Sunday, January 25, 2015

What is a survival window and why should anyone care?

January 25, 2015
By Tim Pratt and Kelcie Pegher 

Anne Arundel County residents (click here) could see several inches of snow early this week.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the county from 2 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday as forecasters predict 1 to 2 inches of snow will fall on the area.

A winter storm watch also has been issued from Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon as another 3-5 inches of snow is expected.

The Maryland State Highway Administration began pre-treating roads Sunday. Meanwhile, area residents flocked to grocery stores and home improvement centers, picking up food, ice-melt and shovels....

The snow and ice are huge problems. Preparation starts long before the snow arrives. These weather patterns are deadly, both from the weather and snow accumulation, the ice on the roads, but, mostly from deadly temperatures.

People have to concentrate on expanding the safety zone around their lives. If there is a reason why a family has to leave their home because of extreme weather impacting it, they have to be prepared to survive the temperatures outside. While temperatures might be in the thirties, the wind chill could take the temperature down in the negative range.
Anne Arundel County residents could see several inches of snow early this week. 
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the county from 2 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday as forecasters predict 1 to 2 inches of snow will fall on the area. 
A winter storm watch also has been issued from Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon as another 3-5 inches of snow is expected. 
The Maryland State Highway Administration began pre-treating roads Sunday. Meanwhile, area residents flocked to grocery stores and home improvement centers, picking up food, ice-melt and shovels. 
- See more at: http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/ph-ac-cn-weather-0125-20150125,0,7190237.story#sthash.4EO6H3IK.dpuf

- Plan precautions to prevent water pipes from freezing during periods of intense cold, such as proper insulation of pipes or draining water from exposed pipes. As a last resort, maintain minimum water flow to prevent freezing.
 

- Be aware that heavier than normal snows may cause leaks and collapse weakened or small structures such as sheds or other outbuildings.
- Residents/owners should ensure that gutters and roof drains are clear to ensure the removal of water from roof areas.

- Be alert to storm WATCHES or WARNINGS issued by the National Weather Service and broadcast by local radio and television stations


A survival window allows for preparedness. Some Americans don't live close to town and for them a survival window is imperative. 

Ex.: Walking home from a run in the park. A wind blows up and dust flies around and could potentially hurt the eyes. Is that wind a concern for survival? No, but, it is a concern to cover the eyes when such an event happens.

Driving in a rain storm and the lighting is very sharp, the thunder very loud. Is that a threat to survival? No. If there is flooding without road signs to direct away from the flooding it might be a survival issue, but, for most Americans such a storm is not a threat to survival.

The alarm goes off and the radio weather forecast states icey road conditions. Is that a survival issue? Not really. Icey roads are dangerous and someone can have an accident. The accident can be very bad if one is not prudent in their driving, but, for the most part it is not a survival issue. If one has a fender bender because of ice, that person can still get out of the car and find the damage without a threatening life event.

If one is home with the family and the house is in good repair and The Weather Channel states, severe weather is coming in the way of cold temperatures, high snow accumulations and potentially ice to follow; is that a survival issue? For most Americans it isn't. They expect to have the house ride out the storm and everyone inside is okay. But, what if there are high snow accumulations that cause a roof collapse, is it a survival event? It can be for the simple fact people are now exposed to the weather outside that is very dangerous. All of a sudden people are faced with danger they didn't expect. It is this survival window I worry about. 
Plan precautions to prevent water pipes from freezing during periods of intense cold, such as proper insulation of pipes or draining water from exposed pipes. As a last resort, maintain minimum water flow to prevent freezing.

• Be aware that heavier than normal snows may cause leaks and collapse weakened or small structures such as sheds or other outbuildings.

• Residents/owners should ensure that gutters and roof drains are clear to ensure the removal of water from roof areas.

• Be alert to storm WATCHES or WARNINGS issued by the National Weather Service and broadcast by local radio and television stations. - See more at: http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/ph-ac-cn-weather-0125-20150125,0,7190237.story#sthash.4EO6H3IK.dpuf