We had a stormy winter last year – what should we expect this year?

How to Properly Prepare

Preparations for the winter are underway in the communities and at the regional council, but each family needs to prepare their own home as well.

Each one of us can do several things to make this winter season safer and easier.

The following is important information on preparing for the cold winter days:

 

Prepare your Home

And Enjoy a Warm Winter

Preparing ahead of time will ensure that your house is ready for winter:

  • Prepare the roof of your house for the storm: Clean the gutters and drainage openings, and reinforce items that could detach in strong winds – such as antennas, awnings and loose cables.
  • Take advantage of sunny days to seal and insulate the house from wetness and cold.
  • Prepare for a power outage. Prepare emergency lighting, candles, a lighter or matches, a radio and batteries (for your mobile phone as well). It is recommended to have some means of heating that doesn’t run on electricity.
  • Make sure you are well stocked on gas for cooking, diesel, kerosene and even firewood. During a storm, it is difficult for the gas and diesel suppliers to reach the area.
  • Stock up on basic food and hygienic products for all members of the household: drinking water, bread in the freezer, canned food, diapers and baby food/formula, toilet paper and wet wipes. The regional council will not provide an emergency supply of these items.
  • Make sure you have a first-aid kit readily available. Check the expiration dates on the items and keep a supply of batteries for life-saving equipment for chronically ill individuals.
  •  When freezing temperatures are expected, occasionally open the hot water faucet in order to prevent the electric boiler from exploding and the pipes from freezing.
  • It is very important to keep the house ventilated while heating with diesel and kerosene. Keep blankets and clothing away from heating elements.

 

Snow on the Roads

  • Do not drive on the roads. Listen to the forecasts and don’t take chances. In case of emergency, call the regional council’s hotline (1208) or dial 02-997-4106.
  • If your car slides, please make sure to move it to the side of the road and lift up the hand brake, in order to keep the lanes clear for emergency vehicles to pass.
  • Various departments of the regional council, in conjunction with the army, will attempt to clear the main roads while the snow is falling to facilitate emergency traveling only.

Important!

Listen to the radio updates and follow the police instructions regarding closed roads and danger of slipping on the roads.

In case of emergency – Binyamin Hotline

Dial 1208

Or 02-997-4106