Snow in Asheville - Be Prepared

The weather forecast is calling for more snow in the Asheville area. The last big storm that came through casued wide spread power outages and crippled the highways leaving motorists stranded for hours. This next event is not expected to be as bad due to lack of strong winds which bring down trees onto power lines. However, with predictions of snow accumulation nearing the 12" mark it would be wise to make sure you take the proper precautions.

AROUND THE HOUSE:
An ice storm will take down power lines knocking out electricity. Check battery powered equipment before the storm arrives. Have extra blankets on hand. Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots. Dress for the conditions when outdoors. Wear several layers of light-weight, warm clothing; layers can be removed to prevent perspiring and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, waterproof and hooded. For the hands, mittens, snug at the wrists, offer better protection than fingered gloves.

Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing: First Aid Kit and essential medications, Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries Canned food and nonelectric can opener. If there are infants at home, make sure you have enough infant formula or baby food. Include food that requires no cooking in case of power failure. Make sure pets and animals have shelter and a water supply, i.e bottled water. Check your supply of heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not be able to reach you due to ice or snow covered roads. Be careful when using fireplaces, stoves or space heaters. Proper ventilation is essential. Don't use charcoal; it gives off deadly amounts of carbon monoxide. Keep flammable material away from space heaters and do not overload electric circuits. Don't kill yourself shoveling snow. It is extremely hard work for anyone in less than prime physical condition. It can bring on a heart attack, a major cause of death during and after winter storms.

AUTOMOBILES:
Your automobile can be your best friend or worst enemy during winter storms. Have your car winterized by having the following items checked: ignition system, heater, brakes, wipers, cooling system, defroster, oil, exhaust, fuel system, battery, lights and tires. Don't forget your washer solvent. Keep moister out of your fuel tank, by using the appropriate additives to your fuel. If you travel often during the winter, carry a winter storm kit in your car with the following items: flashlight, compass, windshield scraper, maps, sand, paper towels, chains, blankets, warm sleeping bags, matches/candles, high calorie non-perishable foods, booster cables, extra warm clothing and rain gear. Never carry gasoline in containers other than the car's gas tank. Winter travel by car is serious business! If the storm exceeds or tests your driving ability, seek available shelter immediately! Plan your travel. Try not to travel alone and drive in convoy when possible. Drive carefully and defensively. Pump the brakes when trying to stop on snow or ice covered roads.

IF YOU DO GET STUCK, stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety. Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see. Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up into the car. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen. Keep moving your arms and legs to maintain blood circulation and to stay warm. Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

ON THE FARM
Move animals to sheltered areas. Shelter belts, properly laid out and oriented, are better protection for cattle than confining shelters, such as sheds. Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas. Have a water supply available. Most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration.

Preparing for these weather events is essential. If you live or work in the Asheville area have to be at work no matter what or if your power goes out and you need a warm place to stay then ask for the inclement weather rate at one of our five hotels in the area.