Fighting the Freeze

Cold weather brings a wondrous variety of inclement phenomena to our interesting little planet. One of the most common and oftentimes most dangerous of these phenomena is a rather simple physical reaction involving water and temperatures below 32 degrees: ice. Depending upon the weather, ice can take many forms, each equally as dangerous as the one before. Here's a quick look.

ICE - If ice accumulates heavily on power lines, it can cause them to break, cutting off the electricity. The loss of electricity in itself is a potential danger to some people, especially the old and infirmed. Ice on the roads can be more dangerous than snow - it's relatively unseen and offers no traction. When surprised by ice on the roads, stay calm. Don't slam on the brakes and don't make sudden turns. Drive as if you're in slow motion, and you should be fine.

HAIL - Probably one of the most hazardous forms of ice, hail often causes damage to property and sometimes even injures people. In fact, one hailstorm in 1991 caused an estimated $400 million worth of damage in Calgary, Canada. Another storm in Sydney, Australia in 1999 caused $1.6 billion in destruction, damaging 20,000 properties and 40,000 vehicles, including 25 aircraft at Sydney Airport. The largest hailstone on record landed in Coffeyville, Kan. in 1970 and weighed 1.67 pounds.

If confronted with hail, get to shelter. You won't be able to save your car, but you can save yourself.

SNOW- Most people have a romantic feeling about snow and the beauty it can add to vistas of mountain tops or fields, but it can pose serious danger to people and animals. Heavy snowfalls can cause property damage, as snow in volume has a considerable weight. When roads are made inaccessible by heavy snowfalls and ice, many farmers are unable to reach their livestock to deliver food, which is why in harsh winters it's not uncommon for many animals to die.

Combined with a strong wind, a snowfall can turn into a blizzard, creating bad driving conditions on the roads. Once again, if confronted with snowy conditions while driving, slow down.

USING DE-ICER- Many ice removers can be used with minimal damage to steel, concrete, and plants, if applied correctly.

• Ice melting products are most effective when spread thinly and evenly over the pavement prior to ice formation. It is much easier to prevent ice than to try to melt a thick layer of ice.

• Follow the manufacturer's directions when applying a deicer. If possible, use even less than is recommended, but make sure the surface is covered thinly and evenly.

• To melt thick ice in very cold weather, add a small amount of water to the deicer to help initiate melting. To further aid melting and provide sure footing, mix the deicer with wet sand and/or ashes.

• Buy de-icers early in the season to ensure that you have an ample supply. Store the deicer and sand in separate heavy plastic garbage cans to keep them dry. If the sand becomes moist, mix a small amount of deicer with the sand to prevent freezing, or store the sand in a heated area.