Winter Preparedness Safety Tips
Timely preparation, including structural and non-structural
mitigation measures to avoid the impacts of severe winter weather, can avert
heavy personal, business and government expenditures. Experts agree that the
following measures can be effective in dealing with the challenges of severe
winter weather:
Before Severe Weather Arrives
- Store drinking water, first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can
opener, radio, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily,
even in the dark.
- Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter
emergency kit in each.
- Get a NOAA Weather Radio to monitor severe weather.
- Know how the public is warned (siren, radio, TV, etc.) and the warning
terms for each kind of disaster in your community; e.g.:
- "winter storm watch" --- Be alert, a storm is likely
- "winter storm warning" --- Take action, the storm is in or entering the
area
- "blizzard warning" --- Snow and strong winds combined will produce
blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind
chill--seek refuge immediately!
- "winter weather advisory" --- Winter weather conditions are expected to
cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to
motorists
- "frost/freeze warning" --- Below freezing temperatures are expected and
may cause damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees
- "flash flood or flood watch" --- Be alert to signs of flash flooding and
be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice
- "flash flood warning" --- A flash flood is imminent--act quickly to save
yourself because you may have only seconds
- "flood warning" --- Flooding has been reported or is imminent--take
necessary precautions at once. Know safe routes from home, work and school
to high ground.
- Know how to contact other household members through a common out-of-state
contact in the event you and have to evacuate and become separated.
- Know how to turn off gas, electric power and water before evacuating.
- Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends,
neighbors or employees.
- Keep plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, sandbags and hand tools on hand
and accessible.
- Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide
shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Install storm
shutters, doors and windows; clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks; and check
the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the
accumulation of snow--or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
- If you think you might want to volunteer in case of a disaster, now is the
time to let voluntary organizations or the emergency services office
know--beforehand.
During a Severe Winterstorm
- Monitor your NOAA Weather Radio or keep a local radio and/or TV station on
for information and emergency instructions.
- Have your emergency survival kit ready to go if told to evacuate.
- If you go outside for any reason, dress for the season and expected
conditions:
- For cold weather, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm
clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be
tightly woven and water-repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.
Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in snow or flooding conditions.
- Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your house cooler than normal.
Temporarily shut off heat to less-used rooms.
- If using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid build-up of toxic
fumes. Keep heaters at least three feet from flammable objects. Refuel
kerosene heaters outside.
- Avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, do so during daylight.
- Don't travel alone. Stay on main roads, and keep others informed of your
schedule.
- If advised to evacuate, tell others where you are going, turn off
utilities if told to, then leave immediately, following routes designated by
local officials.
If a Blizzard Traps You in Your Car
- Pull off the road, set hazard lights to flashing, and hang a distress flag
from the radio aerial or window. Remain in your vehicle; rescuers are most
likely to find you there.
- Conserve fuel, but run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour
to keep warm, cracking a downwind window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide
poisoning. Exercise to maintain body heat but don't overexert. Huddle with
other passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
- In extreme cold use road maps, seat covers, floor mats, newspapers or
extra clothing for covering--anything to provide additional insulation and
warmth.
- Turn on the inside dome light so rescue teams can see you at night, but be
careful not to run the battery down. In remote areas, spread a large cloth
over the snow to attract the attention of rescue planes.
- Do not set out on foot unless you see a building close by where you know
you can take shelter.
- Once the blizzard is over, you may need to leave the car and proceed on
foot. Follow the road if possible. If you need to walk across open country,
use distant points as landmarks to help maintain your sense of direction.
After the Storm
- Report downed power lines and broken gas lines immediately.
- After blizzards, heavy snows or extreme cold, check to see that no
physical damage has occurred and that water pipes are functioning. If there
are no other problems, wait for streets and roads to be opened before you
attempt to drive anywhere.
- Check on neighbors, especially any who might need help.
- Beware of overexertion and exhaustion. Shoveling snow in extreme cold
causes many heart attacks. Set your priorities and pace yourself after any
disaster that leaves you with a mess to clean up. The natural tendency is to
do too much too soon.