Freezing Rain, Sleet, and Ice Safety
With Fall, Winter and Spring the weather can be so unpredictable in Central Virginia. Just when we think we are through one season, another comes sneaking up on us. Whenever temperatures creep near the freezing mark the possibility of Freezing Rain, Sleet and Ice are on the menu! Here is our guide to help you beat the icy weather!
Careful planning and awareness can prepare you for these weather events. As with any other type of weather, monitoring your local weather app, listening to your television weather and monitoring the Weather Radio (available on line through Amazon and at some local radio and hardware stores) can keep you up to date and aware of what the day may bring.
Preparing your school aged children for these weather events is equally important. Have you reviewed the emergency plans for them in the event that weather closes school early or all together? Do you know where your children will be? Who will they go with? What route are they to take home? What if they drove to school? What stops are they to make? Are they to taxi other students home too? What are the emergency plans?
Are you prepared for changes in weather conditions? Will you have a babysitter? Do you report to work or check the local television station for closures? Do you have a call tree at work where information is transferred to employees based on weather events? Having a clear plan through simple preparation can limit the amount of stress entering your home and life. Work through your plans with your family regularly to ensure no changes have been or need to be made based on the availability of those you are depending on to assist you.
Does your work have a leave policy that includes weather emergencies for delays or taking the entire day off. During Ice, Sleet and Freezing Rain, you should avoid driving if at all possible. You may be an excellent driver and seasoned in driving in harsh conditions, however others who may be on the roadways may not be as seasoned and can be the cause of an accident that you are involved in. Is the loss of your life worth leaving home? Gauge your response on your situation carefully and make a wise decision. Visit our winter travel tips for more winter travel tips.
What if the power goes out at your home while you are away? Are you protected by a whole house standby Generac Generator or will you need to prepare plans to seek shelter elsewhere? Is your home secure should your power go out? Will your security system be operational or will it become disabled after the backup battery dies to the system? Will your garage door open and close without power? Contact us if you have questions regarding Automatic Home Standby generators….backup power has been our specialty since 2003!
It is our goal at Hale’s Electrical Service to inform and educate our customers and the public to aid in providing a common sense approach to safety of your family during weather events! Join us by talking with your family often about your emergency plans and making changes as needed to those plans. By talking about your plans as a family, you will be better preparing the next generation for their own emergencies and weather events!
