Winter Preparedness

NOVEMBER 2018 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM

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Winter Preparedness

Ginger Zee shares her tips for staying safe at home and on the road this winter

DISCOVER myths you might not know about winter driving that could cause an accident

LEARN four easy and economical DIY ways to protect your home this season

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in this issue

Learn the automotive tips for safely handling your car or truck on icy roads this winter.

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Read about stocking your family’s emergency kits for your home and vehicle.

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Sam Champion shares a meteorologist’s view on winter hazards.

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3 Essential Areas to Prepare for Winter Meteorologist Ginger Zee is a mom who knows how to think ahead. These are her tips to ensure a safe winter for you and your family.

Prepare these three crucial parts of your life now, and you can rest easy knowing you’ll be ready for the first unexpected winter storm.

Ginger Zee Meteorologist, ABC News

1.Your car You’ll need more than a snow scraper to survive. My mom used to always tell me to create a winter survival kit for my vehicle in case I went off the road. I never actually prepared it. Now that I’m a mother I see why.

Keep a small broom and a bag of sand or kitty litter in your trunk. You can use this to create traction under the wheels of your car in case you get stuck in the snow. Be prepared with a set of full boots, hat, snow pants and mittens so you can remain warm. Blankets too. I know, it sounds like overkill ... until you are freezing in your car waiting for help.

It doesn’t hurt to have a way to start a fire, and it’s always good to have flares or something brightly colored and contrasting to tie to your car so you can be found more easily.

2. Your home Have a plan for heat if the power goes out. We have a generator but we have to make sure the contract is set with the company who keeps it fueled and serviced. Not as lazy as us? You do your own? I’m super impressed. Set calendar reminders to check the fuel and your stockpile of wood. I find this is one of the best things about technology. I set mine to remind me ahead of time to pour salt into the water softener and to make sure there’s enough for the winter so we don’t have to haul the salt bags in the snow.

3. Your phone Download a radar app to your phone and open it before you drive. You will have the most critical information at your fingertips. Don’t rely on the single icon on your weather app because as you drive, conditions can change rapidly. Taking the personal responsibility of learning how to read the simple radar will help you determine what you will encounter precipitation-wise before you get out the door. I’m flabbergasted how few people know it’s going to rain when I know a big line of storms is coming. Don’t get caught driving when sleet and freezing rain are on the way. You can avoid it all by knowing how to read the radar. n

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Sam Champion Gives an Eyewitness View on Preparing for Winter Storms

In this interview, former “Good Morning America” weatherman Sam Champion talks winter storm records and emergency preparation for homeowners.

Could you give us an overview of one of the worst winter storms you have covered?

Chicago’s blizzard of February 2011, also named “Snowpocalypse” or “Snowmageddon,” is a winter storm I will never forget.

The National Weather Service places the official snow total at 21.2 inches. That’s a crazy amount of snow in a short time and this one came in fast with 70 mph wind gusts. Hundreds of cars and motorists were trapped on Lake Shore Drive, many forced to stay in their cars for more than 12 hours in whiteout conditions and high winds. Warnings were issued earlier in the day, so many people tried to leave work early to beat the blizzard, but ended up stranded as snow piled up over their cars. The pictures are staggering. As I stood on an overpass looking at the cars, blocked by 4-6-foot

drifts on the road, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

When I slid down an embankment to get to the area, the snow drifts were up to my chin — and I am 6 feet tall. There are also stories of people stuck inside city buses as the storm raged around them. This was a bad storm that came at the very worst time and was even carrying its own thunder and lightning. As a side note, the brutal cold that followed the blizzard, seemed colder to me than my many trips to the arctic zone.

many people overlook. It should be much like the things you stockpile in the house, but smaller. Please include water, food bars and snacks, flashlights and batteries, extra phone batteries, blankets and warm clothes (don’t forget the gloves and hats), a small bag of sand or road salt, and maybe even a shovel with some tire chains. Place all this in a duffle bag in the trunk and you are ready for your next winter storm.

What is something that many homeowners forget to do while anticipating a winter storm?

Aside from the normal procedure, what is a piece of advice you can give homeowners when “winterizing” their homes?

We are all pretty good at getting geared up for storms these days. I like ready.gov/ winter-weather for good winter tips, plus 24-hour news coverage gives us plenty of time and all the tips and pointers we need.

Everyone can run to the store and clear those shelves. Our families can happily bingewatch a favorite show as the storm blows by (as long as the power stays on). But putting a storm kit in your car is something I think

There are great articles and videos for “winterizing” your home. Do your family a favor by following that advice every season. [Also], the power goes out in so many winter storms, it’s important to be ready to “live in the dark” for hours, if not days. Today, we have great options to make electronic survival easier. Buy a few of the LED battery-operated lights and light strips you see in those ads and commercials.

Buy extra batteries for them. They are bright

and easy to use. Here at home we have about a dozen portable power banks. They are always charged and ready to use whether it’s for a cell phone or tablet. They are also really great to travel with. If your family is in the position to professionally install a generator in your home, I promise you will cheer every time you hear the whirring sound it makes just before the lights come back on.

What inspired you to choose meteorology as your career?

I originally wanted to be a foreign correspondent, because I grew up in the days of stellar network journalism. The image of the trench coat-wearing journalist in front of the Eiffel Tower was magic to me. But my first job in television, which included everything from writing, producing and reporting to sweeping the floor, involved using one of the first on-air graphics machines.

Developing computer graphics to show the audience weather hooked me and never let go. To this day, I think of how any storm can best be explained with graphics. 

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Understanding the 5 Crucial Components of Handling Your Vehicle in Winter Weather Don’t get stuck spinning your wheels. Read up on these ways to use the features of your car to your advantage this winter.

Winter driving can be a matter of life or death. Do it right, and you’ll reach your destination safely. Get it wrong and you could find yourself diverting to a different destination — in the back of an ambulance.

These techniques for navigating through dangerous driving conditions are the same no matter what vehicle or tires you have.

1. Throttle Be super gentle when stepping on the gas pedal.

Too much throttle and your wheels will start to spin. If you find yourself stuck in snow or slush, apply the throttle gradually, and ease off if you feel the wheels spinning.

2. Gears Start off in second gear if you can. Automatic transmissions often have a winter setting, so make use of it. Change up early, and keep the revs low. The lower the better.

3. Brakes Stomping too hard on the brakes can cause them to lock up, so ease off before reapplying them more gently. It’s important to have anti-lock brakes, but since this is a reactive system it’s much better not to trigger it in the first place. Don’t get in the habit of relying on your anti-lock brakes to prevent an accident, but do use them as an indicator that you are approaching the limits of your vehicle’s grip on the road. In winter, leave more space than you normally do between your vehicle and the driver ahead of you to ensure you have enough time to stop on icy roads.

4. Steering Turn the wheel slowly. If you find the car is sliding out of your control, don’t wind on the lock further, but momentarily straighten out to regain control then turn again in the direction you want to go. Slow down and remember: less is more.

5. Traction control systems Keep electronic traction aids on — their reaction time is faster than yours. The only occasion you might try turning off traction control is if you’re stuck in deep snow and its intervention is hindering progress.

In short, be sensible, slow down and take it easy.

Consider taking a low-traction driving course.

They’re great fun and you’ll learn a lot. Good luck this winter, and if this all makes you nervous, better stay at home.

Jon Gibson, Author, Drivingfast.net

Don’t Be Fooled by Winter Driving Myths You might be misinformed about the best way to handle your vehicle when driving on icy, dangerous roads. Busting these myths will clear that up.

Each year there are over 100,000 crashes occurring on snowy, slushy or icy roads. Dangerous myths, portrayed as facts, about how to drive in the coming season’s road conditions may have led to misinformed drivers. Let’s take a closer look at these myths and reveal the truth behind winter driving so you can make sure you’re safe on the road.

Myth #1: In bad weather, poor road conditions can cause crashes.

We see the headlines every winter season: “Winter Storm Blamed for Six Crashes” or “Local Driver’s Car Lost Control on Snow-Covered Road.” But this blame is misplaced; snow cannot actually cause a motor vehicle crash — it’s only frozen water. However, a driver choosing to drive too fast in snow or ice can certainly cause a collision. About 9 out of 10 crashes involve some human error, and mistakes such as driving too fast and following too close are very common in winter driving conditions.

Myth #2: When in a skid, drivers should “steer into the skid.”

It’s been taught to drivers for years. However, this advice presumes a driver knows which direction the car is sliding. This is actually very difficult for a driver to identify, especially in time to take effective, corrective action. Plus, it doesn’t take into account what a driver should do with regards to accelerating and braking. AAA’s advice is simple: “Continue to look and steer where you want to go.” This aligns with the reality that if a driver’s eyes remain focused on the roadway ahead, rather than on the nearby telephone pole or ditch, it’s much more likely that their hands

and feet will automatically take the actions that will keep them on the road. Keep eyes where you want to go.

Myth #3: You’re good to go after you scrape some of the snow off your windshield.

A key tenet of driving is that you have to see something to be able to avoid hitting it. That means you need to have excellent visibility in order to achieve 100 percent situational awareness. But, if some of your side windows are still covered with snow, you can only see part of the picture — and that’s not nearly enough. Before heading out, clear any snow off of all the glass and bodywork, and turn on your headlights. See and be seen.

Myth #4: Your vehicle’s safety technologies will save you in winter weather.

There’s almost no end to the advanced driver assistance technologies that can be had in today’s vehicles. However, they are no substitute for an engaged and attentive driver.

Drivers should never rely on these technologies when driving in winter conditions. The performance of many safety systems can be reduced in winter if cameras and other sensors become covered with dirt, slush, snow and ice. Even when operating properly, advanced assistance systems can’t defy the laws of physics. If you enter a turn too fast when the road is slick, not even anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control will keep your car on the road.

Bottom line: even if your car has safety technology, it’s better to drive as if it doesn’t.  Dr. William Van Tassel, Manager, Driver Training Operation, American Automobile Association

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Stocking Your Home and Vehicle Winter Emergency Kits Be prepared at home and on the road this winter by making sure you include these essential supplies in your emergency kits.

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s winter approaches, many of us hope for decent weather but brace for harsh storms. Snow, ice and cold temperatures can pose many hazards, making it important for everyone to stock up on essentials and be prepared for poor conditions.

Even if snow and ice are rare in your area, it is best to be prepared for emergencies both at home and on the go.

While severe storms can keep you holed up in your home for days at a time, they can just as easily strand drivers on the side of the road.

Fortunately, you can get ahead of winter weather now by gathering crucial supplies and making basic emergency plans.

Home emergency kit Every home should have an emergency supply kit located in an accessible storage area. It’s best if you store the items in plastic containers that are easy to grab and carry.

Emergency kits are meant to help you survive not only during an emergency, but also during the aftermath.

When it comes to food and drink, you should maintain enough nonperishable food for at least three days and a can opener. Keep protein-packed foods you can cook without electricity, such as tuna, peanut butter and granola bars, and don’t forget about food for your pets. Ensure that you keep a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Additionally, home emergency supply kits should include: • Hand-crank or battery-powered radio with extra batteries to stay up-to-date on weather alerts • Flashlight with extra batteries • First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, non-latex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and an instant cold compress • Tool kit, in case you need to shut off utilities • Hand sanitizer and garbage bags • Plastic sheeting and duct tape for broken windows or a leaky roof • Whistle • Blankets • Spare phone charger • Shovel • Salt Make sure every family member — and any guests staying with you — know where to find this kit and can easily access it.

Vehicle emergency kit In addition to a home emergency kit, every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit located in the trunk. Whether or not you live in an area that experiences snow and ice, your vehicle emergency supply kit should include: • Properly-inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack • Jumper cables • Tool kit • Flashlight and extra batteries • Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible • Reflective vest in case you need to leave your car • Compass • First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, non-latex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress • Nonperishable, high-energy foods (i.e., unsalted nuts, dried fruits, hard candy) • Water • Car charger for your cell phone • Fire extinguisher • Duct tape • Rain poncho In addition to these items, you can include cold-weather items such as: • Snow brush • Snow shovel/ice scraper • Windshield washer fluid • Warm clothing • Cat litter for traction • Blankets Stay safe If you anticipate poor conditions during a trip, share your travel plan with a friend before setting out. Don’t empty your car’s kit just because the snow has melted.

The hope is that you will never need to actually use these emergency kits, but in the event that you do need them they need to be ready.

Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced to keep them up to date. The more you know about the natural disasters common in your area — and the area you are traveling — the better prepared you can be. n Becky Turpin, Director, Homes and Community Safety, National Safety Council

4 Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes in Your Home This Winter Cold weather can cause your pipes to unexpectedly freeze and even burst — protect your home from flooding this winter with these tips.

If the pipes in your home are not properly insulated, the water running through them can freeze when temperatures drop. Frozen pipes have the potential to burst and cause flooding that can damage your home.

Here are some tips to prevent a disaster this winter.

1. Bleed and drain outside faucets If you have an outside faucet or hose bib, make sure to drain and bleed the line (activate the shut-off valve and drain the water) every fall before the cold weather starts. In warmer climates, these pipes are often installed without insulation or foam around the openings. This is fine most of the time, but all it takes is one unexpected cold snap for freezing to occur.

Install “non-freeze” hose bibs that create a break in the piping to prevent cold from penetrating into the supply pipe.

2. Stabilize home temperature If you are going away for an extended period of time during the winter months, it’s good practice to keep your home at a consistent temperature no lower than 60°F. With proper insulation, an HRV and clean HVAC filters, you can heat your home more efficiently to help offset the cost of running the furnace while you’re not home.

3. Insulate your pipes It helps to insulate your water supply pipes, especially if they are copper lines. Metal, including copper, conducts cold, so freezing can occur even on the warm side of your insulated space. I like to use PEX piping and pipe insulation to limit the possibility of freezing.

4. Wrap pipes and seal gaps Never have exposed pipes on the inside of non-insulated exterior walls. Even if installed on the warm side of the insulation, it may not be enough to prevent freezing. If you have exposed pipes in your basement, make sure they are not touching the perimeter wall and wrap the pipes with an insulated pipe wrap or heat tape. It’s easy — and economical — to install. Make sure that you seal any gaps surrounding pipe penetration areas, like dryer vents (where a pipe enters or exits an exterior wall of your house) with expandable spray foam and caulk to prevent cold air drafts.

If you think your pipes may be frozen (you have no water or your water pressure is very low) don’t try to fix it yourself. Turn off the water from the main valve and call a plumber. Of course, the best way to deal with frozen pipes is to prevent them from freezing in the first place. Perform your necessary maintenance, and shut off and drain any exterior faucets when needed to ensure it doesn’t happen to you.

Mike Holmes, Television Host, “Holmes Inspection”