Stay prepared during cold weather

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The cold weather is already here, and the snow is coming soon.

Multiple agencies are out preparing for the snow, you should too.

Roads are the first concern during a snow storm.

Patrick Sheehan is the Director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

He says, “Our friends at the Tennessee Department of Transportation have been out pre treating roads since 8am yesterday morning. On my commute today I found evidence of that everywhere. I know many cities and counties road departments have been pre treating their roads.”

The best way to avoid issues on the road, is to stay off of them. But if you have to go out the highway patrol has some tips.

Lieutenant Bill Miller with the Tennessee Highway Patrol says, “Remember, Bridges and overpasses will freeze before the main parts of the roadways do. Use extreme caution while on or near those areas. If you are training make sure you have at least half a tank of gas in your vehicle in case you get stuck in traffic or stranded while you are waiting for assistance.”

While you have time before the storm…

“Make a plan, know what you need to do and what you should plan to do if you have complications with weather. Make sure you have extra medications handy incase you need to go somewhere. Ahead of the winter weather you can insulate pipes and exposed areas and we always encourage folks to have an emergency kit with 72 hours of supplies,” says Sheehan.

Also consider these other tips while preparing for the cold.

Eric Ashburn is the Deputy director of Emergency Management with Walker County.

He says, “Preparing your home by having an alternate heat source. When trees are down that is going to become a major issue with power and that cold weather. The ground is very saturated right now reducing how well the roots can hold up the trees allowing for more of those to fall taking out power lines.”

Stay aware of any power outages.

Ashburn says, “Take a penny and put it on top of an ice cube. If you do lose power and the ice melts the penny will go to the bottom. That way you know when the power got restored, that you did go bad and you will need to get rid of that food.”

Use these tips to stay safe during the snow.

Stay up to date on your latest forecast right here on News 12.