Winter Storm Preparendess

Winter Storm

A major winter storm can be lethal. A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, and cold temperatures. People can become trapped at home, without utilities or other services. Heavy snowfall and blizzards can trap motorists in their cars. Attempting to walk for help in a blizzard can be a deadly decision.

Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. The leading cause of death during winter storms is from automobile or other transportation accidents. Exhaustion and heart attacks caused by overexertion are the two most likely causes of winter storm-related deaths.

House fires occur more frequently in the winter due to lack of proper safety precautions when using alternate heating sources. Fire during winter storms presents a great danger because water supplies may freeze and it may be difficult for firefighting equipment to get to the fire.

Preparing for all types of cold weather conditions and disasters, and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms. To prepare for natural or man-made disasters go to http://www.survivalkitsonline.com.

BEFORE

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a winter storm hazard:

Freezing Rain

Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.

Sleet

Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

Winter Storm Watch

A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.

Winter Storm Warning

A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

Blizzard Warning

Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

 Frost/Freeze Warning

Below freezing temperatures are expected.

Have survival kits and emergency supplies on hand at home:

 Flashlight and extra batteries

Suggestions and Reminders: Store your supplies in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the emergency supplies in the trunk of your car. At least once a year replace batteries, update clothes, etc. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications, and your veterinarian about veterinary medications.

Learn about winter storm risk in your area.

Contact your local emergency management office, National Weather Service office, or American Red Cross chapter for information.

Familiarize yourself with winter storm and blizzard WATCHES and WARNINGS.

A National Weather Service (NWS) winter storm watch means a winter storm is possible in your area.

A NWS winter storm warning means a winter storm is occurring, or will soon occur, in your area.

Freezing Rain is rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.

Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

A NWS Blizzard Warning occurs when there are sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

Frost/Freeze Warnings occur when below freezing temperatures are expected.

Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.

As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. “Wind chill” is a calculation of how cold it feels when the effects of wind speed and temperature are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.

Frostbite

Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can cause permanent damage. Symptoms of frostbite are the loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose, and ear lobes.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops below normal due to prolonged exposure to temperatures less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.

If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected

Warm the victim and seek immediate medical assistance. Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.

 Have some type of safe, emergency heating equipment available.

 Keep pipes from freezing

 Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.

 Use a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature to keep you informed of watches and warnings issued in your area.

 Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross for information on designated public shelters in case you lose power or heat.

DURING

If symptoms of hypothermia are detected:

 Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.

 If you have a cell phone or two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling in winter weather.

 If you need to drive, let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.

Consider the following:

IF YOU GET STRANDED IN YOUR VEHICLE

  AFTER: 

ANIMALS AFTER A WINTER STORM

The behavior of animals may change dramatically after any disruption in their routine. Normally quiet and friendly animals may become irritable. Monitor animals closely and only release them in safe and secure enclosures.

 Animals may not be allowed in Red Cross shelters for health and space reasons. Prepare an emergency plan and know where you will take all of your animals in the event of a disaster. Temporary animal shelters may be set-up, however, these will fill rapidly. An ideal situation during disasters is to have pre-determined friend or family member that will provide a living space for your whole family, including your animals. Make sure all animals have a current identification tag, license, and vaccinations.