Separation is in the Preparation

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Snow in the Pacific Northwest can cause massive damage.

The freezing level has fallen and the dark clouds have moved in. Now what?

We here in the Pacific Northwest are always ready for rain but always ready for snow. Here are a couple things to keep in mind as the fluffy wet cold white stuff starts to fall across our region.

Let's think safety first.

• Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways
• Sand to improve traction
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
• Sufficient heating fuel, like dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm

Next do you have a plan?

• Make a family emergency plan — Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency
• Listen to a NOAA Weather or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service and be alert to changing weather conditions

Be smart and think about everyone and everything in the family.

• Minimize travel, but keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather
• Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water

These few steps will help minimize any hardship as the snow storm closes in on us.