(Above photo may contain humor)
According to the National Weather Services, it’s too early to offer snowfall accumulation estimates.
However, AccuWeather’s initial forecast is calling for a wide area of 6 to 12 inches along the I-95 corridor, where temperatures remain cold enough overnight Saturday into Sunday.
Below please find some tips to stay safe during a winter storm:
Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, wear protective gear, such as hats, mittens, gloves, scarf and a warm coat.Avoid overexertion when shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow.
Watch for signs of frostbite, which include loss of feeling or pale appearance of fingers, toes or face.
Watch for signs of hypothermia, which include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, drowsiness and exhaustion.
Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body more rapidly, which could lead to severe hypothermia.
Remove clothing if it gets damp or wet. Wet clothing can make you more prone to hypothermia.
Weatherproof doors and windows to trap heat inside your home.
Check heating units. Poorly operating or damaged heating units can release carbon monoxide gas. Test carbon monoxide detectors for proper operation and battery life.
Check on family, friends and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance.
Watch pets closely and keep them indoors when possible. Animals can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other cold-weather injuries.
Please do not shovel, plow or put snow from your driveway into the street or on the sidewalks.
While we are talking sidewalks, they need to be cleared, within 24 hours of the end of snowfall!
A reminder to all, the Township of Washington does not permit over-night parking on any Township Street when it is snow/ice covered or when there is an impending storm (Township Ordinance 223-28). Permission will not be granted when inclement weather is pending. Failure to remove vehicles may result in a ticket and/or a tow. Having all vehicles off the streets assists the Township of Washington DPW to do their job and assists the first responders as well.
Below please find some winter weather driving tips:
Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Also never leave your vehicle running unattended.
Make certain your tires are properly inflated
Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up
Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface
Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle
Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself extra time to maneuver by driving slowly
Utilize your headlights so you can be more visible
Check on and Replace windshield wipers as needed
Have a Winter Car Emergency Kit with items such as blankets, medical kit, flares, water and anything you feel you would need in an emergency to keep yourself safe and comfortable.
Please remove all snow and ice before you go.
We would like to remind everyone to clear and remove snow and ice off your vehicle, unlike the vehicles below.
It is extremely dangerous driving with snow/ice covering the windows as well as the roof/hood/trunk.
Failure to do so can result in a ticket (NJ Title 39:4-77.1 Failure to remove Ice and Snow from a vehicle).
If you experience a power outage, please contact PSE&G using one of the following methods below:
