National Weather Service: Get Weather Safety Gifts for Loved One this Christmas Plus Other Weather Tips

The National Weather Service reminds everyone not to just think about tornadoes and severe storms but winter weather this holiday season.

National Weather Service's Krissy Hurley said that it is important to not let our guard down and make sure that we have winter weather safety kits. This important stuff maybe winter's weather safety kits, battery-operated radios, battery-operated chargers, blankets, hand warmers, granola bars, among others. 

She also added that it is important to have the proper safety kits in your vehicle in case you get stranded if the winter weather strikes. 

READ: Worst Lake-Effect Winter Snowstorm Causes One Foot Snow in Cleveland 

An NOAA Weather Radio is also important especially if one may encounter severe weather, including tornadoes during winter months. Thus every family needs to have an NOAA Weather Radio which is battery-operated. 

Like a smoke detector, an NOAA Weather Radio goes off 24/7, any time your county is under a tornado warning. The radio can save lives, Hurley said. 

The March tornado earlier this year showed that people needed to be equipped with multiple ways to get warning notifications that can wake them up. People need to be equipped not just with cellphones or just weather radios. They need both. 

Other tips to prepare for severe Christmas weather 

Here are some of the CDC's recommendations for severe weather preparations:

• Plan, and be prepared for the winter storm that is coming. If you are in an area that is prone to severe winter weather, be sure to have a disaster plan for your family.
• Snowproof your home by insulating water lines along the exterior walls to prevent freezing of your water supply and seal doors and windows for good measure
• Keep your place warm by insulating the attic and walls, and installing storm or thermal-pane windows, or simply cover windows with plastic from the inside.
• Before the winter comes, repair leaks in the roof and clear tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure that may damage your place during a storm

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• Have your chimney or flue inspected each year if you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating. A vent to the outside is a must for all fuel-burning equipment.
• Install a smoke detector if you will be using a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, and install a smoke detector and battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near areas to be heated. The detectors must be checked monthly and batteries need to be replaced twice a year.
• Have a dry-chemical fire extinguisher at home.
• Bring your pets indoors or provide your pets with adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
• Keep a well-supplied emergency kit in your car and at home

The National Weather Service and the NOAA recommend everyone to visit the  American Red Cross website if interested in purchasing the weather safety gifts this Christmas.

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