An INDOT snow plow moves snow on Feb. 1, 2021 along U.S. 31 in Franklin.
DAILY JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
Temperatures are dropping and the chances of snowfall, and snow storms, are increasing.
Our first snow chances of the season are this weekend, and temperatures will likely drop below freezing. Winter is coming, and it’s important to be prepared, experts say.
There is a 20% chance of rain and snow showers with highs in the lower 40s and lows in the lower 30s on Saturday, and a 40% chance of rain and snow with highs in the mid-40s and lows in the upper 20s on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds to an area for a few hours or for several days. They can also cut off heat, power and communication altogether, putting older adults, children and those who are sick or vulnerable at greater risk. Winter storms also increase the potential for car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, heart attacks and carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Ready.gov, a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies.
With winter fast approaching, Johnson County residents should take steps to prepare for the hazards that come with it.
Meteorologists expect this winter to be similar to last year’s, with higher than normal temperatures and precipitation, said Sam Lashley, warnings coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center said in October there is a 33 to 50% chance of Indiana having above average temperatures this winter, depending on the region of the state.
Average winter high temperatures range from the lower 30s in northern Indiana, to the mid 40s in southern parts of the state. Lows range from upper teens to the mid-to-upper 20s from north to south, according to the NWS.
The Climate Prediction Center also said there is a 33 to 50% chance of above average precipitation — not necessarily snow.
There are more than 66,000 variations of winter storms, including snow, ice, fog and freezing rain, according to the NWS.
As for the kinds of storms we could see this winter, there is no good way to forecast them more than three to five days in advance. Regardless, it is important for people to pay attention to the forecast, especially during the winter, as it can change daily, Lashley said.
“Pay attention to local TV stations, the local and national weather services, and get weather information from reliable sources,” he said. “Take precautions and stay off the roads if it’s not safe.”
People should also have winter preparedness kits, especially in their cars, and try to keep a full tank of gas, Lashley said.
People should also make sure their car is serviced before winter weather begins. Having good tires, brakes and a full windshield washer fluid reservoir can be beneficial, said Mike Pruitt, deputy chief of the Bargersville Fire Department.
And they should keep blankets, phone chargers, gloves, salt, a shovel, water and snacks in their cars in case they are stranded and need help getting out, Pruitt said.
Roads can become slick, even after pre-treatment and regular treatment during and after a storm, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation.
County residents should also take precautions at home, regardless of the type of heating systems they have. Whether you use a furnace, fireplace, space heater or other alternative heating source, if you don’t take care of them, it leads to more problems down the road, Pruitt said.
Furnaces and fireplaces should be inspected and serviced every year. Bargersville Fire, already this year, has responded to a few small fires that were caused by a furnace malfunction or dust buildup, he said.
If fireplaces and wood stoves are not serviced by a certified chimney sweep, a chemical known as creosote can build-up and cause a fire that can spread throughout a home. People should only burn wood that has been cured and dry for more than six months; only burn wood — not newspapers or plastic items — as they can contribute to the creosote build-up, Pruitt said.
“Some materials have glue or other chemicals that can contribute to build up of creosote and cause a fire,” he said.
When using a space heater, keep them at least three feet away from combustible items. Residents should turn them off at night or when they’re not at home, Pruitt said.
One of the most important things people can do to prepare for winter is make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Those who cannot afford one can contact their local fire department for a free one. They can also help install them for residents who are unable to, he said.
Smoke detectors should be checked monthly and completely replaced every 10 years.
