Preparing for Winter Weather!

Winter weather can pose serious risks to safety and property. Understanding how to prepare for and respond to cold temperatures, icy conditions, and storms is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones. This guide provides key information and practical tips for navigating common winter hazards safely.

Cold Air and Wind

Wind can easily make a cold day feel freezing. For instance, if the temperature is 0°F and the wind is blowing at 15 mph, the wind chill is -19°F, which can freeze any exposed skin within minutes. Here are some tips for keeping warm even in freezing air:

• Make sure to stay up to date with forecasts! Even if temperatures seem mild, wind and air conditions can have a large impact on how the weather feels.
• Dress warmly and wear plenty of layers to avoid the wind hitting your skin directly.
• Protect your lungs, especially in cases of asthma or other diseases that may react to the temperature as cold air can irritate the lungs and make breathing difficult.
• Try to limit prolonged exposure outside.

Black Ice and Icy Roads

Black ice is dangerous because it blends into the pavement, making it difficult for unsuspecting drivers to spot. Paying attention to the condition of the road and keeping an eye out for glossy patches is paramount to being prepared. Please see the following safety tips for how to handle an encounter with black ice:

• Don't slam on the brakes! This could lead to skidding, loss of control, and in worst-case scenarios, even an accident.
• Make sure to keep the steering wheel steady, try not to swerve or drift, and don't overcorrect to avoid veering into another lane.
• Take your foot off the gas instead of hitting the brakes to ensure a smooth deceleration. Look for areas that allow for better traction, such as gravel or white snow.
• Most importantly: stay calm.
• Remember, bridges and tunnels are the most common places to find black ice.

Snowstorms

• Before it snows, remember last year's problems and try to tackle them in advance. If you do handle your own snow removal, have your tools and supplies handy.
• If you hire someone to do your snow removal, make those arrangements early. It can be difficult to find someone in the middle of a storm.
• Be sure to clear fire hydrants in your area.
• Move vehicles off roadways, so that plows and emergency vehicles can pass safely.
• Keep cell phones and other electronic devices charged in case of an outage.
• Listen to the local radio or television news for weather updates and emergency notifications.
• When using a generator, place it outdoors and follow all manufacturers' safety precautions to prevent possible fires or overheating.
• When shoveling out the apron of your driveway, throw it to the right of your driveway as you face the street or "downstream". Throwing or plowing snow in the road can create a patch of snow and ice that freezes over and causes a hazardous condition. This will also avoid snow being re-deposited when plows come by.
• Be sure your home and car are also prepared for the cold. Proper insulation, winterizing pipes, planning for power outages, and making sure your vehicle has a winter survival kit, are all necessary precautions this time of year.

Emergency Contacts

• For snow-related issues (weekdays): 224-5600
• For snow-related issues (weekends): 224-5306
• For police, fire, and ambulance emergencies: 911
• To report downed wires or power outages (PSEG): 1-800-490-0075
• PSEG mobile app: www.psegliny.com/app
• View outages: https://outagemap.psegliny.com

Important: Never approach or touch a downed wire.