WASHINGTON — Another round of snow and ice is on its way to the DC region. There are a few things you can do to keep yourself prepared in advance.
This latest storm has the potential to cause power outages in the area. Emergency officials always recommend keeping many batteries in your house to power important devices like flashlights and weather radios.
Digital devices like phones and portable chargers should be powered up in advance of any storm as well.
It may seem obvious, but federal emergency officials recommend to keep your refrigerator door closed during power outages too.
A refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours during a power outage, while a full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours. Homeowners should monitor temperatures of both with a thermometer.
If you are heading to the store to get supplies, you may want to pick up a bag of sand too.
Any winter storm can translate into treacherous driving. Sand can provide you with some much needed traction to get out of your driveway.
AAA has one more important tip if you hit a slick patch: work to decellerate your car and do not slam on the brakes. After that, the agency says you should try to turn into the slide.
Here are some more tips from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management:
- Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
- Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
- Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.
- Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage.