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.

Les Ballets Trockadero

Asheville will be getting a special treat this month as Les Ballets Trockadero, a world renowned ballet troupe, will be performing at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Friday January 22nd at 7:30 pm. Formed in 1974, Les Ballets Trockadero (the Trocks as they're affectionately called) is self described as "dancing the fine line between high art and high camp."

From their website: It is a Company of professional male dancers performing the full range of the ballet and modern dance repertoire, including classical and original works in faithful renditions of the manners and conceits of those dance styles. The comedy is achieved by incorporating and exaggerating the foibles, accidents, and underlying incongruities of serious dance. The fact that men dance all the parts--heavy bodies delicately balancing on toes as swans, sylphs, water sprites, romantic princesses, angst-ridden Victorian ladies--enhances rather than mocks the spirit of dance as an art form, delighting and amusing the most knowledgeable, as well as novices, in the audiences.

Tickets for this show are $20-55 and are available at the Civic Center Box Office or by calling 828.225.5887. More information can be found at Asheville Bravo Concerts.

Traveling from out of town? Check out these quality hotels.

Asheville's Downtown Market Now Open For Business

The Asheville Downtown Market is a new shopping destination in downtown Asheville. Located on South French Broad this 42,000 square foot building was once home to a photography plant and a sewing factory, but now you will find the space filled with craft vendors, artists, a coffee shop and even a grocery store.

One Bazaar Community is the self described style of this new market and one stroll down the different vendor isles confirms the truth of that statement. With such an eclectic mix of booths, shoppers can find an array of items for sale.

The grocery store is Amazing Savings and will save you lots of money on your grocery bill. This is their second store in the Asheville area, the original being located on Sweeten Creek Rd. This fills a whole in downtown Asheville seeing as how both the Grove Arcade market and the CVS have recently closed.

Future businesses that are moving into the space include a downtown recycling center, a world food court (still in the idea stage) and perhaps your business. With vendor prices as low as $15 a day for a booth you would be remiss not to take advantage of the low overhead. They are also offering co-op vendor space so you can join forces with your colleagues and save money.

The market is currently open Friday - Sunday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. For more information you can call 828-255-8858 or visit them on Facebook.

If you're visiting the Asheville area and need a place to stay please check out these great hotels.

The Diamond Ball Rings In The Asheville New Year

The third annual Diamond Ball hosted by the Junior League of Asheville will take place starting at 9:00 PM Thursday, December 31st 2009 at the Doubletree Biltmore Hotel in Asheville, NC. Sponsored by Wick & Greene Jewelers, the event is a fundraiser for community programs including ABCCM, Child Abuse Prevention Services, Child First, Public Affairs and YWCA.

Event tickets are $100 per person and raffle tickets for the 1-carat Lazare diamond are $25 (need not be present to win). Please call 828.254.5608 or visit juniorleagueasheville.org to purchase event and raffle tickets, which will be available from now until through the night of the event.

For more information on the event location please visit here.

Ken & Tammy's Christmas Party at the Doubletree Biltmore

With the holidays right around the corner, there are some families still in need of assistance to make Christmas happen for their kids. Together with Ken and Tammy from Asheville's Mix 96.5, the Doubletree is helping make this season a little brighter for these families. All are welcome to come join in the festivities on December 22, 2009 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM.

Every child deserves a visit from Santa! Hence the first ever “Ken and Tammy’s Christmas is for Kids Extravaganza!” It will be a night of fun, food, and of course Christmas presents for children up to 12 years old who otherwise would face a sad holiday.

Doubletree is now accepting toys for the event. Everyone who brings in a toy is invited to have a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie! Doubletree is located at 115 Hendersonville Rd. in Asheville. See a map.

Please help us keep the Christmas magic alive these children. If you need a place for your holiday party, or want to stash the out-of-town visitors somewhere other than your house, please give the Doubletree Biltmore Hotel your patronage.

Sparrow Spa Open House Tonight

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Sparrow Spa in Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park is hosting an open house tonight. It is open to everyone. Wine, food and savings on spa goodies. You know you want to go. Here's a map.

Relay for Life Event at Doubletree Biltmore Hotel

Relay For Life of Biltmore Park invites you and your family to join them for Cookies with Santa at the Doubletree Hotel Biltmore/Asheville on Sunday, December 13th from 3-5:00pm. Get your photo taken with Santa, and enjoy delectable desserts, hot cocoa and more! Cancer survivors and caregivers will receive a special gift.

This free event is generously sponsored by the Doubletree Hotel, located at 115 Hendersonville Road, Asheville. Click here for a map.

To learn more about the upcoming Biltmore Relay For Life event click here.