Looks like old man winter, is casting his ownership of the weather, and using artic winds, and snow storms to remind us that, this is indeed the winter season.
Wintertime brings with it snowboarding, skiing, snowball fights and sledging.
It also brings with it death to elders, babies, both inside and outside the house.
Wintertime is far worst then summertime, because in the summer the sun burns and makes you react. You must act, in order for the burning sensation to stop.
However extreme cold takes away your will to survive!!!
Only 4 degrees separates us from life and death.
Home Winterization Checklist
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
• Insulate any water lines that run along outer walls, with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. (water will be less likely to freeze).
• Service snow-removal equipment.
• Have chimney and flue inspected.
• Install easy-to-read outdoor thermometer.
• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment.
• Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
Winter Deaths
Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. The actual threat to you depends on your specific situation. Recent observations indicate the following:
• Deaths related to ice and snow:
• About 70% occur in automobiles.
• About 25% are people caught out in the storm.
• Deaths related to exposure to the cold:
• 50% are people over 60 years old.
• Over 75% are males.
• About 20% occur in the home.
When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. Extremely cold temperatures often accompany a winter storm, so you may have to cope with power failures and icy roads. Although staying indoors as much as possible can help reduce the risk of car crashes and falls on the ice, you may also face indoor hazards. Many homes will be too cold—either due to a power failure or because the heating system isn’t adequate for the weather. When people must use space heaters and fireplaces to stay warm, the risk of household fires increases, as well as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Winter Terms.
Being Familiar with terminology used by the Weather Service will help you know what to expect when weather warnings are issued.
Freezing Rain. Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines. Outside temps are below the freezing mark of 32 degrees. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.
Ice Storm. When a substantial Icy glaze layer accumulates. In some regions of the country, Ice storms are called "silver thaws" or "silver frosts".
Sleet. Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery. 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.
These are weather hazards associated with freezing or frozen precipitation (freezing rain, sleet, snow) or combined effects of winter precipitation and strong winds.
BLOWING SNOW.
Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility. Blowing snow may be falling snow and/or snow on the ground picked up by the wind.
SNOW SQUALLS.
Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant.
SNOW SHOWERS.
Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.
Winter regions
The type of winter season that you experience, depends heavily on the region you live. Each winter region in the United States, experiences winter differently. Where below zero is cold in Chicago, below freezing is cold in Florida.
Let take a look at the different region that we live in.