WITH wild winter weather set to slam the United States over the weekend, experts are advising homeowners on how to keep the cold outside where it belongs.
A meteorologist shared his top tips for staying warm during power outages amid predictions of major snowfall ahead of Winter Storm Fern.
Winter Storm Fern will bear down on two-thirds of the continental US this weekend (stock image)Credit: Getty
A meteorologist shared his best tips for how to keep you and your home warm during the storm (stock image)Credit: Getty
The storm’s extreme weather is likely to bring power outages, which can be deadly (stock image)Credit: ProfessionalStudioImages
Weather Channel meteorologist Rob Shackelford shared how to prepare ahead of Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to bear down on a large swath of the US over the weekend.
The storm could bring of ice and snow to over 230 million Americans across New Mexico to Maine.
“The big key is to be prepared,” Shackelford said.
“I recommend having supplies for a lot longer than you think. Be ready to hunker down for days and days.”
Shackelford said to charge up a battery pack for your phone to keep up with weather alerts and communicate if emergency services.
He also recommended stocking up on essential supplies like formula and diapers for babies and pet food if necessary.
To preserve heat during a power outage, Shackelford said to close the blinds or curtains on all windows, even if the sun is shining outside.
“There’s actually a transfer of heat out of the house through windows,” he said.
Shackelford also recommended stuffing towels underneath door frames to keep the heat trapped.
“Do all the things I’m saying, ideally on a higher floor in your home,” he advised.
What we know about Winter Storm Fern…
- Over 230 million Americans which could bring wind chills of up to -50F and over a foot of snow
- At least 14 states have , with the National Guard being activated across the country
- Homeowners have been warned to store 10 life-saving products and know the difference between Code Red and Code Blue
- The USPS has issued a mail warning stemming from the weather, and airlines are cancelling hundreds of flights
- Shoppers are rushing to grocery stores and leaving shelves completely barren as they hoard supplies
As heat rises, the top floors of a house should be warmer.
He also recommended wearing multiple layers of warm, loose-fitting clothing.
“That’s key, preserving body heat to help your body not work as hard,” Shackelford said.
Power outages are also a major concern during frigid cold and storms.
How to prepare for Winter Storm Fern
With historic ice and wind chills as low as -50°F expected, emergency officials are urging residents to focus on the u00224 P’su0022 of winter safety:
People:
Be sure to stay warm with multiple layers of lightweight clothing and also reach out to the elderly or those with medical conditions who may need help during a power outage.
Never use a generator, grill, or gas camp stove indoors and keep generators at least 20 feet away from windows to prevent deadly fumes.
Pipes:
Drip your faucets by allowing a slow trickle of hot and cold water to run, as moving water is much harder to freeze. Also, keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to the circulation of warmer home air under sinks.
Wrap outdoor faucets and any exposed pipes in garages or crawl spaces with foam sleeves, rags, or even towels.
Pets:
Bring your pets and livestock inside. Ensure they have plenty of food and that their water bowls have not frozen over.
Note that salt and de-icing chemicals on roads can be toxic and irritating to animal paws, so be sure to wipe them.
Plants:
Cover sensitive outdoor plants with burlap, landscape fabric, or even old blankets.
Add a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants to help retain ground heat.
Snow and freezing rain weigh down trees and power lines, while multiple days of below-freezing temperatures means power grids are running overtime to keep up with demand, causing failures.
The dangers of power outages were on full display during the 2021 winter storm in Texas, where due to the state’s power grid failure.
At least 14 states are under a state of emergency as of Friday.
Governors in Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia have all activated emergency preparedness ahead of the storm.
In Texas, Governor has to help stranded drivers and assured residents that the state’s public utility commission is monitoring the power grid for outages.
“Based on current forecasts, the state of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,” Abbott said on Thursday.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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