Public Information Statement
Issued by NWS Upton, NY
Issued by NWS Upton, NY
355 NOUS41 KOKX 020930 PNSOKX Public Information Statement National Weather Service New York NY 530 AM EDT Sat Nov 2 2024 ...THIS IS WINTER WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK... Please join the National Weather Service in promoting winter weather education including safety. The topic for today is winter weather safety. For heavy snow, check and winterize your vehicles before the winter season begins. Carry a winter storm survival kit including blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a shovel and map. For icing, make sure that an adequate supply of salt and sand are available for melting ice. In extreme cold, frostbite can occur to exposed skin in a matter of minutes and extended exposure can result in hypothermia. Dress in layers of light weight, loose fitting, warm clothing. Preferably in an out layer that is wind and water proof. Also be sure to adequately cover your head, neck and extremities. In prolonged arctic outbreaks there is potential for damage to infrastructure and property from bursting pipes and water lines. To keep pipes from freezing along outside walls, make sure thermostat is set to no lower than 55 degrees, open cabinet doors, and let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet. If the heat go out you can keep warm indoors by closing off rooms you do not need, and dressing in layers and wearing a cap. Use only safe sources of alternate heat, such as a fireplace, small well- vented wood or coal stove, or portable space heater. If using a kerosene heater, make sure a window is opened slightly. Never run a generator indoors and never use a gas oven to heat your home. For high winds, structural damage to houses begins with winds in excess of 57 mph. These winds will also cause whole trees or large tree limbs to fall, which can fall on power and telephone lines causing interruption of electrical and telephone service. Heavy icing can also cause similar types of electrical and telephone service interruptions. To prepare for these winter hazards... For a mobile home, make sure that it is tied down and is secure. Make sure to have an adequate stock of canned goods. For tidal flooding, know the flood risk for your area and elevations. Minor flooding is inundation of 1 to 2 feet above ground level. Moderate flooding occurs is inundation of 2 to 3 feet above ground level. Major flooding is inundation of greater than 3 feet above ground level. For more information on understanding minor moderate, and major flooding, please visit www.weather.gov/erh/coastalflood?wfo=okx Know the available escape routes and shelter locations if you are directed to evacuate. This is the final statement covering winter preparedness week.