For the third time in 2014, Richland County is buckling down for yet another winter weather advisory. This time, along with colder temperatures and strong winds, the county is set to receive a significant amount of snow.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Richland County, predicting a total of six to nine inches of snow accumulation by Wednesday afternoon.
On Tuesday, Richland County residents were out in droves buying supplies in preparation for the impending snow. Employees at Lowe’s in Ontario said supplies such as snow blowers and shovels, salt and generators have been flying off the shelves.
Employee Leslie Scheidler said the store has been completely sold out of kerosene heaters and space heaters since the start of the cold snap a few weeks ago, as every time a shipment of heaters comes in they can’t even get the product on the shelves before people snatch them up.
“You can see it in their eyes: they are cold, and they are desperate,” said Scheidler.
The parking lot of Meijer’s in Ontario was full Tuesday afternoon as people bustled in and out stocking up on the essentials. Meijer cashiers said customers had been filing in nonstop since around 9 a.m. and had been purchasing large amounts of water, milk and juices. The Meijer pharmacy experienced an overload as well: customers said the wait to get a prescription filled was over three hours as of Tuesday afternoon.
According to Rick Evans, Deputy Director of Richland County EMA, food supplies such as canned food, energy bars, water and other non-perishable items are essential if Richland County residents find themselves snowed in later this week.
“Depending on how long you’re snowed in, have enough food to last for three to five days, and enough water for everybody,” said Evans. “And don’t forget water and food for pets.”
In the event of a power outage, Evans said an emergency radio to stay in contact with power stations announcing information on how long the power will be out is essential. He added make sure to supplement any radios and flashlights with extra batteries.
“If the power will be out for an extended period of time, it’s a judgment call on whether to shut your water supply off and drain the water so it doesn’t freeze,” said Evans. “Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors shut and the blinds closed; conserve the heat you have in the house.”
Evans also noted that emergency generators should be hooked up directly and kept away from areas where fumes could be swept back into the house. He added kerosene and space heaters should also be plugged directly into an outlet, and to be mindful of any combustibles placed close to a space heater. Kerosene heaters should be shut off at night, and a carbon monoxide monitor should also be present in the home.
Evans said it’s best to purchase an emergency radio capable of charging cell phones, and to always have emergency contact numbers on hand.
“If the power will be out for an extended period of time, it’s a judgment call on whether to shut your water supply off and drain the water so it doesn’t freeze,” said Rick Evans. “Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors shut and the blinds closed; conserve the heat you have in the house.”
