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Single digit temps, snow expected Thursday

Mar 19, 2010

By David Owens, newseditor@laurelleadercall.com
 

January 05, 2010 10:52 am
— Jones County residents will likely be flooding area stores in the coming days as they prepare for even colder weather later this week.
The Jones County Emergency Management Agency is also preparing for the worst. As a means to inform the county’s numerous agencies, Don McKinnon, EMA director, provided the latest news from the National Weather Service (NWS) during a Web-based weather briefing Monday.
According to NWS predictions, temperatures could likely drop in Laurel and Jones County to single digits beginning Thursday night and stretching into the weekend. Due to strong high pressure, wind chill values could trickle into negative figures, as low as 10 below zero.
“That’s very dangerous for anyone,” said Eric Carpenter, a forecaster for the National Weather Service, who led the briefing. “It’s going to be a brutal cold we haven’t seen since February 1996 or December 1989.”
Laurel receives some traces of snow Monday as temperatures began dropping, and the city will see similar conditions throughout the rest of the week. Forecasters believe 2 to 4 inches of snow could fall on some portions of Mississippi.
McKinnon said residents should remember the “4 P’s” during the upcoming winter weather event — People, Pets, Pipes and Plants.
“Check on your neighbors and family,” he said. “Make sure they’re aware of the weather and as ready as they can be. Bring in your pets or winterize their houses with plenty of blankets.”
McKinnon noted that extra precaution should be taken to make sure pipes don’t burst in freezing temperatures, adding that plants should also be protected.
According to insurance agency State Farm, the average cost per claim related to water damage from frozen pipes increased 33 percent between 2007 and 2008.
“A small crack in a pipe can cause extensive damage,” said State Farm spokesman Roszell Gadson. “In most cases, water losses can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions. Spending a few minutes to protect your pipes could save you time and expense down the road.”
Those precautions include:
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to piping under sinks and vanities near exterior walls
• Run a small trickle of water from hot and cold faucets during extreme cold
• Keep exterior doors to unheated spaces closed as much as possible during winter months
• If you plan to be away for an extended period, have the water system professionally drained
• If you are taking a short trip, ask a neighbor to check the house regularly during severe cold spells
• Install a whole house water leak detection system
• If you own a business that will be unoccupied for more than 24 hours at a time, make arrangements to have the building inspected once a day during winter
McKinnon said that despite people hearing those tips, he expects a lot of plumbers to be busy going into this weekend.
“Everyone should also have a backup warming plan in case they lose power or run out of gas,” he said. “Do not rely on auto heaters as your primary heat source. Fireplaces should be cleaned out. Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.”
McKinnon also warned against other devices being used as heaters including gas stoves and hair dryers. He added that extreme precaution should be taken when using electric heaters.
“Don’t overload your electrical outlets,” he said. “Be sure the safety switches are working properly, and don’t place them too close to combustible material.”
Alfred Jordan of the Laurel Fire Department additionally advised those using space heaters to make sure they are plugged into the wall socket and not using an extension cord.
McKinnon noted that residents should act now to make sure they have enough non-perishable food items to last them in case of a power outage.
“Don’t wait until the last minute to make your preparations,” he said. “During rain, snow and ice, there will also be frozen roadways or bridges. Make sure you have extra time to travel to your destination.”
There has also been discussion of opening warming centers and shelters for elderly, disadvantaged and others put out by the storm.
The Salvation Army currently has opened a warming center and shelter at 205 N. 13th Ave. For more information, contact Bonita Flynn at 601-428-4232. Those traveling to a shelter are advised to remember to bring all of their medication.
Peggy Owens-Mansfield, executive director of the Pine Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross, said her agency would also make a decision on opening additional shelters as conditions develop.
“We don’t want to be a feeding station, but rest assured, we are going to do what we need to do,” she said. “We don’t want to become the Red Cross Inn.”
Owens-Mansfield added that community churches, especially those located in the county, could be a help by compiling a list of those they know of in their area that are vulnerable.
“If they could check up on them and make sure they’re taken care of, that would solve a lot of problems,” she said.
The Jones County Emergency Operations Center will be fully operational during the winter weather event. EOC officials have asked all inquiries about shelters and other needs be sent to them by calling 601-649-3535.
The next weather briefing is scheduled for Wednesday. The Laurel Leader-Call will report any updates as they are made available.

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