Winter
Storm
Table of
Contents
-
 Prepare
a Winter Storm Plan
-
Assemble
a Disaster Supplies Kit
-
Stay
tuned for Storm Warnings
-
Know
what Winter Storm Watches and Warnings
mean
-
When
a Winter Storm Watch is issued
-
When
a Winter Storm Warning is issued
-
If
you DO get stuck
See
also...
Winter Storms... the Deceptive
Killers, in-depth
information about winter storm safety from the National
Weather Service
Prepare a Winter Storm
Plan
-
Have extra blankets
on hand.
-
Ensure that each
member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens,
hat, and water-resistant boots.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
Containing--
-
First aid kit and
essential medications.
-
Battery-powered
NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
-
Canned food and can
opener.
-
Bottled water (at
least one gallon of water per person per day to last at
least 3 days).
-
Extra warm
clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.
-
Assemble a Disaster
Supplies Kit for your car, too.
-
Have your car
winterized before winter storm season.
Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings. .
.
Know What Winter Storm WATCHES and WARNINGS
Mean
-
A winter storm
WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
-
A winter storm
WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
-
A blizzard WARNING
means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous
wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!
When a Winter Storm WATCH is
Issued...
-
Listen to NOAA
Weather Radio, local radio, and TV stations, or cable TV
such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
-
Be alert to
changing weather conditions.
-
Avoid unnecessary
travel.
When a Winter Storm WARNING is
Issued...
-
Stay indoors during
the storm.
-
If you must go
outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep
you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and
a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to
protect your lungs.
-
Understand the
hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of
wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
-
As the wind
increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an
accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
-
Walk carefully on
snowy, icy, sidewalks.
-
After the storm, if
you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically
strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
-
Avoid traveling by
car in a storm, but if you must...
-
Carry a
Disaster
Supplies Kit in the trunk.
-
Keep your car's
gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line
from freezing.
-
Let someone know
your destination, your route, and when you expect to
arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be
sent along your predetermined route.
If You Do Get Stuck...
-
Stay with your car.
Do not try to walk to safety.
-
Tie a brightly
colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers
to see.
-
Start the car and
use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the
exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
-
Leave the overhead
light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
-
As you sit, keep
moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to
stay warm.
-
Keep one window
away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
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