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Why You Don't Crowd the Plow

10/28/2019

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With winter's inevitable return on the way, it's time for some winter weather driving reminders. In this part of the country where we get more snow than most places, snowplows become a regular part of traffic. Remember, the main aim for county snowplows is to improve driving conditions for other motorists.

Sometimes you'll see a sign on the back of a snowplow that reads, “Don't Crowd the Plow.” It's sound advice and in this post we will discuss several reasons why you should pay heed and not crowd the plow.

Road Conditions
First, if snowplows are even out in the first place, it is because road conditions are not great. That means you shouldn't be driving too closely behind <i>any</i> other vehicle, much less one the size of a snowplow. One of the main rules of winter travel is to give yourself extra time to get to your destination. That means realizing the some drivers will be driving slower than you would drive, including snowplows, so this is a good time to exercise patience and focus on arriving safely.

The Plow's Limited Visibility
The size of a snowplow creates visibility issues for the snowplow driver. For instance, snowplow drivers cannot see directly behind their trucks. Further, when the plow is down, there is likely to be a snow cloud created by the plowing process, which can further limit a snowplow driver's visibility.

Your Limited Visibility
In snowy winter conditions, which are compounded by the aforementioned snow cloud, your visibility is also likely to be affected. Trying to pass the snowplow is rolling the dice with limited visibility, which is never a good idea, especially with a vehicle as large and heavy as a snowplow.

The Plow Truck Can Move Unexpectedly
Snowplows are out there pushing piles of blowing snow, chunks of ice, wet and sloppy snow, and sometimes even doing it in freezing rain conditions. In any number of different winter conditions, a snowplow can hit a patch of “something” that causes it to move sideways. If you are next to a snowplow when it does this, it can put your life, and the lives of other drivers, in immediate danger.

The Right-Side Wing
Motorists are never supposed to pass on the right. This was common knowledge at one point, but you would never know anymore. Still, this is incredibly important when it comes to snowplow safety. Many trucks come equipped with wings that can extend up to six feet out on both sides of the truck. This gives snowplows more options to clear as much snow as possible in the shortest amount of time. These wings are huge and heavy. Some can weigh as much as a small car.

When you pair the size of these wings with the limited visibility issues listed above, trying to pass a snowplow on the right is quite literally an accident waiting to happen. Just don't do it.

In Conclusion
Nobody likes driving in winter weather conditions, especially snowplow drivers. If the weather is starting to turn, anticipate that there may be snowplows out there, which will slow down traffic conditions. Give yourself extra time to get where you need to be and use some patience along the way.

Of course, if you are looking for commercial snow removal services, we'd sure appreciate it if you would give E.P.M. LawnScape and Supply an opportunity. Simply contact us online or call us at (517) 990-0110 today!

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Preparing Your Winter Weather Safety Kit

10/21/2019

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There's an old adage that goes something like this: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. While this can be applied in many different settings, one setting where it rings particularly true is in winter weather emergencies. It's not uncommon for some storms to render areas powerless for hours-to-days at a time.

The very nature of preparation is that you do it ahead of time. You don't want to wait until the storm shows up in the forecast. By then, you'll find yourself tussling with other procrastinators over things like batteries and bottled water. And, let's face, that is not a time when everyone is being their best self.

In this post, we will take a detailed look at the necessities you should have on hand in your winter weather safety kit now, so you'll be prepared in the event of a winter emergency later.


Winter Weather Safety Kit
Your winter weather safety kit will often vary depending upon where you live. For instance, you may find yourself needing a lot more of some these products than others. As you read through the list, think about what would be realistic for emergencies lasting up to three days.

Flashlight
Winter is known for extended darkness. Having flashlights on hand helps with household navigation and locating other items you might need in an emergency.

NOAA Weather Radio
This is (hopefully) and item you won't use very much. When you are without power and in the middle of a dangerous storm, knowing what is happening with the weather is of paramount importance, as it can help you make the best decisions for your circumstances.

Batteries
Yes, you'll need them for the flashlights and radio, but it is best to keep a stockpile of batteries in different sizes just in case. You'll never know what you might need them for when you don't have another power source.

Power Banks
Since you can't run your cell phone off of 9V batteries, seriously consider investing in a power bank or two and keep them charged. With most homes no longer having a landline, your cell phone could be your only connection to the outside world. Make sure you have enough juice for it.


Candles
They provide light, a little heat, can be used to ignite other heat sources, and they don't expire. Basic candles are very affordable, as well. In short, there is no reason not to have plenty of candles at the ready all year long.

Food and Water
Stocking non-perishable foods, such as canned goods that don't require cooking, is Emergency Preparedness 101. (Don't forget the can opener.) In addition, high-calorie foods (e.g., dried fruit and candy) are your friends in these situations. Also, and perhaps even more importantly, is to have gallons of bottled water on hand. Yes, you need it for drinking, but don't forget to account for basic hygiene, as well. Nobody wants to go days without brushing their teeth or light washing, both of which can be great morale boosters when needed.

First Aid Supplies
Often, winter storms can prevent you from getting out for medical attention and even prevent emergency vehicles from getting to you. In some cases, a very treatable injury can become serious if not given basic medical attention. In these cases, a good first aid kit is invaluable.


Medicine
On a similar note, if you are taking prescribed medications, be sure to have extra on hand if possible. For many common conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, not having those medications or access to them can literally turn a bad situation into a life or death situation.

Heating Source
A fireplace is nice, but not every house has one. If your HVAC is regulated by an electric thermostat, your access to heat can be jeopardized. Propane and kerosene heaters make excellent alternatives and can deliver a substantial amount of heat in a relatively short period of time, making them ideal for winter emergency situations.


Heating Fuel
Alternative heating sources are only useful if you have fuel for them. Be sure to keep dry wood, propane, kerosene, and other required fuels on hand.

Fire Extinguisher and Smoke Detector / Carbon Monoxide Detector
Because many alternative heat sources aren't used every day, there is always the risk of a fire or elevated carbon monoxide levels. Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand and ensure the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are fresh.

Blankets
Old school? Yes. Do they work? Yes. Be sure you have enough for everybody.


Extra Baby Items
If you have a baby, extra everything is critical. Even if you don't have a baby, items such as baby wipes, powder, rash creams, and the like can be more convenient to have on hand than you might think.

Snow Shovel
In some cases, you just have to dig out. Sometimes that means digging your vehicle out. Sometimes it means digging through that snow drift that has all but completely covered your front door opening.

Generator

If you can procure one, a generator can make your life a whole lot easier during a winter weather emergency. It would also behoove you to know your generator's fuel-burning rate and be sure to have enough fuel on hand to ride out a few days if necessary.

Just a reminder that this list is meant to be a starter kit. Your living situation will dictate whether your need more or different supplies, but this should get you started and in the right mindset.


In Conclusion
Living in this part of the country, the weather can be notoriously unpredictable and quite erratic. One thing you can almost always be sure of, though, is that winter will bring at least a couple of major storms. By preparing a winter weather safety kit, you can make winter just a little more predictable.

Of course, if you are looking for commercial snow removal services, we'd sure appreciate it if you would give E.P.M. LawnScape and Supply an opportunity. Simply contact us online or call us at (517) 990-0110 today!

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Just How Accurate is the Farmer's Almanac?

10/14/2019

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On any given day, the weather forecast can seem like a total crap shoot, at best. And the 10-day forecast? Please. Anything after 48 hours is almost a complete guess. Still, that hasn't stopped the Farmer's Almanac from predicting entire seasons' worth of weather well in advance.

At this point, the almanac has been a staple of American culture since nearly the dawn of America itself, as it was first published in 1792. In this post, we are going to look at the weather prediction for the winter of 2019-2020, as well as some of the background that goes into those predictions.

This Year's Prediction
For the Great Lakes region, the almanac is forecasting a winter that is considerably colder than normal. It is projected to linger well into April, pushing the start of spring back by quite a bit. The worst of it is forecasted to hit between January 4-7 and 12-15 when "copious amounts" of snow are supposed to blanket the area.

Super.

How Do They Predict?
Long range forecasting, as one can imagine, must be particularly difficult. Just how the almanac devises its predictions is notoriously a secret and speculative endeavor. The Farmer's Almanac standard answer to the inquiry is an, "exclusive mathematical and astronomical formula, that relies on sunspot activity, tidal action, planetary position and many other factors."

What Do Meteorologists Think?
As one could imagine, seasoned meteorologists don't put much stock into these forecasts, which is <i>really</i> saying something when you think about it. In a 2015 CNN article about the almanac, Senior Meteorologist, Dan Hennen, said, "It's difficult enough to do a five-day forecast…."

He elaborated by saying, "We're really good at the day of and the next day, (and) we're better at temperature a ways out than precipitation. But to forecast out that far in advance ... even the science behind our long-range forecasting is sometimes not that solid."

Snow in the Summer of 1816
One intriguing story about the almanac's accuracy goes back to the 1816 edition.

Legend has it, that a wily printer, while founder Robert B. Thomas was laid up with the flu, inserted a prediction for rain, hail, and snow throughout New England… in July! When Thomas discovered the prank, he rounded up all the copies, had them destroyed and new ones printed sans the outlandish prediction.

Strangely enough, however, is that the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in the East Indies spread volcanic ash and dust into the atmosphere the world over, affecting weather patterns in many places. One of the effected areas was the New England and Canada's eastern seaboard. And yes, in July and August of 1816, it actually did snow!

In Conclusion
In Michigan, mid-autumn and mid-spring are notoriously unpredictable. We could see anything from an 80-degree day to eight inches of snow. Relying on forecasts doesn't always help much either. As such, it's always best to be prepared for winter weather situations as early or late as they could occur, regardless of the forecast.

Of course, if you are looking for commercial snow removal services, we'd sure appreciate it if you would give E.P.M. LawnScape and Supply an opportunity. Simply contact us online or call us at (517) 990-0110 today!

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  • Home
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