What to Do During a Winter Storm

Winter storms are here! The time to prepare is before the storm is upon you. Being prepared with cold weather supplies and knowing what to do in the event of any emergency could save your life and that of your loved ones. Here are some tips and advice for your home, being outdoors, and traveling in winter weather.

Don't Be Caught Unprepared!

Make sure you have batteries for your radio so you will be able to follow winter weather advisories on your local radio station. Some communities give warnings for approaching winter storms through the Emergency Broadcast System National Weather Broadcasts, siren warnings, and local television station weather alerts.

There are different weather alerts you should look for:

Winter Weather Advisory means weather conditions are likely to cause winter weather conditions, snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Road conditions may become hazardous. Take proper precautions.

Frost/Freeze Warning - expect below-freezing temperatures.

Winter Storm Warning - A winter storm is approaching the area.

Blizzard Warning - Seek shelter immediately. There will be strong winds, snow, very-low or no visibility, high snow drifts, and life-threatening wind chill temperatures.

In Your Home

You should be prepared in the event of a winter storm for possible extended power outages. You may be without heat for a number of days. If you have a fireplace, keep a supply of fire wood easily accesible. Have plenty of non-perishable food items, blankets, jackets, candles, and drinking water on hand.

Other important items to remember are a non-electric can opener, baby food and formula, pet supplies, first aid kit, flashlight and batteries. Distributing a bag of cat liter or sand can add traction to walkway areas.

During a freeze warning, take precautions to keep your pipes from freezing and breaking. Leave the taps on with a slight drip and try to keep the indoor temperature warm. If the pipes do freeze, unthaw them slowly with warm air from an electric blowdryer.

If Your are Outdoors

If you have to shovel snow, avoid overexertion which can bring on a heart attack. You should protect your lungs from the extremely cold air by covering your mouth and nose. Speak only when necessary. Avoid becoming wet as frostbite can occur rapidly in freezing weather. Signs of frostbite include white appearance in the extremities and loss of feeling in the limbs. Hypothermia can also occur. Watch for signs of shivering, confusion, exhaustion, extreme sleepiness, slurred speech, and memory loss. If signs of hypothermia develop, get the victim to a warm location, remove any wet clothing, and wrap in a blanket. Give warm beverages if conscious and get medical help immediately.

Traveling in Winter Weather Conditions

Traveling during a winter storm is never advised and should be avoided. However, if you are in an emergency situation and must travel, make sure you keep these items with you: Cell phone fully charged, shovel, battery-powered radio, water, food, blankets, tire chains, rope, emergency flares, first aid kit, road maps, compass, paper towels, booster cables, tool kit, extra jackets, gloves, and hats.

If you find yourself trapped in a blizzard while traveling, pull off the highway and turn on your hazard lights. Stay in your vehicle. Run your heater 10 minutes each hour with the window slightly cracked. This will protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning and clear snow from the exhaust pipe. Huddle together for warmth is there are multiple passengers. Take turns sleeping to watch for rescuers. Drink fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Once the snow has stopped and you are able to leave the vehicle, make large block letters in the snow with SOS spelling out or the word HELP.

Sources:

http://www.surviveanydisaster.com/cold_weather_supplies.html

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/beforestorm/supplylists.asp

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/wi_during.shtm