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Winter watchwords: Be prepared

By Norman A. Smith

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted a milder winter season this year, yet weather and emergency planners urge the public to be prepared.

“The prediction for a warmer-than-normal winter season does not mean we won't have winter weather," said Mike Halpert, lead seasonal forecaster at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. "What it does mean is that, on average, this will be a milder-than-average winter across much of the North, with fewer arctic air outbreaks.”

Dangerous winter storms and very low temperatures are still possible. Northern New York was hit by a big early winter storm in October, and many people with disabilities had their support systems unexpectedly disrupted. Preparing for cold-weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms.

According to the emergency-management experts, preparation is the best way to minimize the effects of any disaster for everybody. The first step is to become informed. Experts say to be familiar with winter storm warning messages before a storm hits. Know how the public is warned (siren, radio, TV, etc.) and the warning terms for each kind of disaster in your community. For example, NOAA’s National Weather Service used the following alerts for winter weather:

"Winter storm watch" --- Be alert; a storm is likely. People should check their food stocks, batteries and water supply. If anything is lacking, get it! Let your neighbor know about the alert. You can help each other.

"Winter storm warning" --- Take action; the storm is in or entering the area. Double-check your supplies. Immediately obtain what is needed, including vital prescriptions that are running low. For those who have electric stoves, set aside food that can be eaten without heating as the power may fail.

"Blizzard warning" --- Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near-zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge immediately! People should stay in their homes as long as the blizzard lasts.

"Winter weather advisory" --- Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists.

In all of the above situations, prepare for aides and personal assistants to be late, not show, or to be stuck in your home. All these scenarios should be discussed and planned for by people who are dependent on aides or personal assistants.

Now is the time to think about power outages. Store drinking water, a first-aid kit, and canned or no-cook food where you can get them easily, even in the dark.

Before storms occur, have these emergency supplies on hand:

A flashlight and extra batteries .
A portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
A one-week supply of food, including items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off. (A good option is “HeaterMeals,” prepackaged meals that can be heated up with the addition of cold water. They are a nice treat when the power is out.)

The NOAA National Weather Service has a plethora of weather safety news and information online, including NOAAWatch, a portal to a variety of current weather information, and NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from a nearby NOAA National Weather Service forecast office.

NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts NOAA National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Norman A. Smith is chair of the New Jersey Statewide Independent Living Council and writes about emergency-management issues involving people with disabilities

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