Winter Storms... the Deceptive Killers,
in-depth information about winter storm safety
from the National Weather Service
Prepare a Winter Storm
Plan
- Have extra blankets on hand.
- Ensure that each member of your
household has a warm coat, gloves or
mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.
Assemble a Disaster
Supplies Kit Containing--
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio,
flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Canned food and can opener.
- Bottled water (at least one gallon of
water per person per day to last at least 3
days).
- Extra warm clothing, including boots,
mittens, and a hat.
- Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for
your car, too.
- Have your car winterized before winter
storm season.
Stay Tuned for Storm
Warnings. . .
- Listen to
NOAA
Weather Radio and your local radio and TV
stations for updated storm information.
Know What Winter Storm
WATCHES and WARNINGS Mean
- A winter storm WATCH means a winter
storm is possible in your area.
- A winter storm WARNING means a winter
storm is headed for your area.
- A blizzard WARNING means strong winds,
blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous
wind chill are expected. Seek shelter
immediately!
When a Winter Storm
WATCH is Issued...
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local
radio, and TV stations, or cable TV such as
The Weather Channel for further updates.
- Be alert to changing weather conditions.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
When a Winter Storm
WARNING is Issued...
- Stay indoors during the storm.
- If you must go outside, several layers
of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer
than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or
mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body
heat. Cover your mouth to protect your
lungs.
- 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
rated, driving down the body temperature.
- Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
- After the storm, if you shovel snow, be
extremely careful. It is physically
strenuous work, so take frequent breaks.
Avoid overexertion.
- Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but
if you must...
- Carry a
Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
- Keep your car's gas tank full for
emergency use and to keep the fuel line
from freezing.
- Let someone know your destination,
your route, and when you expect to
arrive. If your car gets stuck along the
way, help can be sent along your
predetermined route.
If You Do Get Stuck...
- Stay with your car. Do not try to walk
to safety.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably
red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
- Start the car and use the heater for
about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the
exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in
the car.
- Leave the overhead light on when the
engine is running so that you can be seen.
- As you sit, keep moving your arms and
legs to keep blood circulating and to stay
warm.
- Keep one window away from the blowing
wind slightly open to let in air.
What to Do After a
Winter Storm
- Continue listening to local radio or
television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio
for updated information and instructions.
Access may be limited to some parts of the
community, or roads may be blocked.
- Help a neighbor who may require
special assistance--infants, elderly people,
and people with disabilities. Elderly
people and people with disabilities may
require additional assistance. People who
care for them or who have large families may
need additional assistance in emergency
situations.
- Avoid driving and other travel until
conditions have improved. Roads may be
blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.
- Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks
from shoveling heavy snow are a leading
cause of deaths during winter.
- Follow forecasts and be prepared when
venturing outside. Major winter storms
are often followed by even colder
conditions.
Your Local Red Cross
Chapter Can Provide Additional Materials in
English and Spanish:
Materials for
Children:
-
"Be Ready 1-2-3" involve puppets who
give important safety information to
children ages 3-8 about residential fire
safety, winter storms, and earthquakes.
-
"Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book"
(PDF File)
(ARC 2200, English, or
Spanish) for use by children 3-10.
- "Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC
5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by
an adult with children in grades 4-6.
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