Icepocalypse Now
A winter storm is on the way, and it's armed with rain, ice, and snow. For those of us along the Ohio River, it looks like we're going to be getting anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch or more of ice! Here's how to prepare your landscape and your home for the incoming icepocalypse.
Trees
Trees are perhaps one of the biggest dangers during an ice storm. Falling limbs can take out utility lines and damage cars and homes. Before the ice, do a quick survey of your property. Are there any problem limbs you can safely prune before the storm?
Also, keep in mind that soft woods are more likely to break. Trees like sweet gum, willow, poplars, and Bradford pears are very susceptible to breaking. (However, would you really miss a Bradford Pear?) You might be tempted to try to prop up sagging branches or break off the ice, but this can actually do more damage.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide can even be a danger while the power is still on during an ice storm. Ice can easily block exhaust vents. Know where the vents are on the outside of the home for any natural gas or propane appliances. Also, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries.
Prepare for Power Outages
Before the power goes out, make sure your phone and other electronics batteries are charged, and you have a stockpile of batteries for flashlights. Candles, lanterns, nonperishable food, water, and more are great items to keep a supply of too. Ready.gov recommends a three day supply of essentials per person in your household for emergencies.
If you use a gas-powered portable generator, be sure to have it at least 15 feet from your house for proper ventilation. Never connect a generator directly to an outlet to back feed into your breaker panel. Only a licensed electrician should setup such system using an automatic transfer switch, physical disconnect, or other approved device that will disconnect the connection to utility lines. A failure to disconnect the home from your normal power source can send power back into utility company lines creating a hazardous situation for utility workers.
Digging Out
After the storm, digging out can be a challenge when dealing with ice. Since it can't be shoveled, using sand mixed with salt will work best to provide grip on sidewalks. Remember to watch out for tree limbs that could fall, especially if it is windy. Also, treat any downed utility lines as live wires just to be safe.
Ice storms are one of the most destructive types of winter weather in our region, and they also take the longest to fully recover from. Right now line crews are getting ready for the storm. Just remember to be patient, stay warm, and stay safe.
