Winter Weather Preparedness Tips From Paulding County

HIRAM, GA — Paulding County emergency officials are warning residents to take precautions to get ready for possibly hazardous winter weather.

Citing winter conditions like the "snowpocalypse" that ground transportation to a halt throughout metro Atlanta in 2014, officials noted that cold weather can be not just inconvenient, but dangerous.

"Winter Weather Preparedness Week is a great time to update plans for potential severe winter
weather hazards," said Joey Pelfrey, emergency management director for Paulding County. "Since winter weather in Paulding County can be unpredictable, we recommend everyone check readiness kits this week to
make sure everything is still working and useable."

Winter storms are “deceptive killers,” officials say, because most deaths are indirectly related to storms, according to the National Weather Service. Instead, people die because of events like traffic accidents on icy roads and hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold.

Winter Weather Preparedness Week, from December 5-9, was created to raise awareness of winter weather hazards and reinforce understanding of associated terminology.

Officials urge residents to prepare for severe weather and replenish supplies that they may need.

• Prepare a "ready kit" of emergency supplies for your home. Include at least a three-day supply

of non-perishable food, water, a flashlight with extra batteries, a NOAA Weather Radio, adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm, as well as additional supplies for the unique needs of your family, such as medication or pet supplies.

• Keep an extra ready kit in the trunk of your car. In addition to the basic essentials, consider adding a portable cell phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction and jumper cables.
• Create an emergency communications plan so family members will know who to contact if separated during a storm. Designate at least one out-of-town contact who all family members can call. Determine a way to let family and friends know you’re OK if the power goes out.
• Create a customized plan for your family using the Ready Georgia website or mobile app.
• Make sure you have a way to stay informed about winter weather. Purchase a NOAA weather radio or other battery-operated radio to monitor changing winter weather conditions. Download the Ready Georgia mobile app, which includes geo-targeted severe weather and emergency alerts that will notify your phones before disasters strike.
• Winterize your vehicle and keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent your fuel line from

freezing.

• Winterize your home by placing weather stripping around doors and windows. During cold weather, allow faucets to drip, and open cabinet doors to let heat reach uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
• Identify an alternate heat source, like a fireplace or wood-burning stove, and stock sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

Paulding County residents looking for more information on how to be informed, make a plan and

build a kit for winter weather can contact Paulding County EMA Coordinator Stephen Dooley at 678-383-3421 or visit Ready Georgia’s website.

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