Bedford Police: How to Stay Safe During Blizzard?

The Bedford Police Department has issued the following advisory regarding tonight's potential for blizzard conditions:

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for most of the state starting Thursday evening through Saturday morning. Late Thursday night, light snow will begin to develop across the region, generally after 2am-4am. Snow accumulation will be light with an inch or less expected for most areas, although northern NH may see 1-4 inches. 

On Friday and through the day Saturday, two systems will phase together over the region with moderate to heavy snow developing across much of the region on Friday and lasting into Saturday. Total accumulation of 6 inches to 18 inches is looking more likely through the event, depending on where the heaviest snow bands set up. 

The expectation is for dry snow when the system initially begins late Thursday night and early Friday morning. Snow will gradually trend toward normal snow through the day Friday and may become wet Friday afternoon and evening, mainly in areas south of the Lakes Region. Snow will gradually transition back to normal consistency for southern areas and dry for northern areas Friday night and Saturday. Snow will gradually wind down during the day Saturday as high pressure moves in. Dry conditions are expected region wide by Saturday evening or overnight. 

Winds will be gusty with this system starting Friday night into Saturday, with gusts around 25-40 mph likely. Isolated higher gusts around 40-50 mph may occur along the immediate New England coast before winding down later Saturday. 

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for most of the state starting Thursday evening through Saturday morning. Late Thursday night, light snow will begin to develop across the region, generally after 2am-4am. Snow accumulation will be light with an inch or less expected for most areas, although northern NH may see 1-4 inches. 

On Friday and through the day Saturday, two systems will phase together over the region with moderate to heavy snow developing across much of the region on Friday and lasting into Saturday. Total accumulation of 6 inches to 18 inches is looking more likely through the event, depending on where the heaviest snow bands set up. 

The expectation is for dry snow when the system initially begins late Thursday night and early Friday morning. Snow will gradually trend toward normal snow through the day Friday and may become wet Friday afternoon and evening, mainly in areas south of the Lakes Region. Snow will gradually transition back to normal consistency for southern areas and dry for northern areas Friday night and Saturday. Snow will gradually wind down during the day Saturday as high pressure moves in. Dry conditions are expected region wide by Saturday evening or overnight. 

Winds will be gusty with this system starting Friday night into Saturday, with gusts around 25-40 mph likely. Isolated higher gusts around 40-50 mph may occur along the immediate New England coast before winding down later Saturday. 

Please report any power outages to the PSNH 24/7 call center at 1-800-662-7764 or via their web site at www.psnh.com. Report any hazardous conditions such as downed power lines or debris in the road to the Bedford Communications Center at 472-5113. Treat any wires as if they are live and do not touch them. 

Attached are some important information, tips and suggestions for the forecasted severe weather ahead: 

Weather Emergency Terms you Should Know:

Blizzard WARNING: *Snow and strong winds will combine to produce a blinding snow with near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening windchill. Avoid going outdoors!

Winter Storm WARNING: *Severe winter conditions have begun, or are imminent in the warning area.

Winter Storm WATCH: *Severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and ice, are possible within the next day or two in the watch area.

Winter Storm TRAVELERS ADVISORY: *Winter weather conditions are expected to hinder travel, but the anticipated weather conditions are not serious enough to require warnings in the advisory area. 

Be Prepared Before a Winter Storm Occurs:

• Check your fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to assure they are in good working order.

• Keep pipes from freezing.

• Keep building temperatures consistent —above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Insulate pipes. Use “pipe-sleeves” or other insulating material.

• Open closets and cabinet doors to circulate warm air where pipes are located.

• As an emergency measure, let faucets drip slowly to avoid freezing (not recommended as a permanent measure).

• Make sure you have ready access to emergency equipment such as flashlights, first aid kits and a working battery powered radio.

• Keep vehicles winterized. Carry a survivor kit in your car to include the following: cell phone or radio, blankets, flashlight, sand or cat litter, shovel, windshield scraper, tool kit, tow rope, jumper cables.

• Develop an emergency communication plan. A backup generator is always useful in an emergency situation. Test the generator monthly to determine reliability. Install generator outdoors away from doors and windows. Electrical connections should be performed by a licensed electrician —the use of a transfer switch is a must. 

During and After a Winter Storm:

• Listen to the current weather reports and emergency information.

• Dress for conditions. Layers of protective clothing are warmer than thick clothing.

• Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear head gear.

• Before shoveling, warm up first, then stretch, and do not overexert yourself if you are unaccustomed to it —cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart and can bring on a heart attack, a major cause of death during and after winter storms.

• Take winter driving seriously; travel only if absolutely necessary.

• Watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia. If symptoms are detected, seek medical attention. Check on your neighbors especially senior citizens.