Winter Storms

If you live in an area that has four distinct seasons, then preparing for winter storms such as freezing rain, sleet, blizzards, and avoiding hypothermia, is a priority for your family.

What to do before winter storms threaten.

1. Assemble disaster supplies to survive on your own for at least three days.

• Be sure to include winter specific items such as rock salt to melt ice on walkways, sand to improve traction, snow shovels, and other snow removal equipment. Keep a stock of food and extra drinking water.
• Maintain several days' supply of medicines, water and food that needs no cooking or refrigeration.

2. Prepare for possible isolation in your home.

• Have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.
• Have emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace or a wood-burning stove or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room of your residence at a livable temperature. (Be sure the room is well ventilated.) If a thermostat controls your furnace and your electricity is cut off by a storm, you will need emergency heat.
• Kerosene heaters are another emergency heating option. Never use any fuel other than kerosene in a kerosene heater.
• Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure your household knows how to use them.
• Never burn charcoal indoors.

3. Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply.

• Insulate walls and attics.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic sheeting.

What to do during winter storms.

1. Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.

2. Eat regularly and drink ample fluids (avoid alcohol).

3. Dress for the season:

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent.
• Mittens are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

4. Be careful when shoveling show. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside and don't overexert yourself.

5. Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, earlobes, or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

6. Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove any wet clothing, warm the center of the body first, and give warm, nonalcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.

7. When at home:

•  Conserve fuel if necessary by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
• When using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid buildup of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

Driving in winter storms.

About 70% of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in automobiles. Consider public transportation if you must travel. If you travel by car, travel in the daytime, don't travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads; avoid back-road shortcuts.

1. Winterize your car. This includes a battery check, antifreeze, wipers, and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, oil level, and tires. Consider snow tires, snow tires with studs, or chains. Keep your car's gas tank full.

2. Carry a winter car kit of disaster supplies in the trunk of your car. The kit should include:

3. If a blizzard traps you in your car:

• Pull of the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window.
• Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful: distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
• Run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
• Exercise to maintain body heat but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
• Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all time to look for rescue crews.
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs—the use of lights, heat, and radio—with supply.
• At night, turn on the inside light so work crews or rescuers can see you.
• If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out: HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
• Once the blizzard passes, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot.

It may be a good idea to print out these suggestions for surviving winter storms and keep a copy in your glove box. The best advice, however, is to tune into the weather forecast before venturing out in winter to avoid having to deal with these conditions.