Winter Storms
Winter Storm/Blizzard Preparedness and Safety
Do you know what to do if you are trapped in the middle
of a blizzard?
If a Winter Storm Watch has been issued
for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather conditions (such as snow
greater than 6 inches in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less
1/4 mile) are expected in the next 12 to 36 hours. You should prepare for the worst
now:
- AT HOME OR
WORK MAKE SURE YOU HAVE:
- a working flashlight
- battery powered NOAA
weather radio , radio, or TV
- extra food, water,
medicine, and baby items
- first aid supplies
- heating fuel (propane,
kerosene, fuel oil, etc...)
- emergency heating source
- fire extinguisher and
smoke detector
- fully check and winterize
your vehicle
- keep your gas tank
near full
- try not to travel alone
- let a friend or relative
know your timetable for travel
- carry a WINTER
STORM SURVIVAL KIT which contains:
- blankets/sleeping bags
- flashlight with extra
batteries
- knife
- high calorie, non-perishable
food
- a smaller can and water-proof
matches to melt snow for drinking water
- sand or cat litter
- shovel
- windshield scraper
- tool kit
- tow rope
- jumper cables
- water container
- compass
- road maps
- Move animals to sheltered
areas
- Haul extra feed to
nearby feeding areas
- Have a water supply
available (most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration)
If a Winter Storm Warning has been issued
for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather conditions (such as snow
greater than 6 inches in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less
1/4 mile) are expected within the next 12 hours or are already occurring.
- Find a dry shelter.
Cover all exposed parts of the body.
- If shelter is not available:
- Prepare a lean-to,
wind break, or snow-cave for protection from the wind.
- Build a fire for heat
and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.
- Do not eat snow. It
will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
- IF STRANDED
IN A CAR OR TRUCK:
- Stay in your
car or truck!
- Run the motor about
ten minutes each hour. Open the windows a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide
poisoning. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.
- Make yourself visible
to rescuers:
- Turn on the dome light
at night when running the engine
- Tie a colored cloth
to your antenna or door
- Raise the hood after
the snow stops falling
- Exercise to keep blood
circulating and to keep warm
- AT HOME OR
IN A BUILDING:
- Stay inside!
- If there is no heat:
- Close off unneeded
rooms
- Stuff towels or rags
in cracks under doors
- Cover windows at night
- Eat and drink. Food
provides the body with energy and heat. Fluids prevent dehydration.
Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight,
warm clothing