NOAA: La Nin᷈a Is Winter 'Wildcard,' Prepare For Anything

CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH -- Although weather experts still aren’t sure how to predict Ohio’s 2017-18 winter season, it’s clear that residents should prepare for severe winter weather in any form. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center, La Nin᷈a may dictate winter conditions, adding above-average precipitation to the area.

According to the NOAA, “La Nin᷈a (translated from Spanish as "little girl") is a natural, ocean-atmospheric phenomenon marked by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean near the equator, the opposite of El Nino ("little boy.")"

Instead of taking chances, therefore, it’s important to take steps before winter hits, and prepare for the upcoming cold season. As a result, Gov. John R. Kasich and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA) promoted Winter Safety Awareness Nov. 12-18.

Gov. Kasich encouraged homeowners and business owners to update safety plans, replenish emergency kit supplies and to prepare individuals, vehicles and property for a variety of winter-related incidents.
Ohio EMA Executive Director Sima Merick said, “Because of the warmer weather we had last winter, parts of Ohio experienced thunderstorms, damaging winds and flooding." She added that severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash flooding have already started in the area. "So," she added, "Regardless of the season, it’s best for Ohioans to be prepared for all severe weather.”

Winter Preparedness Plan:
According to OCSWA, there are for main elements to consider when preparing for winter safety: Outdoor updates, Fire-safety updates, Creating and/or updating Emergency Kits; and devising a community, Neighbors-Helping-Neighbors approach to maintain safety.

Outside Preparation:
Prepare homes for winter by removing and cutting away low-hanging and dead tree branches. Strong winds, ice and snow may cause tree limbs to break and could damage homes. Gutters should be cleaned. Snow and ice can build up quickly if gutters are clogged with debris.

Fire Safety and Prevention:
Because of the cold temperatures and holiday get-togethers, people spend more time inside cooking, decorating and entertaining, which can lead to more home fires. Consequently, according to the OCSWA, the best way to protect homes and people from fire damage is by installing and maintaining working smoke detectors in homes. The best ways to avoid fire damage include:

• Testing smoke detectors monthly;
• Conducting fire drills;
• Changing the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year. (One way to remember to update these devices is to combine them each time the clocks change.)
• Having auxiliary heaters, furnaces and fireplaces checked or serviced before using them.
• Preparing winter emergency supplies kits for the home and vehicle.
• Checking the expiration dates on nonperishable food items, bottled water, beverages and medications.

Emergency Kits for Homes, Vehicles and Pets:
Winter emergency kits should include flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, coats, hats, gloves, a battery-operated radio and/or a Weather Radio, a first-aid kit, cell phone and charger and enough nonperishable food and water (one gallon per person, per day) to sustain every household member for several days. Be sure to have extra, stored food, bottled water and supplies for pets, as well.

Check on Neighbors:
Comprehensive preparedness requires entire communities to participate in a “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” approach, according to the OCSWA. If severe weather is forecasted or has just occurred, or if your neighborhood has an extended power outage, check on neighbors and family members – especially those who are older or have functional needs – to ensure that they are OK and that they have the resources to stay safe and warm. A strong communication plan includes exchanging phone numbers to call or text during times of need.

For more weather-information specifically tailored for older Ohioans, children as well as more topics such as weather-related Apps, visit Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness's (OCSWA)Web site.