Nothing's prettier than snowflakes drifting from the sky, dusting the landscape with a fresh coat of snow though icicles glistening are also gorgeous.
However, it's tough to appreciate the beauty of a winter wonderland when the power's out and your pipes are freezing! Recent winter storms have affected states ranging from Oregon to Kentucky to Pennsylvania.
A deadly ice storm struck the southern states with Kentucky bearing the brunt of the damage.
This ice storm is being blamed for at least 40 deaths in nine states.
Power was knocked out throughout the southeast region with 1.
3 million customers having lost power.
In Kentucky, over 700,000 residents lost their power.
National Guard units have been mobilized to distribute food and water, clear debris, reach residents in hard hit areas, and provide security.
Because of the lack of power, many residents have resorted to alternative means of staying warm.
Unfortunately, deaths have been linked to the improper use of charcoal grills - these should NEVER be used indoors - and many residents have died due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The governor of Kentucky, Governor Steve Beshear, referred to this deadly winter storm as one of the biggest natural disasters to strike Kentucky.
Damage from the winter storm is widespread with fallen trees, downed power lines, frozen pipes, and localized flooding.
In other areas, earlier winter storms caused similar damages, though on a smaller scale than in Kentucky.
For example, in Salem, Oregon, cleanup crews are busy dealing with damaged trees found throughout the city.
A series of snow, ice, and winter storms pounded Oregon recently, causing significant damages.
The tree removal and winter storm damage cleanup operation in Salem is expected to take several months.
Winter storms cause significant amounts of damage each year.
In the decades spanning 1986 to 2006, the Insurance Information Network of California estimates that the nation suffered $23.
1 billion in winter storm damages.
An additional $9.
3 billion in damages occur due to hail, wind, and flood damage.
How to Prepare for Winter Storms Not only do winter storms cause significant damages and knock out power for weeks at a time, they also isolate residents.
Downed trees and power lines block major roadways, making it impossible to travel far.
You may be "snowed in" for many days before help arrives.
While it's too late to prepare for the recent storms that have isolated residents throughout the states, it's never too late to prepare for future winter storms.
Create a disaster kit - This kit should contain emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, portable radio, candles, water, and non-perishable foods.
Make sure to have enough food and water for your entire family to survive for at least 72 hours.
A safe way to stay warm - If the power goes out, how will you stay warm? Do you have a wood burning fireplace? Do you have a stash of dry wood? Will you need a portable generator and heaters? Do you know how to use these items safely? Now's the time to learn where to install generators and vent them properly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Pipe insulation - Insulate your pipes before the next winter storm.
During the freezing temperatures, allow your faucets to drip slightly in order to keep the water flowing and prevent freezing.
Fill your tubs - Because your water may go out during the winter storm, it's not a bad idea to fill your bathtubs with water.
You can use this water throughout the disaster as needed.
Winter is a beautiful season with its share of hardships.
While some winters may be mild, it's smart to be prepared for the possibility of another brutal ice storm.
By: Mr.
Mark Decherd