Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Winter Preparation

On one of the biggest travel days of the year, drivers may face treacherous conditions as a winter storm is expected to begin Wednesday night. The storm, accompanied by arctic air, is expected to drop snow in the western states and rain further east.

Locally there have been a few sneak peeks of winter weather in the form of light snow, cold temperatures, slick roads and blasting wind gusts. Weather conditions have caused a town-wide power outage, prompting Kimball citizens to consider winter preparedness at home and work, as well as for travel.

Being prepared at home

Perhaps the biggest concern at home during a winter storm is the loss of power and heat. Have adequate clothing and blankets in case the regular source of heat is cut off.

For some, a wood stove or fireplace is an additional heat source that can be used. Ensure that the chimney is clean well before it is needed and have plenty of wood stocked for use in a fireplace or wood stove.

For those who use electric life-preserving devices, such as oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines and nebulizers, having a back-up could mean the difference between life and death. Check with providers for emergency back-up devices and ensure family member has plenty of medication in stock.

When snow falls and the wind whips it into drifts, snow removal equipment may not be accessible if stored outside the home. Snow shovels, sand and ice melt should be brought inside for use when needed.

Additional preparations should include having a water source for each person in the home for several days and keeping fire extinguishers, extra batteries, flashlights and candles on hand.

Animal owners are reminded to make sure that pets and livestock have shelter, warmth, food and water sources that are not frozen.

Being prepared at work

For those who travel to outlying communities for work, the chance of becoming stuck away from home during a weather event is increased. Being prepared away from home requires many of the same measures as home preparedness.

Ensure that sources of shelter, heat, food and water are readily available and carry extra clothing, personal items and medications in your vehicle.

Stocking and preparing vehicles

Stock vehicles with blankets, water, food, flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, a shovel, windshield scraper, small broom, a battery powered radio, a first aid kit, pocket knife, tow rope, road salt or sand, booster cables, emergency flares and a distress flag.

Being prepared includes ensuring vehicles are in top mechanical condition. Check, or have a mechanic check, the antifreeze to ensure it is sufficient to avoid freezing. Oil should be a lighter weight for winter, and brake fluid levels should be checked.

Inspect brake pads for wear, and ensure the oil and air filters are clean. The battery should be in top condition and the terminals should be free of corrosion.

Ensure that the windshield wipers, exhaust and heating systems are working properly and check for crimped pipes and leaks.

Traveling in winter conditions

Motorists are urged to remain up-to-date on weather and road conditions while traveling and understand present and expected road conditions. Advisories mean the condition is expected and is a forewarning, while watches mean current weather makes the condition is possible. Warnings, issued when the condition is imminent, include winter storm warnings, blizzard warnings and frost or freeze warnings.

In addition to high winds and falling snow, travel conditions that make travel treacherous may include freezing rain, which creates a sheet of ice on walkways, trees, power lines and roads, and sleet, which is rain that turns into ice pellets before reaching the ground, also causing slippery conditions.