Ice storm in Michigan’s forecast: How to prepare

April 13--About half the state of Michigan could end up encased in ice over the weekend with a major storm targeting at least 10 counties, according to forecasters.

From car doors frozen shut to snapped power lines, here's how to cope:

Icy cars

Having trouble getting inside your car? Here's what to do, according to Popular Mechanics:

* Don't brush off snow with a snow shovel, It's too easy to scratch the paint or chip a window.

* Do smack the hood and trunk with your flattened hand to break up any thin layer of ice, which can then be brushed off

* Don't smack anything with a hammer, piece of wood, your 2-foot-long plastic ice scraper. You stand the chance of denting the sheet metal or shattering a window--glass is easier to break when it's cold.

* Don't start the car unless the exhaust pipe and radiator grill are clear.

* Don't leave it unattended, because if the coolant is improperly mixed and the radiator is frozen, it will overheat and destroy your engine.

* Do turn on the headlights. The heat from the headlamp bulbs will make it easier to scrape ice off the lenses

* Don't turn the windshield wipers on until they're free of snow and ice. Leaving them trapped while they're trying to sweep the windshield could damage the motor, linkage or even the wiper blades themselves.

* Do use winter-grade windshield washer fluid to help melt ice from the windows.

* Don't pour boiling water from your teakettle on the windows, the heat differential will crack them.

Icy roads

Agencies like the National Weather Service and the Michigan State Police strongly recommend against traveling. But now that you've managed to get inside that icy car and absolutely must venture out, here's what to remember, according to the Boston Globe:

* Go slow. To regain traction, apply the gas gently and slowly.

* The following distance between cars should be 8-10 seconds in case drivers have to stop abruptly.

* Anti-lock brakes will assist in a skid, helping the driver stay in control. Apply firm steady pressure.

* Avoid stops whenever possible. It takes a lot of energy to slow down a car and on ice, stops can invite skids or spinouts. AAA recommends: "If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it."

* Try to avoid hills. Don't power up hills. Don't stop when climbing hills.

* Check road conditions at www.michigan.gov/roadconditions. Major road closures can be found at www.michigan.gov/drive.

Power outages

Heavy ice cover means power outages are likely. Be prepared in advance and keep safety in mind. State Police suggest:

* Consider every downed line "live" and dangerous and stay at minimum 25 feet away, make sure trees and limbs are not in contact with any power lines when clearing them (because they can conduct electricity).

* Report outages to your utility company, never run a generator indoors

* Create an emergency preparedness kit for both your car and home containing the following items: supplies to last three days per person, food, water, first aid kit, flashlight and radio with extra batteries, clothing and blankets.

* If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood.

Get ready now

The Weather Channel is warning folks to prep ahead of time. That means:

* Make sure cell phones and laptops are charged ahead of time. Charge backup battery packs for your electronic devices and make sure the power cords are handy and in working order.

* Get your pets inside, set up with food and water.

* Make sure your flashlights have working batteries.

* Park cars away from trees, which could become ice-covered and come crashing down.

* Have plenty of salt or de-icer handy for sidewalks and steps

Other fast facts from The Weather Channel include:

* Ice can increase the weight of tree branches by 30 times.

* 1/2-inch accumulation of ice on power lines can add 500 pounds of extra weight.

* 1/4 inches or less of ice accumulation is considered "a nuisance event."

* 1/4-1/2 inches of ice accumulation is considered "a disruptive ice storm."

* Widespread ice accumulation totaling over 1/2 inches is considered "crippling."

Contact reporter Aleanna Siacon at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @AleannaSiacon.

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