Hard freeze, dangerous storm coming

Officials are forecasting a strong cold front to bring heavy rain and freezing temperatures into the state beginning tomorrow, with the mercury dipping to 18 degrees in Maricopa.

The Red Cross offers these steps people can take to stay safe and warm:

• If your power is out, do not use candles for lighting. Use flashlights only.
• Use generators correctly – never operate a generator inside your home, including the basement or garage.  The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.
• Prevent frozen pipes – when the weather is very cold outside, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature.
• Don’t forget your pets – bring them indoors. If you can’t bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.
• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. If using a space heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use the heater. Place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater.
• Keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a fireplace fire unattended.  

If you must go outside, layered lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs. Other safety tips include:

• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
• If you shovel snow, be extremely careful. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Avoid overexertion.
• Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must …
• Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

For more information on how to stay safe this winter, visit www.arizonaredcross.org.

For tips on protecting plants from freezing temperatures, click here.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been advised that northern Arizona, above 7,000 feet, could receive upwards of 18 to 20 inches of snow accumulation between Wednesday and Friday of this week.

In addition, overnight and morning low temperatures are expected to cause a hard freeze making highways extremely slippery. If you must travel to the Flagstaff area beginning Wednesday, be patient as traffic will be moving slower. Vehicles equipped with snow tires or vehicles with all-wheel or four wheel drive typically perform the best in these types of highway conditions.

The DPS Highway Patrol will be shifting resources to make as many patrolmen available as possible to respond to emergency calls during this period.

• To check on the latest winter road conditions, call 5-1-1 or view this information on the Web at www. AZ511.gov. Dial 9-1-1 only for emergency situations.
• Leave at least 500 feet of distance between your vehicle and a snowplow or salt truck.
• Make sure your gas tank is full and you have some food, warm blankets and clothing in the vehicle in case of emergency. If you have a cell phone, make sure it’s fully charged, working, and can be re-charged in your vehicle.
• Tell others about your travel route and itinerary, so that if you don’t arrive at your destination, they can contact law enforcement officers and inform them where to look.
• Keep others informed if you’re going to be late or encounter problems so they won’t worry needlessly.
• It’s safer to travel with passengers and convoy with other vehicles than it is to drive alone.
• Remember, the speed limit is based on clear roads and dry pavement, don’t drive too fast for conditions. Four-wheel drive doesn’t permit you to drive faster on snow packed or icy roads
• Watch for slippery spots on bridges and overpasses.
• Take note of mileposts, exit numbers or crossroads in case you slide off the road or are involved in a crash so that law enforcement officers and tow truck operators can find you.
• If the storm makes driving too hazardous or if your car breaks down, stay in the vehicle. Run your engine and heater for short intervals to stay warm. Be sure to crack the window to avoid carbon monoxide build-up.
• Add a winter solution/ de-icer windshield washer fluid as summer solution will freeze solid. Wiper condition should be checked as well. Check your vehicle’s tire tread.

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