Snow may be beautiful, but it can cause a lot of trouble. Jonesboro’s getting more snow than it’s seen in over a decade, and it’s important to be safe and smart during the cold weather.
Driving in the snow
The roads are dangerous to drive on right now, but not everyone has the privilege to stay home from work. If you need to drive somewhere, here are some tips for a safe trip:
- Shovel the snow around your car and driveway if you are able
- Knock the snow from around your tires using a broom
- Start your car at least 10 minutes before you need to leave your residence
- If your car gets stuck, turn your wheels back and forth while carefully pressing the gas until your car is moving again
- If your car has a traction control button, turn the traction control off
- Drive slowly!!!
- If your car starts sliding, let off the gas and slowly turn your wheel the other way until you straighten out
- Allow yourself plenty of stopping distance
Reduce energy consumption
Being snowed in means higher energy usage trying to work from home or just kill time. Electric companies in the region are recommending people reduce their energy consumption to avoid power outages. Here are a few tips for reducing your energy consumption:
- Put towels or blankets in front of drafty doors and windows
- Turn the heat down a few degrees
- Unplug unnecessary appliances
- Charge electronics at separate times, in intervals
- Take a break from television or using the computer
- Turn off unnecessary lights and utilize natural light and candles
- Hold off on doing laundry until you have a full load
- Wash your laundry in cold water
- Air dry dishes and clothes
- Use less hot water
- Take shorter showers
Don’t let your pipes freeze
Along with reducing energy consumption, don’t forget to prevent your pipes from freezing! Run your water at a low trickle, and open cabinets with pipes in them to allow warm air to reach the pipes.
Categories: #Life
THE HERALD 
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