Recommendations Listed To Prepare For Winter Weather

by Stephanie Baker

As Johnson and Franklin counties see an increase in winter temperatures and precipitation, it is important to take precautions to keep yourself and your family safe in these extreme conditions.

“Be sure to check on folks who may be struggling to stay warm, especially in the event of a power outage,” said Johnson County Deputy Director of Emergency Management Klay Rowbotham.

Locally, Johnson County, Clarksville Police Department, and Safe Haven are working together to provide the community with warming shelters. Safe Haven, located at 1157 South Rogers Street, will be available nightly Monday-Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. and open 24 hours Saturday and Sunday. Safe Haven will continue to be a warming shelter until low temperatures rise above 25 degrees.

The Clarksville Police Department, located at 1008 W. Main Street, will provide a safe and comfortable space for community members seeking relief from the current cold weather conditions. The warming station will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday until further notice.

“We are committed to supporting our community during times of need, and we encourage anyone who requires a warm space to visit our warming station. Our department will be on-hand to provide a safe and warm environment,” said Chief Jeff Ross.

The Johnson County Detention Center lobby is open 24/7 and will also serve as a warming center.

Access is available to individuals experiencing homelessness, those without adequate heating in their homes, and seniors and people with disabilities who may be particularly vulnerable to cold weather.

Anyone needing a ride to a warm place, can call the Johnson County Communications Center non-emergency number at 479-774-6911.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency on Sunday, Jan. 5, which will remain in effect until Monday, Jan. 13, due to expected winter weather and frigid temperatures.

Rowbotham explained the areas he would expect to be of extra concern locally were frozen pipes, fire hazards, travel-related concerns, and preparing for the extra needs of pets and animals.

Frozen pipes are of great concern when the temperature drops well below freezing. To help avoid frozen or burst pipes, open cabinet doors under sinks to better circulate warmer air and let water drip from faucets, recommended Rowbotham.

“Moving water is less likely to freeze than still water, so the idea is to keep water moving in all the pipes,” he explained. “Make especially sure to open up ‘the end of the line’ faucets.”

Protecting any outside faucets with a cover will also help prevent pipe-related emergencies.

Fire hazards are also a concern as people try to keep warm in the freezing conditions.

To protect yourself from a fire-related emergency, make sure flues and chimneys are clean and in safe working condition, and ensure any kind of heating involving flames or other combustion has adequate ventilation, said Rowbotham.

Space heaters need a safe clearance of typically at least two feet to make sure surrounding materials don’t get hot enough to combust, and never use ovens to heat a home.

“In the event of a power outage, ensure any generators in use are outside with proper ventilation and they are isolated from the main power grid so they cannot hurt power utility workers working to restore power,” he said.

Rowbotham also recommends checking to ensure fire alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are in good working order and have batteries before the weather arrives.

Travel complications are often a factor with winter weather. If you cannot stay home, prepare and gather the necessary supplies to stay warm if stranded.

“Avoid traveling, if possible, but make sure to have extra water, non-perishable food, blankets, and other supplies in vehicles if you must travel. Other suggested supplies are jumper cables, sand, a good flashlight, and extra warm clothes. Having the means to charge cell phones besides their normal vehicle charger, like a power bank, is highly recommended,” said Rowbotham.

Checking your vehicle’s anti-freeze to make sure it is adequate for the anticipated temperatures and making sure your vehicle battery is in good condition is also necessary to avoid travel-related emergencies.

People are not the only ones who may struggle in the unusually cold temperatures. Animals and pets of all kinds need extra attention and warmth during this time.

“Be sure pets have a warm place to go and water that is not freezing. Bring them inside if possible, and avoid towels, blankets, and other bedding materials that can get wet and freeze. Make sure livestock have a place to go out of the cold and have access to water that isn’t frozen,” recommends Rowbotham.

By preparing for the winter weather, you can help protect yourself from emergencies that often accompany snow and single-digit temperatures in this area.

 

(Graphics courtesy National Weather Service)

This story appears in the Jan. 8 edition of The Graphic, found online and in businesses throughout Johnson and Franklin counties.