Wally the Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Have a Shelter in Place Kit

If there is a bad storm this winter, you might not be able to leave the house for a few days. Make sure you have enough food, water and medications for three days. Remind everyone in your household that these supplies are for emergencies only.

Items for Your Shelter in Place Kit:

• One gallon of drinking water per person per day for three days.


• Food that will not easily perish; ready-to-eat foods.


• Manual can opener and eating utensils.


• First-aid kit.


• Flashlight.


• AM/FM Radio.


• Extra batteries.


• Phone that does not rely on electricity.


• Whistle - to signal for help.


• Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach and an eyedropper (Disinfect water only if directed to do so by health officials. To disinfect water with bleach, add 8 drops of bleach per gallon of water.)


• Personal hygiene items (hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper and wipes.)


• Child care supplies.


• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape.

Also consider other supplies and equipment based on your special needs, such as:

• Back-up medical equipment (glasses, oxygen, scooter battery, mobility aids, hearing aids and batteries).


• Supplies for pets and service animals.

Wally the Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Winter Driving Tips

During a snow or ice storm this winter when the roads may be treacherous, use public transportation if you must travel.

However, if you must drive:

• Avoid driving until road crews clear roadways.


• Before starting your car, clear snow from the tail pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.


• Completely clear your vehicle of snow and ice, including windows, mirrors, roof, trunk, hood, and lights.


• Travel in daylight and don't travel alone.


• Stay on main roads.


• Be aware of potentially icy areas, such as shady spots and bridges.


• Drive at speeds dictated by conditions.


• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the roadway.


• Do not pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these vehicles as you would emergency response vehicles.


• Carry a cell phone.


• Let family or friends know your travel schedule and routes.


• Keep a small sack of sand or kitty litter in your car for generating traction under wheels.

Wally the Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Shovel Snow Safely and Properly

Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Take frequent rest breaks and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Maintain an awareness of utilities when shoveling snow. Do not cover fire hydrants with snow when clearing sidewalks and driveways. Do not shovel snow into manholes. Be prepared. Buy a snow shovel before it snows.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - elderly people and people with disabilities.

The Law Regarding Snow Removal from Sidewalks

According to Philadelphia code (10-720), "the owner, agent and tenants of any building or premise shall clear a path not less than 30 inches in width on all sidewalks abutting the building or premise within six hours after snow has ceased to fall. The path shall be thoroughly cleared of snow and ice. Where the width of any pavement measured from the property line to the curb is less than three feet, the path cleared maybe only 12 inches in width. When the building in question is a multifamily dwelling the owner or his agent shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of this section. Snow or ice removed from sidewalks, driveways, or other areas shall not be placed or piled in the street. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to the provisions and penalties set forth in 10-718 and 10-719."

Weather Alert: Winter Storm Watch

Tuesday morning (February 3) through Tuesday evening.

There is potential for four inches of snow on Tuesday, February 3. Light snow is expected to start late Monday night and pick up on Tuesday. The most intense snowfall should occur driving the afternoon and early evening on Tuesday.

The snow could arrive early enough to impact the morning commute, but should have a greater impact on afternoon and evening travel.

To continue monitoring the storm, visit www.weather.gov/phi.

Wally the Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Salt Your Sidewalk Smartly

Any commercial de-icer is acceptable for salting your sidewalk or driveway.

Salt should be applied as soon as a light accumulation has developed on the surface. This will break the bond between subsequent accumulations and the pavement, thereby making it easier to shovel. A final light application may be required after removal to melt the remaining residual snow.

During a sleet or freezing rain storm, de-icing of sidewalks and driveways will require multiple applications as dictated by the actual conditions.

Be conscious of the environment. Use de-icing salts sparingly. One pound can be used to cover 100 to 200 square feet. For example, 30 to 60 feet of sidewalk with a width of three feet can be treated at this rate. The material can be spread manually or with the help of simple equipment such as lawn seed and fertilizer spreaders. If spreaders are used, they should be rinsed out once the application is completed. Kitty litter can also be used to generate temporary traction.