COLUMBUS – La Nina has returned and she may have brought the “polar vortex” with her.
Although the farmers almanacs’ have suggested Ohio will experience an average to mild winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center says La Nin᷈a — which occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean drop to lower-than-normal levels — will bring wetter and cooler conditions to the northern United States and more snow across Ohio and all of the Great Lakes.
During Winter Safety Awareness Week, Nov. 13-19, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness encourages home and business owners to update safety plans, replenish disaster supply kits and prepare themselves, their vehicles and their property for winter weather and all it can bring.
“Winter Safety Week is the perfect time to start winterizing your homes and vehicles – to prepare before snow storms hit,” said Ohio EMA Executive Director Sima Merick. “If you don’t have an emergency supply kit, now is a good time to start one. You may find that you already have a lot of items on hand. Check the batteries in your flashlights and weather radios. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.”
Prepare your home for winter
Cut and remove low-hanging and dead tree branches. Ice, snow and strong winds can cause tree limbs to break and fall.
Have your gutters cleaned. Snow and ice can build up quickly if gutters are clogged with debris.
Check or service auxiliary heaters, furnaces and fireplaces
If using a portable generator, read instructions thoroughly to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy
Prepare winter disaster kits for the home and vehicle
Refresh stored nonperishable foods and bottled water.
Change the batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and radios.
Winter emergency kits should include warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, new batteries, coats, hats, gloves, a battery-operated or hand-cranked radio, first aid kit, and enough nonperishable food and one gallon of water per person per day to sustain every family member for several days.
Have stored food, bottled water and supplies for your pets, as well.
Invest in a NOAA Public Alert/Weather Radio
Update your disaster preparedness plans
Before getting on the road, pay attention to weather forecasts and traffic reports. Listen for reports of school and business closings, snow emergencies, traffic delays or road closures and plan your travel time accordingly.