Now that it finally feels like winter ”“ with near-zero temperatures and snow falling on a weekly basis ”“ we encourage York County residents to prepare for severe weather and keep an eye on their elderly neighbors and those who may need assistance when the snowflakes start piling up.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that people prepare before snow hits, by getting rock salt or sand; snow shovels and snow-removal equipment; a sufficient supply of heating fuel or wood for fireplaces and wood-burning stoves; and warm clothing and blankets.
FEMA suggests families make a communications plan so family members know how to contact one another, how to get back together and what to do in case of an emergency.
People should also try to stay off the roads in storm conditions, but if they must travel, they should keep a disaster supply kit in their vehicle for emergencies.
One death has already resulted from the poor driving conditions this winter in Hollis.
Locally, emergency management officials encourage residents to take appropriate precautions, and follow the practice of “neighbors helping neighbors.”
Elderly people often have difficulty shoveling show or getting out to stores before a storm to get supplies. Those with elderly neighbors who are able, should stop by before a big storm or predicted snowfall to see if those people need a helping hand. Also, disabled people or those who are home-bound would likely appreciate the offer as well.
Because of heating components in homes, the fire risk increases in winter, and people should be advised to make sure they have working fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Equipment like space heaters should not be left unattended or near fabric like curtains, and open flames should not be left unattended either.
In the event of a fire or other emergency, having phone numbers at the ready and a fully charged cell phone will ensure responders get to a home quickly to help.
As the winter pushes on, we encourage our readers to heed the advice of emergency officials, and to lending a helping hand to their neighbors when possible to make sure no one else falls victim to freezing temperatures and storm conditions in York County this year.
Ӣ Ӣ Ӣ
Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less