How To Cope With Changing Winter Weather
BY LIZ GOFF

Nothing changes like the weather, especially during the winter season. Meteorologists agree that severe weather should be taken very seriously, since it can be dangerous to both persons and property.

The following is a compilation of National Weather Service terms and what they really mean, tips from weather authorities on how to cope with harsh weather and ways to cope with major storms and severe winter weather.

• What is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch?

When there is a potential for thunderstorms to form, which can produce wind gusts greater than 58 mph, and/or hail greater than 1 inch in diameter.

• What is a Severe Thunderstorm Warning?

When a severe thunderstorm is occurring.

• What is a Tornado Watch?

When a tornado could form in the next few hours.

• What is a Tornado Warning?

A tornado has been reported and/or the National Weather Service radar has detected a tornado of “great strength”.

• Flash Flood Watch

Localized flooding due to heavy rainfall is possible.

• Flash Flood Warning

Localized flooding due to heavy rainfall is imminent.

• Freezing Rain Advisory Minor accumulation of ice, due to freezing rain is expected.

• Winter Weather Advisory

A minor accumulation of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected.

• Snow Advisory

Accumulations of one to four inches expected within a 12-hour period.

• Blizzard Warning

Strong winds, blinding driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected in the next several hours.

•Winter Storm Watch

Significant accumulation of snow and/or ice is possible within 36-hours.

• Winter Storm Warning

A storm with six or more inches of snow/sleet, freezing rain, within a 24-hour period is expected.

What to do in case of a severe thunderstorm:

• Avoid handling metal, electrical equipment, telephones, bathtubs, water faucets and sinks because lightning can follow the wires and pipes. Be especially careful with televisions, authorities advise.

What to do in a flash flood:

• Seek high ground. Never attempt to drive your vehicle through standing water.

What to do in a tornado:

• Go to your basement or the lowest point of your residence, or an interior room or hallway without windows. If you cannot find shelter, take cover in a ditch or other recessed area.

• Leave immediately, if authorities advise you to evacuate.

What can you do to help weather major storms?

• Shutter or board windows

• Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans that could blow away and cause damage or injury.

• Never touch or go near downed power lines, even if you think they are safe.

• In extreme conditions, consider shutting off power and appliance gas switches to prevent damage to your appliances.

Winter Is Time To Stay Warm and Dry

• Wear hats, scarves, dress in layers and wear water-repellent coats. Mittens are warmer than gloves.

• Make sure small children, especially infants, stay warm, because infants can easily suffer from frostbite under conditions that would not necessarily be as dangerous for adults.

• Cover your mouth when outdoors to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.

• Avoid overexertion. Take your time while shoveling snow or pushing a car. Stretch before you go out and drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.

• Be sure to clear snow from your tailpipe before you start your car to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

How Can You Safely Warm Your Home or Apartment?

In Queens, many fires and emergencies are caused each year from unsafe heating. Call 311 for a fire inspection if you are unsure whether your heat source is safe, and follow the following tips:

• If you do not have heat, contact your building owner. If heat is not restored, contact the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development at 311.

• Fuel-burning items such as furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and clothes dryers should be working, ventilated and inspected by a professional regularly in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Electric heaters should be used with extreme caution to prevent shock, fire and burns.

• Materials near heaters should be kept at least three feet from the heat source to prevent fire.

• Gas ovens and burners should never be used to heat a home.

For additional information on how to cope with changing weather, visit www.nationalweatherservice.com.