We’re in for some serious weather in the Inland Northwest this week. A foot of snow and maybe even 10 below? Bring it on. Actually, please don’t. Be safe. In case you missed it in the S-R, public agencies have been getting the word out that people need to take precautions. Here is a summary: • Homes should be prepared for power outages with a flashlight, fresh batteries, candles, matches and a manual can opener. A wind-up clock is smart, too. Never use fuel-powered energy or heat in an enclosed space or indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur. • Have a fully charged cell phone. Know how to open garage doors manually. Assist or check on others who may be vulnerable. • Clear your sidewalks and driveways, but don’t put snow into alleys and streets. It just moves the problem from one spot to another and is considered unneighborly. Help elders or disabled persons. • Water pipes can be vulnerable to freezing. Make sure they are insulated in cold spaces. Leave a dripping faucet to prevent ice build up. Never thaw pipes with an open flame. Know where the main shutoff is in case of a break. Seal off cracks and air leakage along a foundation and into a basement. • For pets and other animals, make sure they have adequate shelter and unfrozen food and water if left outside. Or move them inside. Winter travel • Motorists are advised to slow down and carry winter supplies such as emergency food, water, sand, a shovel and flares or reflectors. • Know the current conditions and weather before leaving. • Call 5-1-1 in Washington or Idaho, or (800) 695-ROAD in Washington and (888) 432-7623 in Idaho, for travel information. • On the Web, go to wsdot.wa.gov or itd.idaho.gov and follow the links. For mobile Web browsers in Idaho, try 511.idaho.gov. • Washington and Idaho have networks of traffic cameras. Real-time traffic information is available in the Spokane area at www.srtmc.org. • Customized weather forecasts are available from the National Weather Service at www.wrh.noaa.gov/otx. Point your cursor at your location on the map and click there – a custom forecast will appear. • Be equipped with adequate traction devices. • Make sure the vehicle has adequate coolant protection. • Clear snow and ice from all windows before you drive. • Don’t try to out-drive the conditions. • Leave plenty of room for stopping. • Leave at least 200 feet of room for maintenance vehicles and plows. • Never pass a snowplow on the right. (There may be a blade extension or compressed, rolling snow.) • Don’t get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle or with studded tires. • Watch out for slippery bridge decks, even when the rest of the road is in good condition. • Don’t use cruise control. • Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally would. • Don’t follow too closely. • Slow down! • Carry emergency food, water, clothing, blankets, flashlight, flares or reflectors and a small supply of traction material.

---

---