Winter Storm Warning

We are all geared up here as we prepare for another major winter storm here in Tennessee. We have filled every vessel we could find in the house with water including the bathtub and kitchen sink just in case we lose power. We are on a well here and if we lose power we also lose the ability to pump water into the house. We also have water storage containers on the back porch filled with water. 

Law enforcement and other emergency officials are asking people to stay off the roadways if at all possible. They are advising people to: 

• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged, keep it and the charger with you 
• Check your car's battery to make sure it is properly charged
• Fill your fuel tank before the winter storm arrives
• Check your tire pressure, make sure tires are properly inflated
• Check your car's spare tire and make sure it is in the trunk and in good condition
• Dress warm and keep additional blankets, food, and water in your vehicle. Consider adding an ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction and jumper cables.

If you do find yourself stranded here are some tips to try and prolong the life of your cell phone battery.

• Turn the phone off; only turn it on when you are expecting or making a call
• If in an area with no reception, turn off the phone to prevent it from constantly searching for service (even with automatic power save features, it can take up to 30 minutes and it is depleting your battery)
• Limit use of the vibrate function on your phone; use a ring tone as it uses less of the battery's power
• Don't use extra features such as the Internet, WIFI, GPS, camera phone, and hands-free device; additionally limit use of the back light or turn it off to prolong the battery

Before heading out you can check the road conditions by calling the following numbers.

• AL  888-588-2848  WWW.DOT.STATE.AL.US
• GA  888-635-8287  OR 511 IF IN GEORGIA
• NC 877-511-4662
• TN 877-244-0065 OR 511 IF IN TENNESSEE

For those of you staying home during this winter storm you should make sure you have the following items available should the power go out.

• Flashlights
• Radio
• Blankets
• If you lose power do not use alternate power and heating sources in the home or garage that may produce carbon monoxide. 

Keep an eye on your neighbors especially the elderly.

Please keep in mind that during weather events like the one we are expecting will delay response times to emergency calls. In order to reach some locations EMS will rely on other response agencies for assistance with response and manpower.

Again emergency officials ask that you not venture out unless absolutely necessary.  

Please be safe out there! 

Belinda
CFO ~ Chief Frugal Officer
© Belinda & Frugal Workshop, 2011-2014.
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, do without”