Winter
Survival Guide
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In the Midwest and Plains,
storms tend to develop over southeast Colorado in the lee of the
Rockies. These storms move east or northeast and use both the southward
plunge of cold air from Canada and the northward flow of moisture
from the Gulf of Mexico to produce heavy snow and sometimes blizzard
conditions. Wind and cold sometimes combine to cause wind chill
temperatures as low as 50F below zero. The wind crosses the lakes,
tapping its moisture and forming snow squalls and narrow heavy snow
bands. This is called "lake-effect snow."
Storms with Strong Winds
Sometimes winter storms are accompanied by strong winds creating
blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow, severe drifting,
and dangerous wind chill. Strong winds with these intense storms
and cold fronts can knock down trees, utility poles, and power lines.
Storms near the coast can cause coastal flooding and beach erosion
as well as sink ships at sea.
Extreme Cold
Extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm or is left in its
wake. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia
and become life threatening. Infants and elderly people are most
susceptible. What constitutes extreme cold and its effect varies
across different areas of the United States. In areas of the South
unaccustomed to winter weather, freezing temperatures can cause
severe damage to citrus fruit crops and other vegetation. Pipes
may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without
heat. In the north, long cold spells can cause rivers to freeze,
disrupting shipping. Ice jams may form and lead to flooding.
Ice Jams
An ice jam can occur anytime from early winter to late spring in
Michigan, depending upon changes in temperatures that cause alternate
freezing and melting of water surfaces. The most likely times are
early winter before the surfaces are completely frozen and early
spring when the ice cover begins to break up due to melting. The
water held back can cause flooding upstream, and if the ice jam
suddenly breaks, flash flooding can then occur downstream as well.
Ice Storms
Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees, electrical wires,
telephone poles and lines, and communication towers. Communications
and power can be disrupted for days while utility companies work
to repair the extensive damage. Even small accumulations of ice
may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
Heavy Snow Storms
Heavy snow can immobilize a region and paralyze a city, stranding
commuters, stopping the flow of supplies, and disrupting emergency
and medical services. Accumulations of snow can collapse buildings
and knock down trees and power lines. In rural areas, homes and
farms may be isolated for days, and unprotected livestock may be
lost. The cost of snow removal, repairing damages, and loss of business
can have large economic impacts on cities and towns.
Sleet
Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground.
Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick
to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard
to motorists.
Freezing Rain
Rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing.
This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads,
forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice
can cause a significant hazard.
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Winter Storm Facts
What Makes a Winter Storm?
COLD AIR: below freezing temperatures in the clouds and near
the ground are necessary to make snow and/or ice.
MOISTURE: to form clouds
and precipitation. Air blowing across a body of water, such as a
large lake or the ocean, is an excellent source of moisture.
LIFT: something to raise
the moist air to form the clouds and cause
precipitation. An example of lift is warm air colliding with cold
air and being forced to rise over the cold dome. The boundary between
the warm and cold air masses is called a front. Another example
of lift is air flowing up a mountainside.
WINTER STORMS ARE CONSIDERED
DECEPTIVE KILLERS.....BECAUSE MOST
DEATHS ARE INDIRECTLY RELATED TO THE
STORM
People die in traffic accidents
on icy roads.
People die of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold.
Everyone is potentially at risk
during winter storms. The actual threat to you depends on your specific
situation. Recent observations indicate the following:
Related to ice and snow:
· About 70% occur in automobiles.
· About 25% are people caught out in the storm.
· Majority are males over 40 years old.
Related to exposure to cold:
· 50% are people over 60 years old.
· Over 75% are males.
· About 20% occur in the home.
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PREPARING FOR A WINTER
STORM
At home:
· Keep handy a battery-powered flashlight, radio, extra food
(canned or dried food is best) and bottled water.
· Make sure there are extra blankets and heavy clothes available.
· Be aware of potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards
if you plan to use an emergency heating source such as a fireplace,
wood stove or space heater.
In a vehicle:
· Have the following emergency supplies in your auto: shovel,
blankets, windshield scraper, container of sand, battery booster
cables, tow chain or rope, flashlight, batteryoperated radio, first-aid
kit and high energy snacks (i.e.: nuts, raisins).
Outside:
· Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing
a car, or walking in deep snow. Sweating could lead to chill and
hypothermia.
· Wear loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing in layers.
Wear wool hat and mittens.
· Keep your clothes dry. Change wet socks and clothing quickly
to prevent loss of body heat.
DURING A WINTER STORM
At home:
· To save heat, close off unneeded rooms , cover windows
at night and stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
· Maintain adequate food and water intake. Food provides
the body with energy for producing its own heat.
If stranded in a vehicle:
· Attach a cloth to your antenna to attract attention and
then remain in the vehicle.
· Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat. However,
open the window slightly for fresh air and make sure that the exhaust
pipe isn't blocked.
· Get attention by turning on the dome light and emergency
flashers when running the engine.
· Exercise by moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep
blood circulating and to keep warm.
If stranded outside:
· Try to stay dry and cover all exposed parts of the body.
· Prepare a windbreak or snow cave for protection from the
wind. Building a fire for heat and to attract attention.
· Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt
it first.
ANYTIME
Listen for NOAA Weather Radio or local radio, television and cable
stations for the latest updates on hazardous winter weather.
· To insure a continuous flow of weather information, make
sure the NOAA Weather Radio, or another radio or television has
a battery back up.
· For NOAA Weather Radio information, including a station
near you, see the NOAA Weather Radio page on the internet at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr
or contact your National Weather Service office.
For more information on winter
storms, see http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures.shtml
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Winter Hazards FAQs
On average, a major winter
storm hits part of Michigan at least once per month between October
and April. Since 1970, more than 50 persons have died as a direct
result of severe winter weather. This is in addition to victims
of auto accidents due to slippery roads and those who suffer heart
attacks while shoveling snow. The following are frequently asked
questions about winter weather.
1. What is wind chill?
Wind chill is the perceived temperature resulting from the effect
of wind, in combination with cold air, which increases the rate
of heat loss from the human body.
2. What is frostbile and
what can you do to treat it?
Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by that tissue being frozen.
Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance
in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of
the nose. Frostbite varies in severity from frostnip to deep frostbite,
depending on the length of exposure, temperature to which the skin
is exposed and wind speed. For frostnip, place firm, steady pressure
from a warm hand against the area. Also, blow on the surface holding
the frostnipped area against the body. Do not rub the area, apply
snow or plunge it into very hot or cold water. Victims of severe
frostbite must receive prompt medical attention.
3. What is hypothermia and what are the warning signs?
Hypothermia occurs when th body temperature drops to 95 degrees
F. or lower. It can develop whenever body heat loss exceeds heat
gain. Hypothermia is not exclusive to winter. It can occur during
the wind and rain of spring and summer. Hypothermia is often mistaken
for fatigue, irritability, or dehydration and may include some of
these signs: abnormal decision making; improper response to cold;
apathy, lethargy; decreased cooperation; slurred speech; disorientation;
shivering; stumbling; and stiffness progressing to inability to
move.
4. How do you treat hypothermia?
Mild to moderate hypothermia (body temperature greater than 90 degreeF.,
conscious, shivering, able to walk)
· Prevent further heat loss. Dry, remove from cold and insulate.
· Rewarm by warming the body core first. Rehydrate with warm
broth.
· Seek medical attention.
Severe hypothermia (body temperature less than 90 degree F., unconscious,
not shivering)
· Evacuate to rewarm.
· Prevent further heat loss.
· Seek immedicate medical attention.
5. What are the various winter weather warnings and advisories?
· A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather
conditions may affect your area.
· A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter conditions
are imminent.
· A winter storm warning for heavy snow indicates snowfalls
of at least 6 inches in 12 hours or 8 inches in a 24-hour period
are expected. In the Upper Peninsula, it indicates 8 or more inches
in 12 hours and 10 or more inches in a 24-hour period.
· Blizzard warnings are issued when sustained wind speeds
or frequent gusts of at least 35 miles per hour are accompanied
by considerable falling and/or blowing snow. Visibility is greatly
reduced during a blizzard.
· Snow advisories are issued when snowfalls of 4 to 5 inches
are expected in a 12-hour period for the average of the forecast
range. In the Upper Peninsula, it would result when 4 to 7 inches
of snow are anticipated in that same time period.
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Winter Weather
Definitions
The following are some definitions
of weather terms that sometimes appear in statements and forecasts
issued by the National Weather Service during adverse winter weather.
Advisory: Issued by the National Weather Service to indicate
that winter weather is expected to cause significant inconveniences
and could become hazardous. If precautions are taken, these situations
should not become life threatening. The greatest hazard is often
to motorists, so it normally is advisable to avoid unnecessary travel
or at least use extra caution and allow extra travel time.
Black Ice: Patches of solid clear ice that form on road surfaces
and typically appear darker than nearby dry surfaces. Black ice
often is a significant hazard to motorists.
Blizzard: A combination of wind and snow resulting in extremely
hazardous weather. Technically, a blizzard must have sustained winds
or frequent gusts over 35 mph and visibility frequently less than
1/4 mile in falling and/or blowing snow, along with life-threatening
wind chills. These conditions must prevail for three hours or more
before a winter storm becomes a blizzard.
Flurries: Light snow falling for short durations and resulting
in little or no accumulation.
Freezing Rain: Liquid rain that falls into a layer of sub-freezing
air near the ground, and therefore freezes on contact with objects
that have cooled to below freezing. If the layer of cold air near
the ground is deep enough or cold enough, the raindrops may freeze
into ice pellets or sleet before reaching the ground.
Graupel: Same as snow pellets.
Heavy Snow (accumulation) : Defined in Michigan as an accumulation
of 6 inches or more in 12 hours, or 8 inches or more in 24 hours
for lower Michigan, and 8 inches or more in 12 hours, or 10 inches
or more in 24 hours in for upper Michigan.
Heavy Snow (observations): Falling snow that reduces the
visibility to 1/4 mile or less.
Ice Pellets: Same as sleet.
Ice Storm: Heavy accumulations of ice resulting in significant
structural damage, including downed tree limbs and/or utility lines.
Significant disruption of travel can be expected.
Light Snow: In weather
observations this refers to falling snow in which visibility is
5/8 of a mile or more. In forecasts it refers to a relatively steady
fall of snow that generally results in light accumulations or none
at all.
Moderate Snow: In weather observations this refers to falling
snow that reduces the visibility to less than 5/8 of a mile but
more than 1/4 mile.
Sleet: Pellets of ice resulting from raindrops falling into
a layer of subfreezing air, and therefore freezing before reaching
the ground. If the raindrops do not freeze before reaching the ground,
they may freeze upon contact with the ground resulting in freezing
rain.
Snow Grains: These are small, white particles of ice. They are
similar to snow pellets except they are smaller and do not shatter
or bounce when they hit a hard surface.
Snow Pellets: Precipitation consisting of white, opaque particles
(unlike ice pellets or sleet, which normally are clear) that are
typically round or conical in shape. They often resemble miniature
snowballs, and unlike snow grains will normally bounce or break
up when they fall on a hard surface. Also sometimes called graupel
or tapioca snow.
Wind Chill: A measure of the combined effects of cold air
and wind on exposed skin. As wind increases, heat is carried away
from the body at a faster rate making it feel even colder. The wind
chill temperature is the same as the air temperature as long as
the wind speed is 3 mph or less. Otherwise, it is less than the
air temperature.
Winter Storm Warning: Issued by the National Weather Service
to indicate that hazardous and life-threatening winter weather,
such as heavy snow or an ice storm, either is occurring, will soon
begin, or has a very high probability of occurrence. Stay indoors
unless absolutely necessary to go outside.
Winter Storm Watch: Issued by the National Weather Service to
indicate that the risk of hazardous and life-threatening winter
weather has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location,
or timing are still uncertain. Begin preparations and listen for
further information.
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In order for your body to work
properly, its temperature needs to be around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
If cold causes your body temperature to drop below 95 degrees, your
heart begins to slow, your body becomes weak and your mind becomes
confused. This could place you in a life-threatening situation.
That is why you should understand the hazards of wind chill.
The NWS is planning to implement a replacement Wind Chill Temperature
(WCT) index for the 2001/2002 winter season. The reason for the
change is to improve upon the current WCT Index used by the NWS
and the Meteorological Services of Canada. The new WCT index will:
· Use wind speed calculated at the average height (5 feet)
of the human body's face instead of 33 feet (the standard anemometer
height)
· Be based on a human face model
· Incorporate modern heat transfer theory (heat loss from
the body to its surroundings, during cold and breezy/windy days)
· Use a consistent standard for skin tissue resistance
For example: Assuming an air
temperature of 5 degrees and a wind of 30 mph.
Old WCT = -41 New WCT = -18
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Average Snowfall Deapth
As a result of being surrounded
by the Great Lakes, Michigan experiences large differences in snowfall
in relatively short distances. The annual mean accumulation ranges
from 30 to 170 inches of snow. The highest accumulations are in
the northern and western parts of the Upper Peninsula. In Lower
Michigan, the highest snowfall accumulations occur near Lake Michigan
and in the higher elevations of the northern Lower Michigan.
The snowfall map shows that the western Upper Peninsula experiences
the most snowstorms in Michigan each year. The western half of the
Lower Peninsula also experiences a relatively large number of snowstorms.
One reason for this is the "lake effect" process. Cold
winter air moving across Lake Michigan and Lake Superior picks up
moisture from the warmer lake waters, resulting in significant snowfall
amounts in the western part of the state.
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Ice Jams/Flooding
1. What is an ice jam?
Pieces of floating ice carried with a stream's current can accumulate
at any obstruction to the stream flow. These ice jams can develop
near river bends, mouths of tributaries, points where the river
slope decreases, downstream of dams and upstream of bridges or
obstructions. The water held back can cause flooding upstream,
and if the obstruction suddenly breaks, flash flooding can then
occur downstream as well.
2. When is an ice jam likely to occur?
An ice jam can occur anytime from early winter to late spring
in Michigan, depending upon changes in temperatures that cause
alternate freezing and melting of water surfaces. The most likely
times are early winter before the surfaces are completely frozen
and early spring when the ice cover begins to break up due to
melting.
3. What effect does snow have on flooding potential?
When the snow melts, it adds water to the ground that drains away
in the same way as water from rainfall. On average, one inch of
fresh snowfall contains about a tenth of an inch of water. However,
as snow accumulates and becomes compacted during the winter, the
ratio of snow to water decreases. Thus, ten inches of snow remaining
on the ground into early spring may contain as much as five inches
of water.
4. How fast do the snow and ice melt?
Three days with the maximum temperature of about 50 degrees would
create enough melting to cause ice breakup on small streams. That
amount of warming would also melt two inches of snow.
5. What happens when rain falls on top of snow?
Air temperature is still the most important factor in melting
snow. Rain will usually not add much heat to the process. At 40
degrees, one inch of rain will only produce a tenth of an inch
of added water from snow melt. At the same time, frozen ground
will result in more of the available water running off directly
to streams.
6. What is a Hydrologic Outlook?
A Hydrologic Outlook provides information on hydrometeorological
conditions that could cause flooding or impact water supply. This
product will typically be issued if precipitation forecasts and/or
snowmelt potential indicate the possibility of flooding beyond
36 hours. The Hydrologic Outlook for the spring snowmelt flood
potential defines the flood potential from snowmelt based on normal
precipitation and rate of melt projected through the normal snowmelt
period. If the actual conditions bring more rapid melt or heavier
rains than normal, or if ice jams occur, the flood threat would
increase substantially. On the other hand, a gradual or intermittent
melt, with minimal additional precipitation, would decrease the
flood threat.
Outlooks are based on calculation of existing conditions (snow
cover, soil conditions, and stream flow) together with predicted
future weather conditions. Normal precipitation and snowmelt rates
for the future period are presumed in making these projections.
An earlier melt than expected may reduce flood potential. Alternatively,
if snow persists into late March, the flood potential increases.
The river crest stage values given in the outlooks are only an
indication of potential stream crests rather than specific forecasts.
An increase in the potential can be expected if above normal precipitation
and/or rapid melting develops. Likewise, the potential will decrease
if below normal precipitation and/or more gradual melting occurs.
The main factors contributing
to spring snowmelt flooding are:
· High soil moisture in the fall
· Significant frost in the ground
· High water content of existing snow cover
· Rapid, continuous melting
· Moderate to heavy rain during melting
· Ice jams
Flood Potential Categories (assume normal precipitation and melt
rates):
Low snowmelt flood potential
- A general term indicating minimal or no property damage
but possibly some public inconvenience.
Moderate snowmelt flood potential - The inundation of secondary
roads; transfer to higher elevation necessary to save property,
some evacuation may be required.
Major snowmelt flood potential - A general term including
extensive inundation and property damage (usually characterized
by the evacuation of people and livestock and the closure of both
primary and secondary roads).
Severe snowmelt flood potential - Large-scale inundation,
requiring substantial resources from outside the local communities;
record or near record flooding.
7. When are these outlooks
issued?
The 2002 Hydrologic Outlooks for the Spring snowmelt flood potential
are tentatively scheduled to be issued February 22 and March 22.
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Preventing Frozen Pipes
YOU CAN PREVENT FROZEN
PIPES
Frozen pipes aren't just an inconvenience. An average of a quarter-million
families have their homes damaged and their lives disrupted each
winter…all because of water pipes that freeze.
An eighth-inch (three millimeter) crack in a pipe can spew up
to 250 gallons (946 liters) of water a day, wrecking floors, furniture,
and personal property. Both plastic (PVC) and copper pipes may
burst.
Before the Cold Hits…
INSULATE pipes in crawl spaces and attics. These exposed
pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember: The more insulation
you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
HEAT TAPE or thermostatically-controlled heat cables can
be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an
independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories,
Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely
follow all manufacturer's installation and operating instructions.
SEAL leaks that allow cold air inside, near where pipes
are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer
vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out
and the heat in. With severe wind chill, a tiny opening can let
in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
DISCONNECT garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor
valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside
faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span
of pipe just inside the house.
When the Mercury drops…
A TRICKLE of hot and cold water might be all it takes to
keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight,
preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
OPEN cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated
pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
If you're away…
SET the thermostat no lower than 55 (12 degrees Celsius).
ASK a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make
sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing, or…
SHUT OFF and drain the water system. Be aware that if you
have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it will
be deactivated when you shut off the water.
If your pipes freeze…
DON'T TAKE CHANCES. If you turn on your faucets and nothing
comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If
you detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, turn off
the water at the main shut-off valve in the house; leave the water
faucets turned on. (Make sure everyone in your family knows where
the water shut-off valve is and how to open and close it.)
NEVER try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame.
Water damage is preferable to fire damage. You may be able to
thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start
by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working
toward the coldest section of pipe.
DO NOT use electrical appliances in areas of standing water
because you could be electrocuted.
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Preventing Roof
Ice Dams
Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams are most common in northern climates. They occur when
heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes when
temperatures drop overnight.
After several days of melting-freezing cycles, it's common for
the melted water and ice to work up under the shingles until water
enters the attic and eventually does damage to the ceilings, wall
and contents. In cases where the ice dam goes unnoticed for an
extended period of time, it can do significant damage to the building
and its contents.
There's no way to guarantee an ice dam won't damage your home,
but you can take steps to cut the chances of an ice dam forming
in the first place:
· If you haven't already,
thoroughly clean all leaves, sticks and other debris from your
home's gutters and down spouts. This lets melting roof snow flow
into gutters and through down spouts, just as they were designed.
· Make every effort to keep snow on your roof to a minimum.
Long-handled devices on the market called "roof rakes"
let you stand on the ground and pull the snow off the roof. Keeping
heavy snow loads off your roof reduces the chances for both ice
dam formation and roof failure due to the weight.
· All winter long, keep gutters and down spouts clear of
snow and icicles.
· Evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic.
Most experts agree the R-value of attic insulation should be at
least R-30 (R-38 is preferable in northern climates). In addition,
good airflow from under the eaves or soffit area along the underside
of the roof and out through the roof vents is essential. The insulation
prevents heat loss from the interior of the home. The venting
allows the attic air to stay cold enough to prevent or minimize
the freeze/thaw cycle on the roof. Consult a reputable roofing
and/or insulation contractor about these improvements.
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Woodburning Stove Safety
Tips
Guide to Woodburners
Woodburners have become the largest source of heating related
fires in U.S. homes today. Some major causes of woodburning related
fires are:
1. Excessive creosote buildup in the chimney. Creosote is a black
substance that resembles a tarlike liquid or small black flakes.
Creosote burns easily.
2. Inadequate clearances from the unit to combustibles, such as
walls, ceilings, floors and furniture.
3. An improperly installed or poorly maintained chimney.
4. Improper installation and maintenance of the appliance.
Placement of the Woodburner
Proper placement of the woodburner is critical. All woodburners
must be installed to comply with local fire/building codes and
manufacturer’s specifications. Woodburners must be placed away
from combustibles to reduce the chance of a fire.
Chimneys
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 45,000
chimney fires occur each year. These fires are often a result
of poor maintenance and inadequate cleaning of the chimney.
All chimneys require special care so smoke and flue gases are
properly vented. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned before
each heating season. Masonry chimneys should have a flue liner
to help reduce the possibility of the masonry absorbing the creosote.
If your flue liner is damaged or cracked, this could increase
the chance of a chimney fire.
Multiple Venting
Only one woodburner or heater should be vented into a single flue.
If a woodburner is connected to a flue already used by another
heater, serious problems may arise.
Conclusion
Woodburning units must be used carefully. Some basic precautions
you should follow when using your unit include:
1. Read the instruction manual that came with your woodburner.
If you do not have one, call the manufacturer for a copy.
2. Never use any type of flammable or combustible liquid to start
a fire. This includes gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid and other
flammable liquids.
3. Do not burn plastics, garbage, wood that has been treated with
a preservative, paint or other chemical.
4. Children should be taught not to touch or play around the stove.
5. Burn wood in your unit according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
6. When cleaning ashes out of the unit, put them in a metal container
that has a metal lid. Place the container on a concrete floor
or other non-combustible surface, away from other combustible
materials outside your home. Do not place the ashes in a paper
sack or cardboard box; there may still be a hot ember that could
ignite the container. Embers may stay hot for several days.
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Michigan Winters...And You
A motorists guide from the Genesee County Road Commission
Winter in Michigan is a special season, a time
when our state's great beauty is enhanced by nature's handiwork.
But winter also presents special problems for motorists. At the
Genesee County Road Commission, we want to help make your winter
driving safer and more enjoyable while giving you information
and tips that will help us serve you better. Like most government
agencies, funding remains a concern for us. In recent years, America
has responded to the energy crunch with greater awareness and
a demand for lighter, more fuel-efficient cars. In doing so, fuel
consumption has declined significantly, thus conserving a valuable
resource. At the Road Commission, we endorse your energy-saving
efforts. But, since the funds we receive depend on fuel and weight
tax dollars, reductions in either means we must do more with less.
You can play a part in helping us meet our responsibilities for
maintenance, construction and snow removal by using tips offered
in this guide.
How we do it…
The Genesee County Road Commission is responsible
for clearing 411 miles of state trunklines, 478 miles of county
primary roads, 289 miles or paved county local roads and 346 miles
of gravel county roads. Critical routes and those that handle
high traffic volumes are given first attention. Only after those
routes are judged to be safe and passable are subdivision streets
plowed. These streets make up the remaining 459 miles.
PRIORITIES:
First Priority - Expressways, State trunklines. (I-75,
US-23, I-69, I-475, M-57, M-21, M-15, M-13)
Second Priority - County primary roads. (Miller, Hill,
Linden, and Center Roads)
Third Priority - Local section line-paved roads. (Wilson,
Vassar and Maple Roads)
Fourth Priority - Local section line-gravel. (Moorish,
Webster, Duffield)
Fifth Priority - Subdivision streets. (Residential areas,
local access)
…and how you can help
- Children should NEVER be allowed to play in plowed snow banks.
- When shoveling or plowing driveways, DO NOT plow snow into
the roadway. Not only is this a traffic hazard, it is illegal.
- Always pile snow on the right side of the driveway (as you
face the street). Plows will then push snow away from the driveway
entrance as they pass by.
- Place garbage in your driveway so as our plow operators pass
by, they won't scatter garbage over your yard.
- If a heavy storm is approaching, remove all vehicles from
the streets before they are snowed in. This will allow for faster,
safer street clearing.
- Our plow operators make every effort to plow close enough
to mail boxes so that postal carriers have access to them. This
occasionally results in damage to the boxes. It is, however,
the property owner's responsibility to keep the mailbox approach
clear.
- In most cases, the Road Commission does not assume responsibility
for clearing roadways within the limits of incorporated cities
and villages. However, inside the City of Burton, the Road Commission
is responsible for all county primary roads.
Winter Roads Require Special Care
Winter does more damage to our roads than any other
single force. In fact, 30 percent of the Road Commission budget
is used for winter maintenance and to repair the effects of winter's
ravages. There are nearly 1,600 miles of roads in Genesee County,
which take about five days to plow under normal conditions. Plowing
both sides of the county's roads is an enormous job, roughly equivalent
to plowing a road from Flint to Key West, Florida, and back. Our
general procedure is to salt until snow accumulates then plow.
Sometimes salting and plowing are done at the same time. Salt
is the fastest, safest method for clearing roads because by melting
ice and snow, the water can run off. However, when temperatures
reach 10 degrees or lower, even salt is ineffective, so drivers
must be extra cautious. Critical and priority routes are re-salted
as necessary as are bridges, curves, hills, overpasses and intersections.
Because salt does not work on gravel roads, limited amounts of
sand and slag are used on hills, curves, and stopping areas. These
materials do not melt snow, but only provide temporary traction.
Your Road Commission is Ready…are you?
There are times when nature's unpredictable ways
overwhelm our best-laid plans and tax our resources to the fullest.
Like all Road Commissions, limited resources prevent us from maintaining
staff and equipment at such a level that we are immediately prepared
for the worst storms. Your best protection is to stay tuned into
local radio and TV stations for updates on road conditions.
The Genesee County Road Commission prepares for winter with the
following:
- A five-day salt supply is kept on hand with additional salt
delivered daily as the supply is depleted.
- We monitor weather changes with advance alert capability.
- We have 17 road graders, 67 plow trucks with salt spreaders
and 8 one-ton trucks equipped for plowing.
- Starting in December, a second-shift crew is added for the
worst of the winter season.
Tips for Safe Winter Driving
- Slow down and stay alert. Remain far enough behind the vehicle
ahead so you can stop safely.
- Start and stop slowly and evenly. Avoid jamming on the brakes.
Instead, pump the pedal softly.
- To use anti-lock, don't pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down and let anti-lock work for you. You may hear a motor
clicking noise during a hard stop, but this is normal.
- Avoid sharp turns on slick surfaces. In a skid, release the
accelerator and turn the front wheels in the direction you want
to go. Do not brake. Front wheel drive vehicles handle differently
on ice and snow than rear wheel drives.
- Beware of icy surfaces in shady spots, at intersections,
on curves and hills and on or under bridges.
- Keep your vehicles properly tuned and winterized. Make sure
the fuel tank is at least half full, tires are in good shape,
exhaust system is in good repair and sufficient coolant is in
the radiator.
- If your car becomes disabled, it is usually best to stay
with it until help arrives. Get it off the roadway quickly,
use motor heater sparingly and signal distress with a cloth,
mirror or flashlight. If you must abandon it, leave a note on
the windshield as to where you are going.
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