Second Weather?
- Thomas Breckel
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
Preparing for Ohio’s Second Severe Weather Season
Fall Weather, Winter Forecasts, and Household Safety
As the leaves turn and the temperatures cool, Ohio enters its second severe weather season—late September through early November. Just like in spring, warm and cold air masses collide this time of year, bringing the potential for severe thunderstorms, high winds, and even tornadoes. Add in the Farmers’ Almanac forecast of a cold, snowy “old-time winter” ahead, and it’s clear that now is the time for Clinton County households to prepare.
Here are some practical, plainspoken steps you can take to stay safe, protect your property, and even save some money as the seasons change.
Stay Alert: Weather Awareness Matters
Sign Up for Alerts: Make sure everyone in your family is registered for Clinton County Emergency Alerts (CCEA) and has Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled on their phones.
Know Where to Shelter: Identify the safest place in your home during a tornado or high-wind event—a basement if possible, or an interior room with no windows.
Talk Through the Plan: Review your family’s communication plan in case you’re separated during an emergency.
Household Preparedness Actions
Check Your Emergency Kit: Rotate supplies such as food, water, batteries, and medications. Don’t forget pets.
Power Backups: Test flashlights, charge power banks, and know how to safely run a generator if you have one.
Home Safety: Trim back overhanging tree limbs, clean gutters to prevent flooding, and secure outdoor furniture.
Saving Money While Preparing for Winter
Seal and Insulate: Use caulk, weatherstripping, or plastic window film to keep warm air in and cold drafts out. This can cut heating bills significantly.
Furnace Check-Up: Schedule a tune-up now before demand spikes. Replace filters regularly for efficiency.
Utility Assistance: Households struggling with energy costs should explore programs like HEAP or PIPP Plus for help.
Stock Up Early: Buy salt, snow shovels, and pantry staples before prices rise in the winter rush.
Holiday Decorating: Secure for Safety
Fall and Halloween decorations are a community favorite, but they can quickly become wind-blown missiles if not secured.
Anchor inflatables and yard art with stakes, sandbags, or weighted bases.
Avoid placing lightweight props on roofs or porches where winds can carry them off.
Use outdoor-rated extension cords and keep electrical connections off the ground.
Deflate and store decorations if strong winds or storms are forecast.
A loose skeleton or inflatable pumpkin can be fun in the yard, but not when it crashes into a neighbor’s window.
Prepare Your Vehicle for the Season Change
Ohio’s fall storms and winter weather also put stress on vehicles. A little preparation now prevents big headaches later.
Winterize Your Vehicle: Check antifreeze, battery strength, tire tread, and windshield wipers.
Keep the Tank Half Full: This prevents fuel line freeze-ups and ensures you can travel if power outages shut down pumps.
Build a Vehicle Emergency Kit:
Blanket or warm clothing
Flashlight and spare batteries
First aid kit
Jumper cables
Ice scraper and small shovel
Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
Phone charger or power bank
Sand, kitty litter, or traction aids
A stocked vehicle kit can be the difference between inconvenience and real danger during a winter breakdown.
Final Takeaway
Preparedness is about safety, comfort, and savings. The weeks ahead may bring severe storms, and the winter forecast suggests we could see plenty of cold and snow. Clinton County families can take simple steps now—secure decorations, winterize homes and vehicles, and update emergency plans—to protect themselves and their neighbors.
Don’t wait for the first storm. Prepare today. Sign up for Clinton County Emergency Alerts, review your household plan, and take small steps that will pay off all season long.
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