Texas Winter Weather Preparedness Day 11/10/11

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Today is Winter Weather Preparedness Day. Yep it will be in the 70s this weekend but as we all know, our weather in the Texas Panhandle is constantly changing. Take the time today to prepare and get your home and vehicle ready for winter weather. Check out our OEM Winter Weather Preparedness sheet here for more information.  Things to Conisder:

  • Winter Storm Disaster Kits - Check up on your supplies and don't forget to put one in your car as well.
  • Frozen pipes - Take 5 minutes to wrap exposed pipes with insolation tape. Fill tubs or bathtub size bladders with water before a storm in case power goes out or you don't have running water.
  • Power outages - Keep LED flashlights on hand. They use much less battery. Plus if you have solar powered lights outside, bring them in at night for additional lighting. An inverter for your car will also let you plug into your car for electricity. Make sure your car is out of the garage.
  • You can check up on the latest updates on winter weather through our local NWS office. Stay tuned to your NOAA Weather Radio. You can listen online at the link to the right on our website or tune in to 1610AM around Amarillo. You can also call the Amarillo NWS office at 806-335-1121.
  • Wondering if you should venture out? Check out the TXDOT Road Conditions first. You can also call TXDOT at 1-800-452-9292.

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Nationwide EAS Test Coming – Nov. 9, 2011 at 1PM

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, or EAS, will take place at 1:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time) on November 9, 2011. The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the system in alerting the public. Although local and state components of the EAS are tested on a weekly and monthly basis, there has never been an end-to-end nationwide test of the system. The test will last approximately 30-45 seconds (FCC changed this from the initial 3 minute test period on 11/4/2011). 

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