The upcoming 2009 winter ice storm holds troubled times for those not prepared. Residents covering much of the US are preparing for an ice storm that could paralyze the areas. Northern Texas appears to be low on precipitation yet Oklahoma City has an 80% chance of precipitation. Witchita has an 86% chance of precipitation. Southwest Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, West Virginia, Oklahoma and Arkansas are said to be effected by the 2009 winter ice storm as ice warnings begin to post according to the National Weather Service on January 26th.
The 2009 winter ice storm is reaching portions of America with possible accumulations of one-inch thick ice. By tonight the northern areas should be encouraged to continue ice storm preparation. For those who have no idea what they are about to experience, here is a view into the nastiest ice storms these bones have ever chilled upon.
The northern whipping winds with massive amounts of snow, freezing rain on contact created unpredictable past winter experiences. From pipes being frozen to not having the proper shoes, past ice storms caused multiple difficulties on various levels. I have used these next tricks they became quite handy each and every winter ice storm. And on the first day, let there be savings.
The ice can freeze much, so when is the last time you cleaned out that freezer? It’s an old man’s trick to stick frozen items outside in coolers packed with snow during winter months that reach near freezing. If you live in any area that is about to be embarked by the 2009 ice storm, it’s time to conserve, save, and clean out that freezer! Take your items out and place the better sealed items on the bottom of the cooler, placing the loser items on top. Take it outside at a location where the dogs would not open it to have a feast. If you have to place ice into the cooler than do so. If your temperature during the week does not reach above 30 degrees than you have instant freezer, better for the bills, cooler for the wallet. And on the second day, let there be warmth.
A scarf can be used for blocking heat from exiting your home, and keeps you warm when you go out. It just keeps giving if you allow it to. Place a scarf along the bottom of a window where the window meets the sill. Align the scarf properly then continue to another window if you have another scarf. Place the scarf between a door and the floor takes seconds. In these hard economic days, the fast scarf trick can save on energy use, it’s priceless for a winter ice storm, or any other time. On the third day, let there be transportation.
Ice skates are not only for the rink or lake, they can also be used for roads if you have the skill to handle it. For those who have skating experience it should be like riding a bike, however be cautious. It would be wise to make sure that there are no water spots, dry spots, or thinned ice before skating upon any surface. Water causes fast slipping with no traction, been there. And dry contributes to total traction through unpredicted skate stops, band-aid’s my middle name. Last, thin is dangerous because your blade can lose it’s balance from the sudden stop or slush bumps, ouch. I’ve skated for over 35 years and still encourage caution. So if you use ice skates during this upcoming 2009 ice storm, be very careful since it is always hard to know what you are about to skate into.
With so many ideas and much in preparation, the 2009 ice storm can be compared to preparing for a hurricane. In most cases ice storm preparation is just like hurricane preparation but with frozen water instead of liquefied. North Carolina plugged into the snow maker less than two weeks ago with snows reaching 7 inches. For this story visit Winter Storm 2009 : Snow Accumulations in Central North Carolina. Those believing they can wiz through such a weather event just may be surprised at the outcome. North Carolina did not expect such accumulations. It goes to show, you just never know, so prepare & remain aware.
Unlike popular belief, cars have no place on ice. It is not an easy task when the traction just isn’t there. Something to think about from an experienced ice driver. WIth these tips, tricks, and preparation ideas, life during this 2009 ice storm just may be easier to endure.
