CONNECTICUT, USA — A significant rain and wind storm is set to hit Connecticut on Thursday and Friday before temperatures plummet for Christmas weekend.
Anywhere between 1.5 inches to 3 inches of rain is expected by the end of the day on Friday. After that comes bitterly cold temperatures overnight and during the weekend, hitting below-freezing. This rapid temperature decrease can cause a flash freeze on untreated and smaller roads.
The storm doesn't stop there, however. With the rain will also come heavy wind, which can lead to power outages. There is also a coastal flooding warning for the immediate shoreline.
With all this in mind, keeping you, your family, and any visiting relatives for the holidays safe and prepared is essential.
The Red Cross has advice for residents ahead of the storm:
Staying Safe Indoors:
Use flashlights in the dark, not candles, and know where they are.
Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car, in case traffic lights are out.
If you are using a generator, be sure you understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to use generators safely. Never operate a generator inside homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds, or other partially enclosed spaces, even if using a fan or opening doors and windows. Carbon Monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these spaces and linger for hours after a generator is shut down. Place your generator outside, well away from the house.
Food Safety:
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
First, use perishable food from the refrigerator. Perishables should have a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) or below to be safe to eat. Then use food from the freezer.
Use your non-perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer.
Driving Safety
Stay off the roads if possible during severe weather
If you must go out, be careful on overpasses and bridges, which freeze first
Don’t follow the car in front of you too closely
Avoid using cruise control so that you have full control of your vehicle
If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way
Electrical Equipment:
Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.
Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment, or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
Be sure important devices, like your cell phone, are fully charged.
After a Power Outage:
Stay away from downed power lines.
If electrical power lines are down, don’t touch them. Keep your family and pets away. Report downed lines to your utility company.
Throw away any food (particularly meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that has been exposed to temperatures higher than 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or with an unusual odor, color, or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
Never taste food or rely on appearance or odor to determine its safety. Some foods may look and smell fine, but if they have been at room temperature too long, bacteria-causing food-borne illnesses can start growing quickly. Some types of bacteria produce toxins that cannot be destroyed by cooking.
If you are not sure the food is cold enough, take its temperature with a food thermometer.
If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice crystals, you can refreeze it.
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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