As the cold season approaches, residents are reminded to prepare for the possibility of winter weather. Even though winter weather can be fun to play in, it also can cause vehicle accidents and hypothermia. The weight of snow and ice could potentially knock down power lines causing an outage of electricity for an extended period of time.
The city offers residents the following tips to assist in preparing for inclement weather and staying safe.
Winter Weather Safety Tips:
- Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing instead of one heavy layer.
- Ensure that outer garments are water-repellent.
- Ensure heating sources are working properly and that they are well ventilated. It is important to have them serviced regularly.
- Avoid driving on overpasses and bridges. These often freeze more quickly than roads.
- Winterize vehicle. Flush the cooling system, replace the coolant, the wiper blades, etc.
- Prepare a “Go Kit” (blanket, gloves, hat, etc.) for the vehicle in case of being stranded.
- Insulate outside faucets and pipes; keep inside faucets dripping when the temperature falls below freezing.
- Ensure animals have plenty of food, water and shelter for extreme weather conditions.
Visit CityofIrving.org/Emergency-Management for more information about winter weather or disaster preparedness.Additional resources can be found at Ready.gov and KnoWhat2Do.com.
