COLUMBUS, Ohio — This fall, Ohio has already seen a variety of weather, from warm days to sweater weather to tornadoes and snowflakes. It’s time to start preparing for winter in the Midwest.
The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, along with Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted, has declared November 14-20 as Winter Safety Awareness Week. Ohioans are encouraged to take action now to help minimize winter weather risks.
“Winter Safety Awareness Week is the ideal time for Ohioans to prepare for winter and cold weather-related incidents,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “Take time to restock your emergency supply kits, ensure your home and vehicles are prepped and maintained and review your emergency plans. Also, it’s not too late to get vaccinations to protect yourself and your family from influenza and the Coronavirus.”
Based on the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) annual snow forecast, Ohio and other Midwest states are looking at above-normal or wetter-than-average precipitation this winter.
For the second consecutive winter, La Nina climate conditions are expected to continue. It is a natural phenomenon caused by a cooler-than-average ocean-atmosphere over the eastern and central Pacific Oceans near the equator.
“We need to be mindful that preparing for winter is not just getting ready for snow and ice,” noted Merick. “Just last month, a total of six tornadoes touched down in Ross, Highland, and Pickaway counties. We truly need to be prepared for all weather and home emergency.”
In preparation for the winter weather season, here are some safety tips:
It’s imperative to practice fire safety and prevention during the winter months, the holiday season, and the ongoing pandemic. This is because people will spend more time indoors cooking, decorating, and entertaining, which can result in increased home fires. Smoke detectors are the most effective form of protection. Check them regularly. Officials recommended that every family practice an annual fire drill.
It is recommended that you change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year – when you change your clock.
Service or check auxiliary heaters, fireplaces, and furnaces before using them.
The number one cause of house fires is cooking-related fires. Always supervise food while it is cooking. Keep the area around the stove free of any potentially flammable materials.
Don’t forget to prepare the outside of your home as well. Remove any low-hanging or dead tree branches. During the winter months strong winds, ice, and snow can cause tree branches or limbs to come crashing down, damaging your home. Gutters should be cleaned and kept debris-free. Snow and ice can cause gutters to become jammed, adding extra weight, and potentially causing damage.
Residents should always carry an emergency roadside kit. Winter kits should include items like flashlights, batteries, blankets, coats, hats, gloves, a battery-operated radio/weather radio, a first aid kit, a cell phone, and a charger. Experts recommend having enough food and water to sustain every household member for several days.