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How to Prepare for a Winter
Storm
At home:
-
Keep handy a
battery-powered flashlight, NOAA weather radio and portable radio,
extra food (canned or dried food is best), can opener, and bottled
water (at least 3 gallons per person).
-
Make sure each
member of household has a warm coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant
boots.
-
Ensure that extra
blankets and heavy clothes are available.
-
Keep on hand items
for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
-
Be aware of
potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards if you plan to use an
emergency heating source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space
heater.
In a vehicle:
-
Ensure the vehicle
is winterized by late fall. Keep the gas tank close to full.
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Have the following
emergency supplies in your auto: shovel, blankets, windshield scraper,
container of sand, battery booster cables, tow chain or rope,
flashlight, battery-operated radio, first-aid kit and high energy
snacks (e.g. nuts, raisins).
-
If travel is
necessary, let someone know your destination and arrival time. Take
along a cell-phone in case you must call for help.
Outside:
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Avoid overexertion,
such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow.
Sweating could lead to chill and hypothermia.
-
Walk carefully on
snowy, icy sidewalks.
-
Wear loose-fitting,
lightweight warm clothing in layers. Wear wool hat and mittens.
-
Keep your clothes
dry. Change wet socks and clothing quickly to prevent loss of body
heat.
-
Understand the
hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away
from a person’s body more rapidly.
During a
Winter Storm
At home:
- To save heat,
close off unneeded rooms, cover windows at night and stuff towels or
rags in cracks under doors.
- Maintain
adequate food and water intake. Food provides the body with energy for
producing its own heat.
If stranded in a vehicle:
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Attach a bright
cloth to your antenna to attract attention and then remain in the
vehicle.
-
Run the motor about
10 minutes each hour for heat. However, open the window slightly for
fresh air and make sure that the e exhaust pipe isn't blocked.
-
Get attention by
turning on the dome light and emergency flashers when running the
engine.
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Exercise by moving
arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep
warm.
If stranded outside:
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Try to stay dry and
cover all exposed parts of the body.
-
Prepare a windbreak
or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and
to attract attention.
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Do not eat snow. It
will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
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