WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

The most recent blast of arctic weather to hit our region has everyone scrambling to recall the vital, sometimes life-saving, tips necessary to survive the winter months in upstate New York. While many helpful hints are common sense, a little reminder is always beneficial.

The New York State Office of Emergency Management is a terrific resource for winter safety advice. The site, www.semo.state.ny.us, is filled with useful information like the difference between a winter storm warning, watch and advisory; steps to winterize your home, techniques to clear snow from your roof, and how to protect your water pipes from freezing.

The site also offers some important winter driving tips and what to do if you are trapped on the road during a blizzard:

Stay in your car and wait for help to find you;

Run your engine for short periods of time to stay warm. Keep your down-wind window open and make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow;

Turn on the dome light at night when you are running the engine to signal rescuers;

Hang a brightly colored piece of cloth or piece of clothing from your car;

Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

New York motorists have another excellent safety tool right at their fingertips. The state Department of Transportation recently upgraded its 511 New York system to include a new free mobile device application that provides New Yorkers with up-to-the-minute information regarding traffic, transit and emergency service notifications as well as weather advisories.

The 511NY mobile application is a free app that Blackberry, iPhone and Google Android mobile device users can download to easily access weather, transit and traffic conditions. The new services make real-time travel information, already available via phone and web through 511NY, more accessible to people as they are traveling. The new app as well as information on other free, personalized services can be found on-line at www.511ny.org.

One other specific cold weather concern is a power outage. Heavy snow can drop tree limbs on power lines, knocking out service for hours or even days. Ice storms can also wreak havoc. With that in mind, here are several suggestions from the New York State Public Service Commission to help ensure health and safety if you fall victim to a lengthy, unexpected power outage:

Stay warm by dressing in layers and minimizing your time outdoors;

Know the mental and physical signs of hypothermia (shivering, drowsiness) and how to treat it (wrap the person in warm clothing, move the individual to a warm location and seek medical attention);

Hang blankets over windows and doorways to insulate your home;

If you have a working fireplace, use it for heat or light, but be sure to keep the damper open for ventilation;

Open your faucets to a steady drip so pipes don’t freeze;

Stay nourished. Food provides needed energy and drinking helps you avoid dehydration;

Never use a charcoal grill inside or a gas stove for heat as they give off harmless levels of carbon monoxide;

If using a generator, place it outside for proper ventilation. Turn off the main electric breaker before using the generator to prevent electricity from traveling to otherwise de-energized electrical lines outside your house and possibly injuring repair crews;

Check on neighbors with special needs;

Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut to keep food from spoiling. If you use dry ice, handle it with gloves so it doesn’t damage your skin;

Turn off major appliances to prevent damage from a possible surge when the power is restored.

By keeping all of these thoughts in mind you can stay safe throughout the winter season.

Senator Seward’s office web site is www.senatorjimseward.com.

Follow Senator Seward at www.facebook.com/senatorjimseward.