Every morning and every night we are seeing more major fires in out tri-state area on the news. The latest one in Edgewater, NJ at the Luxury Avalon Apartment complex was colossal. It started around 4:30pm Wednesday afternoon and over 1,000 residents had to flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs. It started out as a small electrical fire, in fact the first responders told the tenants to go get a cup of coffee or a slice of pizza, and it’ll be under control in a short time.

Well, it got worse until it engulfed over 200 apartments and turned into an inferno. Residents were displaced and lost everything, clothes, wallets, drivers licenses, important documents, EVERYTHING! This was not caused by negligence or started on purpose, in fact authorities said everything was up to code, the units were equipped with fire alarms, sprinkler systems and emergency exits.

The thing is fire code in many states permit light weight wooden structures, including wooden trusses but this fueled the flames and made fighting the fire difficult.  As flames moved quickly through the 240-unit structure, firemen made three rescues and no one was injured or missing. The building complied with construction and fire codes, Fire Chief Thomas Jacobson said, but he added: “If it was made out of cinder block and concrete, with concrete fire barriers, we wouldn’t have this problem.”

I was watching the NBC evening news and Lynda Baquero (Better Get Baquero) had a great segment related to the fire. It was all about renters insurance and the importance of renters having it. Ninety percent of homeowners have home owners insurance but only thirty seven percent of condo/apartment renters purchase insurance. She also had a spokeswoman on from the Insurance Information Institute who explained, in addition to having renters insurance, you also need to perform an inventory, whether you bring in an experienced third party company like Fairfield Home Inventory or do it yourself, the important thing is to get an inventory of your personal possessions.

Remember, everything you treasure, you’re most valuable possessions – furniture, electronics, photo albums, art, collectables, mementos from your parents, grandparents and family are in this dwelling that can be destroyed and turned into ashes in a flash. Renter’s insurance is not expensive but not having it can be an expensive mistake.

Holidays are over, back to work and school and we’re heading into the winter freeze. We’ve been lucky so far but don’t let the relatively mild weather we’ve been having in lower Fairfield County, lull you into a false sense of security – it will get colder.

Take the time to check and insulate water pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Know the terms used to describe changing winter weather conditions and what actions to take. These terms can be used to determine the timeline and severity of an approaching storm.

Advisory/Watch/Warning – The National Weather Service issues advisories and warnings for other winter weather, including blizzards, freezes, wind chill, lake effect snow, and dense fog. Be alert to weather reports and tune in for specific guidance when these conditions develop.

Freezing Rain – Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

Sleet – Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

Wind Chill– Wind chill is the temperature it “feels like” when you are outside. The NWS provides a Wind chill Chart to show the difference between air temperature and the perceived temperature and the amount of time until frostbite occurs. For more information, visit: www.nws.noaa.gov/om/windchill.

Winter Weather Advisory – Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening. The NWS issues winter weather advisory when conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. If caution is used, these situations should not be life-threatening.

Winter Storm Watch – A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information. The NWS issues a winter storm watch when severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, may affect your area but the location and timing are still uncertain. A winter storm watch is issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a potential severe storm. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, TV, or other news sources for more information. Monitor alerts, check your emergency supplies, and gather any items you may need if you lose power.

Winter Storm Warning – A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

Blizzard Warning – Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

Frost/Freeze Warning – Below freezing temperatures are expected

Make sure you have a good supply of rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.

• Sand to improve traction.
• Have Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment on hand to remove ice and snow.
• Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm, sturdy and water proof work boots when out in the cold shoveling.

Spring is a right around the corner but in the meantime take care to get through the worst of the winter weather. Be safe around your home and minimize the dangers of slips and falls on snow and ice. Always remove snow/ice in your driveway and walkways before it builds up and becomes dangerous and harder to remove. Make sure you clean off your car regularly for easy access in an emergency – It’s also a good idea to keep the gas tank full to reduce the possibility of moisture build up in the fuel system.

Basic preparedness will always help with the odds when the weather turns nasty. Be aware of what’s heading our way and stay safe.