Maryland Heights, MO

Bundle up, salt your sidewalks, and grab your French Toast supplies - there is a Winter Storm Warning in effect for our area! The storm system is expected to arrive late Tuesday evening, and start producing snow overnight. This will make for a messy commute Wednesday morning, but is expected to taper off around lunch time tomorrow.

While preparing for winter weather can often be a headache, we in the Communications Division love the snow! We want to help provide all the information needed to safely enjoy the weather - here’s a few tips for those who are a little anxious over the forecast:

• Don’t go driving in this unless you absolutely have to. The warmer temperature of this storm will make for fairly easy cleanup, so be patient. When at home, park in the driveway or your garage, if possible, so that snow plows can quickly and safely clear the street.
• The best resource to stay informed on weather conditions is through the National Weather Service of St. Louis. You can access detailed info on current conditions from their website at weather.gov/lsx/ - they also provide regular updates on social media!
• Stay tuned to our website (marylandheights.com), our social media channels, and news sources for updates on facility closures. We will also send out an MH alert to those who have subscribed to facility closure information.
• For updates on traffic conditions of major roadways, stay tuned to MODOT’s official communications channels. One useful tool they offer is a live map of traffic conditions for major roadways, available at https://traveler.modot.org/map/ - please use this tool if planning a commute on Wednesday morning!
• Bring your pets indoors (if you can). If you are not able to bring them inside, provide a dry/warm shelter and make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
• If you must travel, prepare your car. Check your antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid and gas levels. Fill your tires to the proper pressure (typically between 30-35 psi). Make sure you have the following with you on your drive: cell phone/charger, extra layers and blankets, windshield scraper, shovel, flashlight, water/snacks, first aid kit, tow chains or rope, canned compressed air, cat litter, sand or road salt, jumper or booster cables, reflectors or bright colored flag, and waterproof matches.
• Heat your home safely. It is especially important for babies and older adults to maintain their body heat. Turning on your stove is not a safe heat source. Adding extra layers, utilizing electric space heaters and using a properly vented fireplace is a much safer choice! If you use a space heater, keep them at least 3 feet away from drapes, furniture and bedding, make sure the cord is not a tripping hazard, and avoid using extension cords to plug it in.
• Check on your neighbors. Our elderly friends make less body heat because of slower metabolism. In addition, many members of our community may have mobility issues, or other health concerns that limit their ability to deal with heavy snow. Offer to shovel their driveway or bring their trashcans in/out. A simple act of kindness can go a long way!
• When doing your frantic Winter Storm Shopping trip, remember that well-balanced meals will help you stay warmer. Things like alcohol and caffeine will cause your body to lose heat faster.
• If you must have your Winter Storm French toast, but are cringing at the price of eggs, don’t worry! Applesauce, mashed bananas, or simply water, oil and baking powder can be used as an egg substitute. You can also use 3 tablespoons of the liquid from a can of chickpeas (then roast up those chickpeas for lunch!). Alternatively, use what’s in your pantry – French Toast will always be available to make, even when snow isn’t on the ground!
• The high water content in this round of snow will make it perfect for playing in! If you or your kids head out, make sure they are wearing proper winter gear. This includes a warm hat, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, mittens or gloves, water-resistant coat and boots, and several layers of clothing. Your inner most layer will hold your body heat (wool or silk will work better than cotton). The insulation layer will help retain the heat (wool, goose down or fleece work best). The outer layer will protect you from the elements, and should be water/wind resistant.
• Don’t ignore the shiver! This is an important first sign that your body is losing heat and it’s time to go inside! Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. If you start feeling exhausted, tired or start losing feeling in your nose, ears, cheeks, chin fingers or toes, get inside to warm up.
• Breathing in cold, dry air can trigger an asthma attack. If you or your kids are prone to asthma attacks, plan accordingly.
• Avoid exerting yourself when working outside. Cold weather will put an extra strain on your heart. Enlist others to help and/or work slowly. Consult your doctor if you have heart disease or high blood pressure before performing any snow shoveling or cleanup.
• Finally, feel free to share photos of the snowfall with us! We love to see Maryland Heights sparkle in snow! Who knows – those pictures just may end up in a newsletter down the line. Email your winter photos to MHLife@marylandheights.com.