If you have not heard by now, everyone is predicting a rough winter. In this case, everyone includes the American Meteorological Society, the state climatologist, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
La Nina weather patterns indicate that it should be colder and wetter. They have not said if it will be simultaneously wet and cold enough for two consecutive two-week periods of being frozen in, like we had two years ago, but we can’t rule that out. Instead, they are commonly referring to the La Nina winter of 1995. That season featured a record setting flood, arctic air, and snow, but they are especially referring to the windstorm that happened on December 12th. This storm blew the roof off a building at the coast, blew signs out of their frames, and downed many power lines.
Although we cannot know exactly what will happen this year, we can take the recommendations, and with a closer look find ways to prepare for whatever comes. Here is one quote: “Emergency officials urge area residents to gather the following essentials: a first aid kit, battery operated flashlights, a carbon monoxide detector, emergency survival blankets and plenty of drinking water.” Breaking this list down into individual items provides some additional guidance.
Battery-operated flashlights: I don’t think they are really saying that you shouldn’t use the hand-cranked flashlights, but the mention of batteries is probably to remind you that you can’t count on having electricity. After the December 12th 1995 storm, some areas did not get power back for two weeks.
Emergency survival blankets: Okay, so maybe power will be lost, and it will affect heat, but won’t having plenty of regular blankets work? Probably. The emergency survival blankets to which they are referring efficiently preserve your body heat, but they are also lightweight and don’t take up much space. They can work at home, but they may be even better tucked away in a coat pocket, glove box, or desk at work, just in case you end up stranded somewhere. You can find them at very inexpensive prices, so consider stocking up and stashing them in key locations.
Carbon monoxide detector: If the heat and power are off, people may try other methods of cooking and heating. Some of them are fire hazards (candles for light can also fall under this), but some are also asphyxiation hazards. On the most basic level, you should never burn charcoal indoors. Really, if it is designed for outdoor or camping use, chances are good that you should not use it indoors.
Even if you use all items only as directed, you will be running the heat more, windows will be closed, ventilation can get blocked, and a carbon monoxide detector is still good to have. You can easily go your entire life without a leak, but if one does happen you really need to know.
A first aid kit: Even assuming you have flashlights and so will not be burning yourself lighting matches, there are still plenty of opportunities for injuries. Slippery sidewalks can result in sprains, scrapes, or bruises, clearing snow can result in muscle strain, and any received injuries can be worse if the roads are in bad condition. Some injuries do not require professional attention but are still helped by having the right supplies. These can include pain relievers (like aspirin or ibuprofin), antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin), bandages, gauze and medical tape, and warm and cold packs.
It is also important to know when it would be worth braving the roads or calling an ambulance. Bone breaks should be set professionally, so those rate a trip. Chest pains or possible stroke symptoms at least rate the 9-1-1 call, because the operator can help you assess the risks.
Take falls seriously, pausing to make sure that everything feels right before getting up. If there is a head injury, whether from a fall or some other cause, watch for signs of concussion, bleeding, or swelling. Keep an eye out for lethargy, trouble focusing, feeling foggy, nausea, or lapses in consciousness, and if you see these issues, make that call. This is really a case of better safe than sorry.
Plenty of drinking water: There are two distinct possibilities where having water is important. Your pipes could freeze, not allowing water to come through. Having water is good, but so is taking steps to prevent your pipes from freezing. This can include leaving a trickle of water running, leaving cupboards and doors open so that pipes get more heat, and maybe even wrapping pipes or covering spigots.
If your pipes do freeze, let them thaw on their own. Creative ways of warming the pipes tend to go badly. (Having a first aid kit is good, but not having to use it is even better.)
Your other issue is that with flooding, local water systems may become contaminated and unsafe for drinking. This is another thing that happened in the winter of 1995. When things like this happen, everyone runs to the store to buy bottled water, but by planning ahead you can avoid the stampede.
On the prevention side, there is not a lot you can do to prevent flooding contamination, but as a good citizen you should keep an eye out for clogged storm drains. Also, keep an eye on the news so you at least know what’s likely. A battery-operated radio is probably a good idea as well.
Other Preparation:
Oddly, that particular message did not mention food, but if we do run into poor road conditions, getting out to buy groceries may be difficult. Sure, some places keep delivering pizza, even in the worst conditions, but if they lose power they may not be able to cook it.
Ultimately, even if you are not ready to get in your three-month supply of food, you should always have some extra on hand, ideally including some that does not require cooking. Obviously, that message did not cover everything that might be useful. One message usually can’t.
The Red Cross recommends having a three-day supply of food (a 72-hour kit perhaps?), as well as three days worth of medicine (meaning you should not wait until the day before your prescription runs out to renew). For more from the Red Cross, please visit http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/WinterStorms.pdf.
You can also find many useful tip sheets through Oregon Consolidated Emergency Management, including this one:
http://www.ocem.org/pdf_resources/10-Winter_Prep.pdf
Finally, imagine an ice or snow storm, where you still have power but can’t leave the house (you should find out your employer’s inclement weather policy in advance as well). All of the local television stations will switch to 24-hour snow coverage, even though nothing new really happens. If we lose power you don’t even have that. Have a backup plan for amusement—books, games, crafts—and if you need extra lanterns or yarn or a pencil sharpener to make it work, get ready for that now. Sanity is a great thing to keep in an emergency.
