This is a nautical term meaning to close all the doors of a ship at sea.
Why?
Because there is trouble a-brewing.
For us in North Carolina it means that there is a fearsome winter storm barreling down from the Canadian north.
It’s gonna be cold.
It’s gonna be precipitous. By that I mean there will be some sort of rain/sleet/ice/snow on the ground.
It also means there will be no bread or toilet paper or milk to be found in the stores.
This storm is due to sweep into the area, along with drastically colder temperatures this weekend.
That’s just ducky!
Best to think about preparation now.
Go out now and buy salt for your steps.
Go out now and buy milk, toilet paper, and bread. If you need to.
Prepare to check on friends and family.
Don’t forget about our feathered and furry outside friends.
In the worst case scenario, from the models that I have seen, we get ice. A lot of ice. So much ice that our energy lines may be compromised and a lot of people will lose power.
Check your windows for leaks and stop them up now.
Double check all the little windows leading to your crawl space and make sure they are shut. Yes, all of them.
Make sure on the coldest nights to leave a faucet dripping, just a little, and all of the cabinet doors open so your pipes do not freeze.
Make sure your car has a full tank of gas. And always have proper winter gear on if you venture outside.
Make sure you have candles and flashlights and batteries. And matches.
Your gas grill is not appropriate for indoor use.
Check your carbon monoxide alarms.
Make a winter trouble plan.
Ugh.
Fingers crossed that it’s going to be just water, maybe a little snow. Snow over ice is no fun, ask me how I know.
It’s been a hot minute (several years) since we’ve anticipated such a winter storm. Make preparations now.
Be safe. Stay warm.
And do not lick any frozen flag poles, no matter if they triple dog dare you to.
Dispatches from the Evening Shift 