Weather Advice from the City of Haleyville

By HBTV
Thursday, January 30, 2014 | 1:01 PM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=1957

The City of Haleyville monitors several weather outlets on a daily basis, however we are not weathermen, an unexpected weather event can occur at any time as what happened recently in Birmingham. Our main goal is the safety of our citizens but we have limited capabilities to utilize during inclement weather. We will do our best to keep everyone informed during periods of severe weather. Please monitor the radio for information.

The following information is a guideline that you may use to ensure your safety.

Keep your vehicles filled with fuel. Keep a blanket or extra clothing in your vehicle. Have a flashlight, first aid kit and ice scraper in your vehicle. It is also necessary to keep snacks and bottled water in your vehicle. Keep your cell phone charged, but avoid unnecessary calls that will overload cell towers.

Keep flashlights and extra batteries at home in case of a power outage. 

Get all medication refilled before the chance of a winter event. If there is a loss of power be prepared to move to a warm up shelter.

Winter is an especially important time to keep an eye on seniors to make sure they are living as safely as possible. In addition to cold weather, ice and snow, the winter season can bring health problems and injury to senior citizens. That’s why it’s important for relatives and friends to check in with their older adult family members, friends and neighbors. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Falls are a concern for seniors. Putting road salt, cat litter or sand on sidewalks, steps and driveways will make these areas as slip-free as possible. Seniors should also wear boots with non-skid soles to make a fall less likely to occur. Older adults, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure should leave snow shoveling to others.  
• Cold temperatures make senior citizens susceptible to hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature.  Older adults tend to produce less body heat than younger people and it’s hard for them to tell when the temperature is too low. Learn the warning signs of this weather related illness and how to prevent it. 
• Keep indoor temperatures no lower than 55 degrees. If going outdoors is necessary, dress in layers to stay warm. Wearing two or three thin layers of loose-fitting clothing is warmer than a single layer of thick clothing.  

It’s a good idea to check on elderly loved ones regularly or, if you live out of town, make arrangements for neighbors to check in and provide their number to call in an emergency. With your help, older adults can enjoy the winter months safely.

Water is an essential element for survival and a necessary item in an emergency supplies kit. Following a disaster, clean drinking water may not be available. Your regular water source could be cut-off or compromised through contamination or loss of power. Prepare yourself by building a supply of water that will meet you and your family’s needs during an emergency.

You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Keep in mind however, individual needs may vary depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate.

To determine your water needs, take the following into account:

• One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
• Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water.
• A medical emergency might require additional water.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

The City of Haleyville will take all precautions necessary to keep you safe and advised of weather conditions.