Bloomington is under a winter storm warning until 7 p.m. Monday with meteorologists expecting 7-10 inches of snow and sleet.
Though severe weather is nothing out of the ordinary for Bloomington winters, experts say Sunday’s storm could drop around 6 inches of snow.
Exercising caution and avoiding travel are crucial steps to staying safe during winter storms. Here are ways Bloomington residents can prepare for Sunday’s weather:
Travel
Bloomington residents should avoid travel Sunday unless absolutely necessary. IU students should not attempt to return to Bloomington from out of town until after the storm has passed. If you must drive, the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency recommends keeping the following in your car:
- First aid kit
- Portable phone charging bank
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire
- Blankets and warm clothes
These items will help keep you safe in the event of car trouble. Keeping more than a half tank of gas is also important in case you are stranded. When driving in the snow, keep plenty of space between you and other vehicles, and do not rush to reach your destination.
House readiness
MCEMA recommends you prepare portable phone chargers in advance in case of a power outage. Set your faucets to drip overnight to avoid pipes freezing.
Be careful when using electric heaters — don’t plug them into power strips; it’s a fire hazard. Lastly, it is advisable to have a carbon monoxide monitor with fully charged batteries in your home, especially with increased use of indoor heaters.
Going outside
If you need to go outside, make sure to wear layers and cover your extremities. Hats and thick socks are important to keep heat in at the poles of your body. MCEMA reminds Bloomington residents to take breaks while shoveling snow and to know their limits.
Stay informed
Check your weather station frequently to keep up to date on warnings and advisories. Visit the MCEMA Facebook page for updates, or the National Weather Service Indianapolis forecast office website.
