Winter Storm Surveillance in Alabama: How to Prepare for Snow and Frost

The north and parts of central Alabama are subject to a winter watch as snow is expected to enter the state Monday through Tuesday.

All snow will be followed by brutally cold temperatures. Wednesday morning temperatures in the state are expected to be between 20 and 20 years. Temperatures will reach above the freezing point late Wednesday morning or early afternoon, but there could be pockets where they will remain below the freezing point all day in the far north from Alabama, according to the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.

You can see the specific forecasts here. Snow and frost can cause health and safety problems. Here are some tips to prepare yourself through EMA:

• Prepare your home to withstand the cold through insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn to prevent pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors with backup batteries.
• Refuel in your car before the cold weather.
• Watch out for weather reports and freeze and winter storm warnings. Sign up for the alert system in your community. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Emergency Alarm System (EAS) and Weather Radio also issue emergency alerts. Battery operated devices are preferable in the event of a power failure.
• Experts do not predict major snow in this location, but it is always good to collect supplies in case you have to stay home for several days without electricity. Do not forget the specific needs of each person, including medications. Do not forget the needs of pets. Bring extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
• Avoid traveling if possible
• Create a backup power kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, flashlight, warm clothing, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep the fuel tank full.
• Discover the basic signs and basic treatments for frostbite and hypothermia. You can see them here.
• Find out about neighbors and make sure pets have a warm and secure place.
• If you have to go outside in cold weather, get together and limit your time. Dress in layers and cover your hands and face.
• Use fireplaces, wood burning stoves or other combustion heaters only if they are properly ventilated to the outside and avoid any flue gas leak in the indoor air. Only use the type of fuel your heater is designed to use – do not replace it.

Freezing Temperatures: How many faucets do you have to leave during the rain?