Craighead County: Tips to prepare for winter weather

Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – The time has come to “stock up on milk and bread,” according to meteorologists across the state, with Craighead County under a winter storm warning from Friday at 6 p.m. to Sunday at 6 p.m.

The National Weather Service predicted heavy mixed precipitation, with total snow and sleet accumulations expected to range between six and nine inches. Ice accumulations of less than a quarter of an inch are forecasted.

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As essential services prepare for winter weather in Craighead County, below are some tips and tricks for the cold.

People and Pets:

In a severe weather event, the safety of yourself and others is paramount. Minimize time spent outdoors if possible and bundle up if heading outside.

Check on elderly and vulnerable neighbors before the storm hits. Install proper lighting around outdoor walkways and stairs to prevent falls, and ensure walkways are clear of snow and ice, the City of Jonesboro said.

Before the weather moves in, stock up on food, water, medications, batteries, and other necessities. This includes supplies for pets, such as food, litter, puppy pads, and anything else.

“Given the potential for weather-related disruptions to communications and the power infrastructure, it is extremely important to have multiple ways to receive weather information,” the National Weather Service said. “These various methods include, but are not limited to, NOAA Weather Radio, legacy radio, broadcast news, the internet, and cell phone apps.”

Prepare for possible power outages by having warm clothing layers, extra blankets, flashlights, charging banks, and more.

Pets should be kept inside as much as possible. Jonesboro Animal Services said to bundle them up when heading outside and dry them off if they play in the snow. Pets’ paws should be checked for residual snow, ice, or salt.

Home:

Exposed pipes in crawl spaces and attics should be insulated. Disconnect hoses and cover outdoor faucets, City Water and Light of Jonesboro said.

Set warm water to drip from sinks and open cabinets to allow warm air to circulate. If any lines run through your garage, keep the garage door closed. Additionally, know how to open your garage door manually if you experience a power outage.

Before the snow accumulates, know where your main water shutoff is and flag it so it can be found later.

If operating a generator, ensure you have enough fuel on hand. Run it outdoors and in an area with proper ventilation and the correct extension cords. Refer to your generator’s manual for proper operation.

When using space heaters indoors, ensure they are plugged directly into an outlet and that the cord isn’t damaged. Ensure anything that can burn is at least three feet away from all heat sources, according to the Jonesboro Fire Department.

Never use an oven to heat your home, and do not use candles for emergency light if you lose power. Use flashlights instead.

Driving:

Before severe weather hits, fill up your car with gas and air up your tires (don’t forget the spare!). Keep nonperishable food, water bottles, extra blankets, winter clothing, a first aid kit, a phone charger, and an ice/snow scraper in your car’s emergency supply kit, according to Arkansas State Police.

In addition, keep jumper cables or a jump pack, as well as kitty litter or sand to help with traction if your car gets stuck, in the trunk.

ASP encouraged motorists to cancel or delay trips, if at all possible, but for those who must travel, recommended the following:

Reduce your speed and avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking.
Increase the distance between your vehicle and others.
Begin slowing down much earlier than usual when approaching intersections, bridges, and exit ramps, which can freeze first.

To check the latest road conditions, check IDriveArkansas.com. To activate the winter weather layer on the IDriveArkansas website or app, click the snowflake icon.