nonperishable food, a first aid kit, sand or cat litter for traction, jumper cables and other useful items.

· Weather layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothes because layers of clothes can be removed to avoid sweating and potentially dangerous chills. Wear a hat and cover your mouth to protect the lungs from extreme cold.

· Be sure to eat regular, balanced meals. Food provides the body with energy to produce its own heat. Drink adequate fluids to prevent dehydration.

Weather dangers:

· Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by exposure to extreme temperatures, characterized by a loss of feeling and a white pale appearance in the extremities. Affected areas should be warmed gradually and medical help sought.

· Hypothermia is a potentially fatal reduction in body temperature, characterized by uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, and drowsiness. The body core should be gradually warmed first, but do not give alcohol, coffee, or any hot beverages. Medical help should be summoned immediately.

Terms you should know:

· Snow flurries light snow falling for a short duration.

· Snow showers light snow falling at various intensities for brief periods of time with some accumulation possible.

· Snow squalls brief, but intense, snow showers, accompanied by strong gusty winds with the possibility of significant accumulation.

· Blowing snow wind driven snow that reduces visibility and causes drifting.

· Blizzard snow with winds over 35 mph and reduced visibility.

· Sleet rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet can accumulate, but does not stick.

· Freezing rain rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing, causing those surfaces (roads, trees, power lines) to freeze.

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