Winter Weather Safety Tips

If a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather conditions (such as snow greater than 6 inches in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less than 1/4 mile) are expected in the next 12 to 36 hours. You should prepare for the worst now:

At Home or Work

Make Sure You Have:

a working flashlight

battery powered NOAA weather radio, radio, or TV

extra food, water, medicine, and baby items

first aid supplies

heating fuel (propane, kerosene, fuel oil, etc ...)

emergency heating source

fire extinguisher and smoke detector

In Cars and Trucks:

fully check and winterize your vehicle

keep your gas tank near full

try not to travel alone

let a friend or relative know your timetable for travel

carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit which contain:

blankets/sleeping bags

flashlight with extra batteries

knife

high calorie, non-perishable food

a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water

sand or cat litter

shovel

windshield scraper

tool kit

tow rope

jumper cables

water container

compass

road maps

On the Farm:

Move animals to sheltered areas

Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas

Have a water supply available (most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration)

If a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather condition (such as snow greater than 6 inches in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less 1/4 mile) are expected within the next 12 hours or are already occurring.

If Caught Outside:

Find a dry shelter. Cover all exposed parts of the body

If shelter is not available:

Prepare a lean-to, wind break, or snow-cave for protection from the wind

Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.

Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

If Stranded in a Car or Truck:

Stay in your car or truck!

Run the motor about ten minutes each hour.

Open the windows a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide

poisoning. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.

Make yourself visible to rescuers:

Turn on the dome lights at night when running the engine

Tie a colored cloth to your antenna or door

Raise the hood after the snow stops falling

Exercise to keep blood circulating and to keep warm

At Home or in a Building:

Stay inside!

If there is no heat: Close off unneeded rooms

Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors

Cover windows at night

Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy and heat. Fluids prevent dehydration

Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing

(Copyright 2000 by AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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