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Don't let winter take you by surprise
The recent "October Surprise" snowstorm not only left residents without power for days, but also brought long-term damage to homes, both inside and out. While the recovery process entails help from emergency services, there are many steps individuals can do to prepare their homes for storms and the coming winter months.
HomeRepair at http://homerepair.about.com provides an easy home winterizing checklist of steps to follow. From plumbing to roofing, guides walk you through each system with basic home-maintenance instructions.
Every home should have a winter storm plan. The American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_252_,00.html) offers suggestions for what to include in your emergency supplies, such as a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, a first-aid kit with essential medications, bottled water—at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least three days—and warm clothing, including boots, mittens and a hat.
Don't forget about your source of transportation. Road and Travel Magazine online offers tips for winterizing your automobile at http://www.roadandtravel.com/carcare/winterizingcar.htm. And the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service (NOAA) (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/wntrstm.htm) provides advice on what do when trapped in a car during a storm.
Bad weather also affects your pets. There are many ways to be "pet prepared." AccuWeather.com (http://wwwa.accuweather.com) lists the top 10 cold weather tips, along with a basic supply list and disaster kit designed for domestic animals.
Since this recent storm destroyed many of the region's beautiful trees, replanting or attempting to restore your yard's aesthetic quality probably will be on your to-do list. According to the International Society of Arboriculture, consider many factors before planting new trees. When planning what type of tree to plant, remember to consider where the tree will be located in relation to overhead and underground utility lines. The location of these lines should have a direct impact on your tree and planting site selection. For more details about how to avoid tree and utility conflicts, and proper tree care, go to http://www.treesaregood.com/.
You can access additional Web sites on climate-related issues, including how to prepare for a natural disaster, at UB's Arts and Sciences Libraries' weather guide at http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/asl/guides/climateweather.html.
Be prepared: don't let the coming frigid air impede your safety!
—Laura Taddeo, University Libraries