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AreYou Prepared For Winter?
Timberwolf Tree Service helps customers protect their trees and maintain access to their homes and businesses during periods of heavy snow. According to former NY State Governor George E. Pataki, "Just as our local and state highway crews ready the plows and stockpile the salt and sand, there are steps that New Yorkers across the state should and can do to be prepared for the winter months ahead," he said. "By winterizing' vehicles and safety-checking homes, citizens will be taking actions today to see them through the storms that may be over the horizon."
"Like any season, winter has its own joys -- and challenges," said Edward F. Jacoby Jr., director of State Emergency Management Office. "These challenges affect us all, yet they can be prepared for easily. Winter storms and sub-zero temperatures need not disrupt our lives."
One of the most important steps New Yorkers can take, Jacoby said, is to keep abreast of developing storms and changes in the weather. "Adapt your activities to the weather conditions," he said. "Listen to the Weather Radio of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration or your local radio and television station."
Concerned about the damage done to trees in winter by ice storms?
Here's what you can do, according the the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Jacoby also urged citizens to know the various warnings and watches issued by the National Weather Service, especially:
Winter storm watch/warning -- This means there may be hazardous winter weather due to various elements such as heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulations from freezin g rain.
In New York, heavy snow means six inches or more in 12 hours or less. A "watch" is a long range prediction. A watch is issued at least 12 hours before the hazardous winter weather is due to begin. When the storm becomes imminent, the "watch" will be upgraded to a "warning."
1. Heavy snow warning -- Six inches or more of snow will fall within a 12-h our period.
2. Ice storm warning -- Heavy accumulation of ice due to freezing rain will down trees and power lines. Electricity or telephone communications may be cut off for a long period of time. Roads may become impassable to most vehicles.
3. Blizzard warning -- This is issued for a combination of strong winds averaging or gusting up to 35 mph and very low visibility due to blowing or falling snow. These are the most dangerous winter storms and can be especially severe when combined with temperat ures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. High wind warning -- This means the expected winds will average 40 mph or more for at least an hour or wind gusts will approach 60 mph. Trees and power lines can be blown down. A High Wind Watch may precede a High Wind Warning if the strong winds are not ex pected to occur for at least 12 hours.
5. Freezing rain/drizzle advisory -- This is issued for expected ice accumulations on roads and sidewalks. Caution is advised when walking or traveling by car.
6. Blowing snow advisory -- This is issued when the visibility will be significantly reduced or when the roads become snow-covered over a large area.
7. Wind chill advisory -- This is issued for extreme cold with wind chill te mperatures computed to be below minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit for at least three hours. Expos ure to this combination of strong winds and low temperatures without protective clothing can lead to frostbite, hypothermia and can even be fatal.
8. Winter weather advisory -- This is issued for a combination of snow, slee t, and/or freezing rain. "Advisories," in general, are issued for weather conditions that are expected to cause significant inconvenience and may be hazardous. These situations are normally n ot life threatening if caution is exercised.
9. Wind advisory -- This is issued for average wind speeds between 30 and 39 mph or frequent wind gusts between 40 and 57 mph.
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