Simple Tips When Dealing With An Winter Storm In Louisiana

Tomorrow, we are going to experience our second round of icy winter weather this year. Last Friday, temperatures were below freezing for a good part of the day, which led to everything icing up outside. Roads, bridges, cars and just about anything you can think of was covered with a layer of ice.

As you know, we Cajuns are not prepared for such conditions. Businesses and schools close, roadways and bridges are shutdown as well as overpasses. It's absolute havoc! I know northerners are just laughing at us. Here are some facts and simple tips when dealing with a South Louisiana winter storm.

If you have a carport to park under tonight, please utilize it!
Of course, make sure you use the right tips so your water pipes do not burst! That's a no-brainer!
Before you settle down tonight, make sure you bring your plants and animals inside. There's another no-brainer.
Make sure you get a very good night of sleep, cause dealing with this is stressful and being exhausted doesn't help.
Make sure you get up at least an hour earlier than you usually do if you plan on commuting to work.
DO NOT USE HOT WATER TO DEFROST YOUR WINDSHIELD! (Use cold water if you have to.)
If you have to leave, run your car on defrost for 25-30 minutes so that ice will break up on your windows. Remember if you leave and go to work, prepare to do this more than once!
Use a credit card or CD to scrape excess ice off.
If you do not have to leave your home, DON'T! Stay off the roads if you can!
Watch out for black ice, you know, those deadly puddles on the road!