With the expectation of Winter Storm Fern arriving Friday and lasting through this weekend with what the National Weather Service in Shreveport calls “heavy accumulations of mixed wintry precipitation” and below-freezing temperatures hitting Hempstead and Nevada County, both home and vehicle preparedness can reduce discomfort, prevent property damage, and secure safety. 

To receive warnings about conditions in Hempstead County, the Office of Emergency Management there recommends signing up for alerts to come to your phone on their Regroup website. Those already signed up for alerts on Code Red have had their information transferred to the Regroup service.

The following guidance is based on the consensus of advice from emergency management and insurance professionals.

Home Safety

Heating and Power

• Ensure all primary and backup heating systems are in safe working order before the storm arrives.
• If using space heaters, keep them at least three feet from combustible materials and never leave them unattended.
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms; winter storms increase the risk of CO exposure from alternative heating sources.
• If you have a generator, operate it outdoors only, well away from windows and vents.  Try it out several days before the storm is expected to give yourself time to make repairs.
• Charge up all weather radios.  Batteries for these should be replaced if they are over a year old.  

Pipes and Water

• Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls.
• Allow faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold to prevent freezing.
• Know how to shut off your home’s main water valve in case a pipe bursts.

Storm Supplies

• Keep at least several days’ worth of food, water, medications, and essential household items on hand.
• Have flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio available in case of power outages.
• Charge mobile devices and keep a backup power source if possible.

Structural and Exterior Issues

• Clear gutters and downspouts to reduce ice dams.
• Trim tree limbs that could fall under heavy ice or snow.
• Avoid climbing on roofs to remove snow or ice; use long-handled tools from the ground if necessary.

Vehicle and Travel Safety

Vehicle Readiness

• Check antifreeze levels, tire tread, and tire pressure; cold temperatures can reduce inflation.
• Keep the gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-up and to allow for extended idling if stranded.
• Ensure windshield wipers and washer fluid are rated for freezing temperatures.

Emergency Kit

• Carry blankets, gloves, hats, and extra warm clothing.
• Include food, water, a flashlight, jumper cables, a phone charger, and a first-aid kit.
• Add traction aids such as sand or kitty litter, and a small shovel if space permits.

Driving Practices

• Avoid travel during severe conditions unless absolutely necessary.
• Reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
• Be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses, which freeze first.

If You Become Stranded

• Stay with the vehicle unless help is clearly visible nearby.
• Run the engine intermittently for heat, ensuring the exhaust pipe is clear of snow.
• Use hazard lights or reflective markers to make the vehicle visible.

General Planning

• Monitor local forecasts and emergency advisories.
• Let family or friends know your plans if you must travel.
• Check on elderly neighbors or those with medical needs before and after the storm.

Preparing in advance and taking a conservative approach to travel and heating can significantly reduce the dangers associated with winter storms.

This article was written with assistance from ChatGPT.