As TEMA remains at a Level 4 Emergency  , the approaching winter storm has more potential punch than the one that came thru Wednesday. TEMA provides these tips for protecting yourself and loved ones as these winter storms continue:
AT HOME
⢠Be sure you have adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
⢠Have sufficient heating fuel for your home.
⢠Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
⢠Bring pets and companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
⢠If pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
⢠Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
⢠If you go outside, watch for signs of frostbite (loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities) and hypothermia (uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion).
⢠Seek warm shelter and medical treatment immediately for frostbite and hypothermia symptoms.
ON THE ROAD
⢠Have a winter safety kit in your car with water, food, first aid supplies, blankets, gloves, heavy boots, food, flashlight, extra batteries, and warning lights or flares.
⢠Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
⢠Call *THP (*847) if you get stranded to be connected to the closest Tennessee Highway Patrol dispatch location.
⢠Call 511 for traffic information from the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
⢠Monitor local radio and television broadcasts, and NOAA Weather Radio, for updates on weather forecasts and conditions.
STAY INFORMED
⢠Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for winter weather watches and warnings.
⢠Monitor local radio and television stations for updates on weather and road conditions.
⢠Download the ReadyTN smartphone app to get weather, road conditions and emergency preparedness information on your smartphone.
Also, watch our weather radar , on Facebook, and @rutherfordsrce on Twitter.
