
Winter is here! Are you prepared?
Winter is Coming....Prepare Now!
“Winter officially begins Thursday, December 21st with a forecast of falling temperatures and a chance for a wintry mix in the coming days. Now is the time to review your family winter safety plans,” said Dale Lane, Shelby County Office of Preparedness (SCOP) Director.
Communicate / Stay Informed:
- Ensure mobile devices can receive messages from the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, and NOAA weather radio.
- Have a NOAA battery-powered radio.
- Charge your devices!
- Program emergency phone numbers in cell phones.
- Fill out the Family Communications Plan at
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Download SCOP-recommended mobile apps:
ReadyTN at http://www.tnema.org/ReadyTN/
National Weather Service Mobile Weather at https://www.weather.gov/wrn/mobile-phone -
Learn the weather terms:
Wind Chill Index: How cold it feels. The combined effect of wind and cold temperatures. Advisory: Be aware! Winter weather is possible. Anticipate delays and inconveniences. Watch: Stay prepared! Winter weather is probable. Review your safety plans.
Warning: Winter weather is imminent. Listen to local emergency officials. Take action!Dress for the Weather: Wear long layers, a warm hat, mittens, waterproof boots, a scarf, and a face mask.
Winterize Your Home: Anticipate power outages.
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Build a Home Emergency Kit: Include flashlight,
batteries, NOAA radio, cell phone / charger, bottled water, non-perishable food, clothing, Mylar blanket, medication, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, tools, whistle, portable toilet, hygiene supplies, cash, HELP / OK sign, and pet supplies.
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Protect Plumbing:
Insulate exposed pipes and place hard covers over outdoor faucets.
During freezing temperatures, let faucets drip and open cabinet doors under faucets. - Insulate: Install calk, weather stripping, insulation and storm windows.
- Chimney / Fireplace: Have a professional clean and inspect both annually.
- Secondary Heating Devices: Inspect propane heaters and fireplaces before use.
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Portable Generators: Inspect portable generators before use.
Operate generators at least 20 feet from the home in an open area away from windows.
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Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Detectors / Extinguishers:
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly.
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Have a fire extinguisher on each level of the home near the exits.
Pets: Bring pets into a warm, dry, enclosed area. Ensure they have food and water.
Move livestock to a sheltered area. Ensure they have non-frozen drinking water.
Neighbor Check: Check on neighbors who may be at-risk during cold weather events.
Winterize Vehicles:
- Tune up: Check tires, battery, antifreeze, fluids, brakes, wipers, lights, heater, and defroster.
- Fill up: Keep your gas tank full.
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Auto Emergency Kit: Include: NOAA radio, cellphone / charger, booster cables, kitty litter, road salt,
shovel, ice scraper, tools, first-aid kit, gloves, boots, flashlight, batteries, map, Mylar blankets, HELP / OK sign, bottled water, nonperishable food, portable toilet, and hygiene items.
Safe Travel: Heed travel advice from emergency management officials and stay off the roads unless it is an emergency.
If you must travel:
Check road conditions at TDOT (https://www.tn.gov/tdot). Use the roads most traveled as they are likely treated.
Inform family of your route and estimated time of arrival. Remember, “Ice and snow, take it slow!”
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Resources:
www.ready.gov/prepare
View “When the Sky Turns Gray,” video at https://youtu.be/XVpGJ_Xl__w