Bracing for Major Winter Weather: Safety Tips to Stay Warm and Secure This Weekend
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JOPLIN, Mo. — A significant winter storm is projected to impact the Joplin area starting Friday afternoon and continuing through Sunday, bringing heavy snow accumulations of 6 to 9 inches or more, dangerously cold temperatures, and possibly ice accumulations
The storm, under a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 6p.m. Friday evening through 6 p.m. Sunday, could make travel hazardous with periods of moderate to heavy snow, wind chills dropping well below zero, and potential power outages from ice or wind.
Local officials, including Joplin Public Works, are preparing road crews to plow and treat streets as accumulation begins, but residents are urged to minimize travel and stay informed via official updates from the City of Joplin, Missouri Department of Transportation, and the National Weather Service.
With temperatures expected to dip well below freezing, one of the biggest concerns is making sure the pipes in your home are protected from freezing.
“If we get all the snow, it'll be a lot nicer to get three than eight,” Henkle’s Ace Hardware owner John Henkle said. “But the one thing they're telling us we're for sure going to get is the bitter cold. I was looking. The next 11 nights are under 20 degrees and a couple of them are single digits or below zero. And, and that's when you really have to pay attention because once you get under about 12, 13 degrees, then you start seeing a lot of people having pipe breaks in their houses.”
Make sure, whether your pipes are in your attic, under your home, or exposed outside, that you cover them with some form of insulation. You can use foam pipe covers designed for the very purpose of insulation, or you can even cover and wrap the pipes with a blanket or quilt.
“Those little foam pipe insulation pieces are great because it will help insulate that,” Henkle said. “If you have to put a little space heater out there just to help and make sure that it's not too close to the combustible items. You know, they say three feet is the safe zone. It comes back to knowing your house and knowing where those weak spots are.”
With the frigid temperatures, you also want to make sure that your doors and windows are properly insulated. If you notice a draft, you can cover it with insulating plastic or even a blanket. More things to keep in mind, open your sink cupboards to allow warm air to flow more freely. If your pipes are in a crawl space below your home, make sure your foundation vents are closed. You also want to make sure your water hoses outside are disconnected.
One thing to keep in mind if you decide to use a space heater, kerosene heater or a salamander is to always monitor the outlet you are using and never plug them into an extension cord. The last thing you want to do with dry winter weather is to risk overloading an outlet and sparking a fire.
“A space heater pulls as much power as a hairdryer,” Henkle said. “So, if you have a space heater plugged in and you want to put another one in another bedroom. If they're on the same circuit, it's not going to take that power. … Never plug a space heater into an extension cord. It needs to be plugged into the wall. They pull enough power that some of those thin cords could get hot and catch fire. If you're using a heat bulb, make sure that socket that you're screwing that bulb into is capable of taking the amount of power that that bulb is going to generate.”
If you plan on using your chimney, gas or wood, make sure it has been inspected by a professional in the very recent past.
And of course, when things get bad. Always check on your neighbors to make sure they’re not in need of help.
To stay safe during the storm:
Prepare your home: Stock up on non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, and extra blankets. Keep your thermostat at least 68°F if possible, close off unused rooms, and stuff towels under doors to retain heat. Never use grills or generators indoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Avoid unnecessary travel: If you must drive, clear snow and ice from your vehicle's windows, lights, and wipers. Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, warm clothing, food, water, a first-aid kit, and a charged phone. Drive slowly, increase following distance, and avoid sudden stops or turns on icy roads.
Dress for the cold: Wear layers of lightweight, water-resistant clothing, including a hat, mittens (warmer than gloves), scarf, and sturdy boots. Limit time outdoors, watch for signs of frostbite (numbness, pale skin), and check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with medical needs.
Power outage readiness: Have alternative heating sources like battery-powered lanterns (avoid candles). If heat is lost, go to a warming center or public building like a library or mall.
