Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather
December 4 is Winter Weather Preparedness Day in Mississippi. Below-freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and break, so it’s time to winterize your home! Here are some ways to prepare your home, family, and vehicle for the upcoming winter months.
Winterize Your Home
Store dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Insulate walls and attics; use caulk and weather-stripping around doors and windows.
Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.
Winterize your house, shed, or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, pets, or equipment.
Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic, allowing faucets to drip slightly during cold weather to avoid freezing.
Open cabinets under your sinks to keep pipes warm.
Keep fire extinguishers on hand and ensure everyone in your house knows how to use them.
Learn how to shut off water valves in the case of a pipe bursting.
Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors, or employees.
Family Winter Weather To-Go Kit
Non-perishable food for family and pets
Water (1 gallon/family member a day)
Extra blankets
Dry firewood
Medications
First Aid Kit
Phone charger
Hygiene items
Flashlights
Extra batteries
Winterize Your Car
Tires: Ensure your vehicle’s tires have sufficient tread. In the case of ice, consider using tires with chains, though this is less common in Mississippi.
Fluids: Check your car’s antifreeze levels and check the oil, windshield wipers, and defroster for proper functionality. Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent freezing fuel lines.
Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit that includes a windshield scraper, first aid kit, blankets, water, snacks, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, cell phone charger, and other supplies in case you're stranded or face winter driving conditions.
Roads: If freezing rain or sleet is expected, avoid unnecessary travel. Mississippi roads, especially in rural areas, may not be salted or plowed promptly. If you must drive, use extreme caution, and make sure your vehicle has good traction. If you need to drive on icy roads, slow down, leave extra space between vehicles, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
Sign up for local weather alerts via WAPT, WJTV, or WLBT weather apps, text messages, or a NOAA weather radio to stay updated on potential winter weather events. While winter storms are not as frequent in Mississippi as in other parts of the country, they can still cause significant disruptions. By taking some basic precautions, you can ensure the safety and comfort of your family during the winter months.
Credit: Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
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