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 While
it isn’t often that Virginia is hit with a heavy winter storm like some
of our unluckier (or heartier) friends to the North and Midwest, every
winter seems to bring a few good storms that close our schools and make
our roadways hazardous. With temperatures dropping and many East coast
states experiencing the coldest temperatures we have seen in years, it
is important that families be equipped to navigate through the winter
season with the greatest amount of ease and comfort. The American Red
Cross has compiled a
list of things families can do to be prepared for a winter storm.
The first thing any family should do is stock up on some necessary
supplies: rock salt, sand, and snow shovels will help make sure any
walkways and driveways around your house stay clear. This is
particularly important in the event that you need to leave your house in
an emergency or if you have elderly relatives that stay with you. Before
a storm hits is also a good time to ensure your home and pipes are well
insulated, which will prevent cold air from seeping in or your pipes
from freezing over. Make sure everyone in the house knows how to shut
off water valves in case a pipe does burst – this will help control the
amount of water that leaks into your home. And, stocking up on some
basic supplies like water and food that has a long shelf life will help
you prevent having to go out during a winter storm or right before a
storm when the stores are often crowded or out of supplies.
Winterizing your car is another good practice during the winter. Make
sure your antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing and your
heat and defroster works properly. It is a good idea to maintain at
least a half tank of gas during the winter season and make sure to dress
warmly on any cold days you venture out in your car – you do not want to
have your car break down on a day when you are underdressed for the
weather. Keeping some warm clothes or a blanket in the trunk is a good
idea as well.
If a winter storm is approaching, make sure to listen to your local
radio or television for weather reports and any other emergency
information. And, during the storm, stay off the roads unless it is
absolutely necessary that you make a trip. If your pipes do freeze
inside your home, wrap the pipes in rags. You can also completely open
all faucets in the house and pour hot water over the pipes. During
storms, many households rely on alternative heating sources and don’t
take the necessary safety precautions. Make sure fireplaces are in
working order and candles are not left unattended. Keep a fire
extinguisher on hand in case of an accident.
After the storm is finished, be careful to avoid overexertion while
shoveling snow – according to the Red Cross, heart attacks from
shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of death during the winter. It
is also a good idea to check on any neighbors who may need assistance.
Wait until the roads have been cleared before venturing out. If you need
special assistance, local TV and radio stations often times broadcast
where to go to get help.
For additional information or tips on how to prepare a family winter
storm or disaster plan, visit the Federal Emergency Management
Administration’s
Winter Storm page or the
Red Cross’ page.
While winter storms may not be as exciting for adults as they were when
snow meant no school, these tips will help to ensure your family gets
through a winter storm safely.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Day
 Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. challenged the American people by saying, "Every
man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism
or the darkness of destructive selfishness. Life's most persistent and
urgent question is what are you doing for others?" Dr. King had a vision
of community and bringing people together through service, and his life
should be a celebration of this vision.
In 1994 Congress passed the King
Holiday and Service Act, designating the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
as a national day of volunteer service. Through this bill, Congress
asked that instead of treating the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a
holiday, we should instead participate in the King Day of Service and
volunteer to address our community concerns, by tutoring or mentoring
our children, building homes, or assisting in local homeless shelters.
On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
Monday, January 19th, we have the opportunity to do something to better
the communities we live in, to support the needs of our neighbors, and
to make our country a better place to live in, rather than taking the
day off. The
Corporation for National and Community Service, in partnership with
Martin Luther King Day of Service suggests the following ways to get
involved in your community and serve:
Volunteer on the Day
of Service
If you're looking for opportunities to
serve on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service,
click here to browse a list of service projects registered
specifically for MLK Day. There are still many opportunities to
serve. To find a general volunteer opportunity for you, your
family, or your community,
click here.
Volunteer Throughout the Year
Volunteering doesn't have to stop with Martin
Luther King Day of Service - visit
www.volunteer.gov to find volunteer opportunities at home or abroad.
Just enter geographic information, such as zip code or state, and your
area of interest, and you can access service opportunities near your
home or office, across the country or overseas.
Get Your Organization
to Support the Day of Service
▪ Sponsor and organize a single service
project
▪ Sponsor and organize a variety of
service projects
▪ Form teams to volunteer
▪ Encourage friends, colleagues and
families to seek out service projects in their hometowns
▪ For service project tips,
click here
By volunteering, you will help strengthen
local communities, bridge social and cultural differences, and
demonstrate the compassion and commitment to make a difference and honor
Dr. King's memory. |
