Following the recent cold snap, West Texans are reminded that despite often mild temperatures, winter is coming and they should be prepared.
West Texas winter survival focuses on preparing for sudden cold snaps, power outages, and icy roads by having emergency kits at home and in vehicles if traveling.
If not already done, homes should be winterized. The process includes weatherstripping doors and window, insulating pipes and possibly covering drafty windows with plastic. Also, disconnecting outdoor hoses, insulating outdoor faucets to prevent freezing of water pipes and knowing how to shut off water valves is important in the event a pipe bursts.
Emergency power sources such as flashlights, batteries, a batter/solar radio and candles (used with caution) can be key in a power outage, as well as generators which should be kept outdoors.
Emergency kits should contain three days of water drinking water and nonperishable food. For warmth when a power outage occurs, blankets, sleeping bags, gloves, hats, scarves and extra clothing are essential (layers are key). Loose layers of clothing are warmer.
Recognizing the symptoms of hypothermia is valuable, like confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and shivering. If hypothermia is suspected, immediate removal from cold, removing wet clothes, and gentle, gradual warming of the body’ s core using warm blankets alongside warm, sweet drinks for the conscious; professional medical help (calling 911) is crucial, with severe cases.
Whether at home and even traveling in a car, there should be a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, multitool knife, manual can opener and phone charger. Car kits should also have road flares and reflectors, shovel, kitty litter for traction and jumper cables.
When traveling in winter, it is important to stay informed and monitor local weather and emergency alerts. If driving in winter conditions, allow extra time and space on potentially icy roads and make sure the gas tank is at least half full. It is also critical to check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, windshield wipers and the heater and defroster before freezing weather hits.
It is also very important to have extra prescription medications on hand in the event travel is too dangerous or roads are closed.
Don’t forget pets – bring them inside and make sure they are protected from winter weather and temperatures. Limit outdoor time, and ensure they have warm, draft-free shelters if outside, with raised floors and straw/blankets, and protect paws from ice and salt with booties or petroleum jelly, wipe them clean after walks, and provide fresh, unfrozen water, adjusting diet if needed for more calories. Also, beware of anti-freeze, keep pets away from frozen water, and never leave them in a cold car.