Rep. David Scribner on Preparing for Winter Weather

HARTFORD – Rep. David Scribner (R-107) today advised constituents to take caution when preparing for the winter storm that is expected to begin today and last through tomorrow morning for the Hartford and Litchfield counties.

According to NBC Connecticut, the National Weather Service predicts that the storm will quickly intensify and accumulate up to 10 inches of snow in the north and west, with the areas just south of the Interstate 84 corridor getting 3 to 6 inches. The southeastern tip of the state and the shoreline should see approximately 1 to 3 inches. It appears that we should only see fair and chilly weather for Thanksgiving Day, but as most travel will be taking place tomorrow, Rep. Scribner wants to make sure all residents are prepared for getting their families safely to holiday destinations this year.

To prepare for tomorrow, as well as the remainder of the winter, please be sure to check the temperature and wind chills as well as Warnings, Advisories and Watches issued by the National Weather Service.

You can Check CT road conditions with the Department of Transportation or call CONNDOT’s Operations Center phone line at 1-800-443-6817 while a storm is in progress for information on state highway conditions.

The CT Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection provides a glossary of Winter Weather Terms to help get the most out of weather advisories, as well as the following life-saving tips on how to prepare yourself, your home, and your car for winter weather:

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
  
• Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Also learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
• Clear car windows, hood and roof before starting to drive. Also maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
• Travel on main routes. The most traveled roadways are usually cleared and sanded first.
• Ride together to work -- in a carpool or vanpool or, if possible, take the bus or train. Leave the car at home or at a CONNDOT Park & Ride Lot.
• Try to avoid travel during rush hours and always assume road conditions are worse than they are and allow additional travel time.
• Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes: a shovel, windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hats, socks and mittens, blanket(s), first aid kit with pocket knife, necessary medications, tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares, and fluorescent distress flag.
• Make sure your cell phone is charged and you have the number of any roadside assistance company you might use.