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Heavy snows and extreme cold can severely impact our community. Protect yourself and your household from the hazards of winter by planning ahead.
Know the terms used to describe winter storms:
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, causing roads to freeze.
Winter Storm Watch means that a winter storm is possible in your area.
Winter Storm Warning means a winter storm is occurring, or will soon occur in the area.
Blizzard Warning means sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater and falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to last for a period of 3 hours or longer.
Frost/Freeze Warning means below freezing temps are expected.|
What to do during a winter storm: |
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Listen to the radio or television for weather reports and emergency information. |
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Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol. |
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Dress for the season: Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight warm clothing, tightly woven and water repellent outer garments, mittens, a hat, and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. |
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Be careful when shoveling snow. If you must shovel, stretch before going outside and don't overexert yourself. |
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Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, ear lobes or nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help at once. |
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Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and exhaustion. If symptoms are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first, and give warm, nonalcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Seek medical help as soon as possible. |
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At home: Conserve fuel if necessary by turning down the
heat and closing off unused rooms. |
| Winter driving tips : | |||
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Use public transportation if possible, if you travel by car, don't travel alone and keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads and avoid shortcuts. | ||
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Carry a "winter car kit" in the trunk of your car. The kit
should include: |
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| — Shovel | — Windshield scraper | ||
| — Flashlight | — Battery-powered radio | ||
| — Water | — Extra batteries | ||
| — Mittens | — Snack food | ||
| — Hat | — Blanket | ||
| — Tire chains | — Tow chain or rope | ||
| — Booster cables | — Bag of road salt and sand | ||
| — Road maps | — Fluorescent distress flag | ||
| — Emergency flares | — Cellular phone or two way radio |
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If a blizzard traps you in your car: |
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| — | Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the antenna or window. | ||
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Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. |
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| — | Run the antenna and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation. Periodically clear snow from exhaust pipe. | ||
| — | Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor matts for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket. | ||
| — | Take turns sleeping. One person should remain awake at all times to look for rescue crews. | ||
| — | Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. | ||
| — | Be careful not to waste battery power. | ||
| — | At night, turn on the inside light so work crews or rescuers can see you. | ||
| — | If stranded in a remote area, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane. | ||
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