If you have been bemoaning the cold and snowy weather much of the nation has been experiencing since Christmas, get ready, because it could get worse. According to Accuweather.com, the end of January may see brutal cold hit the United States thanks to something known as "sudden stratospheric warming."
Accuweather.com explains this phenomenon as a warm up of the stratosphere (the air layer that is between 6 and 30 miles above the surface of the Earth) that causes cold air to be pushed downward. What does this mean? Accuweather.com projects that this event will cause bitterly cold air and temperatures to move downward across much of the U.S. during the third week of January.
What should you do to prepare for these frigid temperatures?
- Fill up on heating fuel or firewood now and make sure you have backup heat just in case.
- Stock up on food and bottled water.
- Stock up on ice melt salt and window de-icer and make sure you know where your window scrapers are located.
- Fill up your vehicle's gas tanks before the cold snap hits and make sure your vehicle is stocked with emergency supplies.
- Gather extra hats, gloves, and scarves. Also gather extra blankets for warmth in your home.
- Double check your flashlight and battery supply in case of a power outage.
- Don't forget your outside pets and livestock. Add extra straw for bedding and make sure the animal housing is secure and can protect your pet. Remember that during a cold snap, you will need to check water more frequently as it will freeze quickly during frigid temperatures. Give outside pets extra food to help them stay warm during cold weather. Bring pets inside if temperatures and conditions get too bad.
Plan ahead now and be ready no matter what kind of weather is coming.
Contact Emergency Preparedness Examiner Tammy Lee Morris at tammyleemorris@gmail.com.
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