NWS Little Rock, AR - Text Viewer

ZCZC LITWRKPNS
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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
600 AM CST Thu Dec 5 2024

...Winter Weather Awareness Week in Arkansas...

December 1st through the 7th is Winter Weather Awareness Week 
in Arkansas. The purpose of this week is to remind people what
winter weather can bring, and how to deal with hazardous winter 
conditions. Now is the time to prepare for the upcoming winter 
season.

Today's topic is winter weather safety rules.

The best way to survive a winter storm is to plan and prepare for 
the hazards of winter weather. Although some winter storms develop 
quickly and with short notice, most events can be planned for. 

At home, the primary concerns are for the potential loss of power, 
heat and telephone service. Food supplies may also run low if 
conditions persist for several days. Some items that should be 
readily available around the home prior to the onset of winter
weather include...

     Extra food and water, especially canned goods
     A flashlight with extra batteries
     First aid supplies and extra medicine
     Extra baby items  
     Extra wood for emergency heating
     A battery powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio    

Remember, if your power goes out, a cordless telephone will not 
operate. A corded phone will continue to function, so it is a 
good idea to have one available. 

If power is lost, never use a gasoline or diesel powered generator 
inside the house, in the garage, or any other enclosed space. 
Generators can cause carbon monoxide to build up to deadly levels 
in enclosed spaces. Operate such generators outdoors only. 

Travel should never be planned when severe winter weather is 
anticipated. However, certain precautions should be taken during
the winter months in case a storm strikes suddenly or travel in
bad weather is unavoidable...

      Winterize your vehicle in the fall.
      Keep your gas tank full to minimize ice buildup in the tank.
      Always carry a winter storm survival kit including blankets, 
        flashlights, non-perishable food, drinking water, 
        first aid kit, extra clothes, shovel, ice scraper,
        bag of sand or cat litter, and jumper cables.
      Before leaving, let someone know where you are going and
        what route you plan to take. 

Traveling in winter weather is serious business. If the storm 
exceeds or tests your driving ability, seek available shelter 
immediately. 

Another winter threat is house fires. December, January, and 
February are the leading months for house fires in this country. 
More than one third of fire deaths typically occur during the 
winter months. 

Here are some precautions you can take...

      Central heating systems should be kept in proper working 
        order.
      Space heaters need to be at least 36 inches away from any
        flammable materials. The heaters should not be left on
        when no one is present or when people are asleep. The 
        heaters should have automatic shut-off switches that
        turn the units off if they tip over.
      Fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected and cleaned 
        on a regular basis. The fireplaces should have a sturdy
        screen or glass door. Flammable objects should be 
        removed from the front of the fireplace.
      Wood stoves should be installed, used, and maintained in
        accordance with instructions from the manufacturer. Use
        of a stove board will protect the floor. Only wood 
        should be burned in the stove.
      Kitchen ranges and ovens, charcoal grills, and hibachis
        should not be used for heating. 
      Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed to provide 
        an early warning when gas begins to build up.

&&

Please visit our web site at https://www.weather.gov/lzk

$$

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