Extreme cold and ice makes being prepared essential. Measures you can take

Winter weather risks, including extreme cold and ice

Meteorologists predict this could be the coldest January on record in the US since 2011, with round after round of Arctic air pushing into the area beyond the middle of the month. A persistent pattern of cold air from Canada flowing into US shows no sign of warmer air in the near future, according to AccuWeather.

Senior Director of Forecast Operations Dan DePodwin at AccuWeather’s Global Forecast Center discussed winter weather risks across the US, including cold temperatures and snow, during a Friday media briefing. DePodwin warned of dangerous temperatures in the single digits, advising people to dress properly for outdoor activities.

“Through the weekend, we’ll see that cold start to surge south, well below historical average, 12-25 degrees,” said DePodwin.

Potential winter weather impacts includes ice, power outages, and cold temperatures. Power outage risk increases Sunday night into Monday due to expected ice, with temperatures to just below freezing during and after the storm during the day and in the teens at night.

AccuWeather real feel temperatures will be in the single digits, said DePodwin. If you’re outside for more than 15 minutes, make sure you’re properly dressed.

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Preparedness measures you can take ahead of the winter storm

Ice accumulation is possible Sunday night lasting through Monday. Ice can easily bring down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages.

Given the prolonged cold temperatures expected after the storm could mean outages last for an extended period, making preparedness critical.

• Charge devices, fill up vehicles and stock up on food and water before the storm hits in case power is lost for an extended period.

• Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may be at a higher risk during a prolonged power outage and cold weather.

• Use sand, gravel, or salt on sidewalks and driveways to prevents slips and accidents.

• Insulate doors and windows and drafty areas in your home.

• Allow faucets to drip cold water to avoid pipes freezing. Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage. “Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing,” advises the American Red Cross. “Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.”

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends stockpiling at least a three day supply of water and nonperishable food.

• Use surge protectors or unplug electronics if the power goes out.

How to layer your clothing during cold, winter weather

To understand layering your clothing for outdoor activities, REI Co-op explains the function of each layer:

1. Base layer (underwear layer): wicks sweat off your skin so you don’t become chilled. Avoid fabrics that stay wet, such as cotton.

2. Middle layer (insulating layer): retains body heat to protect you from the cold

3. Outer layer (shell layer): shields you from wind and rain

“This tried-and-true strategy lets you regulate comfort by slipping layers on and off as your activity level or the weather changes,” according to REI’s expert advice on layering basics.

Cold-weather layers:

“Midweight polyester long underwear top and bottom; a jacket with down or synthetic insulation; midweight fleece pants; waterproof/breathable rain jacket and pants,” are the cold-weather layers according to REI.

Don’t forget to put on a hat and scarf. One fifth of our body heat escapes through our head, according to Healthline.

“Loosely wrap a scarf around your nose and mouth to warm the air before it enters your lungs,” the American Lung Association recommends in an AccuWeather article on hacks to stay warm in cold weather. “Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.”

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Cold weather safety tips for pets

To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s health, here are 10 cold weather safety tips from the experts at the ASPCA.

1. Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside.

2. Keep your home humidified and be sure to towel dry your pet as soon as they come inside.

3. Massage petroleum jelly or other vet-approved paw protectants into paw pads before going outside to protect from salt and chemical agents.

4. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter.

5. After each walk, make sure to wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals.

6. Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells.

7. Thoroughly clean up any antifreeze spills.

8. Feed your pet a little extra in the winter months.

9. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts.

10. Never let your dog off leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm.

Cold weather shelters and how to check or report power outages

• Check or report an outage or emergency to Dominion Energy: click here

• Check or report an outage or emergency to Shenandoah Valley Electric: click here

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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Extreme cold and ice makes being prepared essential. Here’s how

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