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Winter Storm
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is
wind chill?
Wind chill is
the perceived temperature resulting from the effect of wind, in
combination with cold air, which increases the rate of heat loss from
the human body.
2. What is
frostbite and what can you do to treat it?
Frostbite is
damage to body tissue caused by that tissue being frozen. Frostbite
causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in
extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose.
Frostbite varies in severity from frostnip to deep frostbite,
depending on the length of exposure, temperature to which the skin is
exposed and wind speed. For frostnip, place firm, steady pressure from
a warm hand against the area. Also, blow on the surface holding the
frostnipped area against the body. Do not rub the area, apply snow or
plunge it into very hot or cold water. Victims of severe frostbite
must receive prompt medical attention.
3. What is
hypothermia and what are the warning signs?
Hypothermia
occurs when the body temperature drops to 95 degrees F. or lower. It
can develop whenever body heat loss exceeds heat gain. Hypothermia is
not exclusive to winter. It can occur during the wind and rain of
spring and summer. Hypothermia is often mistaken for fatigue,
irritability, or dehydration and may include some of these signs:
abnormal decision making; improper response to cold; apathy, lethargy;
decreased cooperation; slurred speech; disorientation; shivering;
stumbling; and stiffness progressing to inability to move.
4. How do
you treat hypothermia?
Mild to moderate
hypothermia (body temperature greater than 90 degrees F., conscious,
shivering, able to walk)
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Prevent further
heat loss. Dry, remove from cold and insulate.
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Rewarm by warming
the body core first. Rehydrate with warm broth.
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Seek medical
attention.
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Severe hypothermia
(body temperature less than 90 degree F., unconscious, not shivering).
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Prevent further
heat loss.
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Seek immediate
medical attention.
5. What
are the various winter weather warnings and advisories?
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A winter storm
watch indicates that severe winter weather conditions may affect your
area.
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A winter storm
warning indicates that severe winter conditions are imminent.
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A winter storm
warning for heavy snow indicates snowfalls of at least 6 inches in 12
hours or 8 inches in a 24-hour period are expected. In the Upper
Peninsula , it indicates 8 or more inches in 12 hours and 10 or more
inches in a 24-hour period.
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Blizzard warnings
are issued when sustained wind speeds or frequent gusts of at least 35
miles per hour are accompanied by considerable falling and/or blowing
snow. Visibility is greatly reduced during a blizzard.
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Snow advisories are
issued when snowfalls of 4 to 5 inches are expected in a 12-hour
period for the average of the forecast range. In the Upper Peninsula ,
it would result when 4 to 7 inches of snow are anticipated in that
same time period.
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