Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
600 AM CST Thu Dec 2 2021

November 29th through December 3rd is Winter Weather Awareness
Week in Arkansas. The purpose of this week is to remind people
what winter weather can bring, and how to deal with
hazardous winter conditions. Now is the time to prepare
for the upcoming winter season.

Today's topic is winter weather safety rules.

The best way to survive a winter storm is to plan and prepare for
the hazards of winter weather. Although some winter storms develop
quickly and with short notice, most events can be planned for.

At home, the primary concerns are for the potential loss of power,
heat and telephone service. Food supplies may also run low if
conditions persist for several days. Some items that should be
readily available around the home prior to the onset of winter
weather include...

Extra food and water, especially canned goods
A flashlight with extra batteries
First aid supplies and extra medicine
Extra baby items
Extra wood for emergency heating
A battery powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio

Remember, if your power goes out, a cordless telephone will not
operate. A corded phone will continue to function, so it is a
good idea to have one available.

If power is lost, never use a gasoline or diesel powered generator
inside the house, in the garage, or any other enclosed space.
Generators can cause carbon monoxide to build up to deadly levels
in enclosed spaces. Operate such generators outdoors only.

Travel should never be planned when severe winter weather is
anticipated. However, certain precautions should be taken during
the winter months in case a storm strikes suddenly or travel in
bad weather is unavoidable...

Winterize your vehicle in the fall.
Keep your gas tank full to minimize ice buildup in the tank.
Always carry a winter storm survival kit including blankets,
flashlights, non-perishable food, drinking water,
first aid kit, extra clothes, shovel, ice scraper,
bag of sand or cat litter, and jumper cables.
Before leaving, let someone know where you are going and
what route you plan to take.

Traveling in winter weather is serious business. If the storm
exceeds or tests your driving ability, seek available shelter
immediately.

Another winter threat is house fires. December, January, and
February are the leading months for house fires in this country.
More than one third of fire deaths typically occur during the
winter months.

Here are some precautions you can take...

Central heating systems should be kept in proper working
order.
Space heaters need to be at least 36 inches away from any
flammable materials. The heaters should not be left on
when no one is present or when people are asleep. The
heaters should have automatic shut-off switches that
turn the units off if they tip over.
Fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected and cleaned
on a regular basis. The fireplaces should have a sturdy
screen or glass door. Flammable objects should be
removed from the front of the fireplace.
Wood stoves should be installed, used, and maintained in
accordance with instructions from the manufacturer. Use
of a stove board will protect the floor. Only wood
should be burned in the stove.
Kitchen ranges and ovens, charcoal grills, and hibachis
should not be used for heating.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed to provide
an early warning when gas begins to build up.

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Please visit our web site at https://www.weather.gov/lzk

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* Synchronet * The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas
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