TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Why Talk About Winter Storms?
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 can make driving and walking extremely hazardous. The aftermath can have an impact on a community or region for days, weeks or even months. Storm effects such as extremely cold temperatures, snow accumulation and sometimes coastal flooding, can cause hazardous conditions and hidden problems for people in the affected area.
What Are Winter Storms and What Causes Them?
Winter storms can range from moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions that last several days. Some may be large enough to affect several states, while others may affect only a single community. Many are accompanied by low temperatures and heavy snow, which can significantly reduce visibility.
Winter storms can be defined differently in various parts of the country. Heavy snow in the south can be a dusting in the mountains. Check with your local emergency management office, National Weather Service (NWS) office or local American Red Cross for terms and definitions specific to your area.
Sleet is rain that freezes into ice pellets before reaching the ground. It usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick; however, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists. Freezing rain is rain that falls on a surface with a temperature below freezing; this causes it to form a glaze of ice on trees, cars and roads. An ice storm occurs when rain freezes immediately on impact; communications and power can be disrupted for days, and even small accumulations of ice may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
Learn about winter storm risk in your area. Contact your local emergency management office, National Weather Service office or American Red Cross chapter for more information.
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Awareness Information
Know what winter storm and blizzard watches and warnings mean.
- A National Weather Service watch is a message indicating that conditions favor the occurrence of a certain type of hazardous weather. For example, a severe thunderstorm watch means that a severe thunderstorm is expected in the next six hours or so within an area approximately 120-150 miles wide and 300-400 miles long (36,000-60,000 square miles). The NWS Storm Prediction Center issues such
watches. Local NWS forecast offices issue other watches (flash flood, etc.) 12-36 hours in advance of a possible hazardous weather or flooding event. Each local forecast office usually covers a state or a portion of a state.
- An National Weather Service warning indicates that a hazardous event is occurring or is imminent in about 30 minutes to an hour. Local NWS forecast offices issue warnings on a county-by-county basis.
- A winter storm watch means a winter storm is possible in your area.
- A winter storm warning means a winter storm is occurring, or will soon occur, in your area.
- A blizzard warning means sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related. The leading cause of death during winter storms is from automobile or other transportation accidents. Exhaustion and heart attacks caused by overexertion are also common. Elderly people account for the largest percentage of hypothermia victims; many literally freeze to death in their own homes, or are asphyxiated due to improper use of fuels such as charcoal briquettes, which produce carbon monoxide.
House fires occur more frequently in the winter due to lack of proper safety precautions when using alternate heating sources (e.g. unattended fires, disposal of ashes too soon, improperly placed space heaters). Fire during winter storms presents a great danger because water supplies may freeze, making the job difficult for firefighters.
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Plan for a Winter Storm
Develop a Family Disaster Plan and a winter storm–specific plan. Learn about your area's winter storm risks, as they differ by region. Contact your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office or local National Weather Service office for more information.
If you are at risk from winter storms:
- Understand the hazards of wind chill, a calculation of how cold it feels when the effects of wind speed and temperature are combined. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35ºF colder.
- Service your snow removal equipment before winter storm season. Equipment should be available for use if needed. Keep it in good working order.
- Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Get training. Take an American Red Cross first aid course to learn how to treat exposure to the cold, frostbite and hypothermia.
- Discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Designate one household member as the preparedness leader who informs the others. Everyone should know how to respond in a variety of situations in case all members are not together. Preparation helps reduce fear.
- Assemble a disaster supplies kit. In addition to basic items, be sure to include the following:
- A warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water-resistant boots for each member of the family.
- Extra blankets and extra warm clothing.
- Nonclumping kitty litter. Kitty litter will generate temporary traction. Rock salt will melt ice on walkways but can damage vegetation and concrete. Other less damaging, ice-melting products are available from building supplies stores.
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What to Tell Children
- The best way to stay safe in a snowstorm is to stay inside. Long periods of exposure to severe cold increases the risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Also, it is easy to become disoriented in blowing snow.
- If you go outside to play after a snowstorm, dress in many layers and wear a hat and mittens. Many layers of thin clothing are warmer than single layers of thick clothing. One of the best ways to stay warm is to wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head. Keep hands and feet warm too. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Covering the mouth with a scarf protects lungs from extremely cold air.
- Come inside often for warm-up breaks. Long periods of exposure to severe cold increases the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
- If you start to shiver a lot or get very tired, or if your nose, fingers, toes or earlobes start to feel numb or turn very pale, come inside right away and tell an adult. These are signs of hypothermia and frostbite. If you experience these symptoms, you will need immediate attention.
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How to Protect Your Property
- Make sure your home's walls and attic are properly insulated. This will help you to conserve electricity and retain heat. Caulk or weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out and warm air in.
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. This will provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out.
- To keep pipes from freezing:
- Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.
- Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
- Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
- Know how to shut off water valves.
- If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate). A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution to prevent overheating, also works well.
- Consider storing sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off. Be cautious of fire hazards when storing any type of fuel.
- Before winter, be sure you install and check smoke alarms.
- Consider keeping safe emergency heating equipment:
- Fireplace with ample supply of wood.
- Small, well-vented wood, coal or camp stove with fuel.
- Portable space heater or kerosene heater. Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community. Use only the correct fuel for your unit and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Refuel outdoors only, and only when cool. Keep your kerosene heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
- When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and ventilate properly. Fire hazard is greatly increased in the winter because alternate heating sources are used without following proper safety precautions.
- Install snow fences in rural areas to reduce drifting in roads and paths, which could block access to homes, barns and animals' feed and water.
- If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance to cover possible flood damage that may occur during the spring thaw. Homeowners' policies do not cover damage from floods. Ask your insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program if you are at risk.
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Media and Community Education Ideas
- Sponsor a "Winter Weather Awareness Day" or week just before winter storm season. This is a good way to get emergency management officials and local Red Cross representatives involved.
- Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information about winter storms. Place special emphasis on what people should do if they are caught out in the open or in a vehicle.
- Inform your community about the different National Weather Service announcements--winter storm watch, winter storm warning, ice storm warning, heavy snow warning, blizzard warning, severe blizzard warning and high wind warning.
- Conduct a series of presentations at the beginning of the winter storm season. Include information on alternative heat sources and home insulation.
- Interview local physicians about the dangers of hypothermia and other winter health conditions. Include discussions of exhaustion and heart attacks caused by overexertion.
- Advise people of the dangers of winter driving, and warn them driving in winter storms can put their lives at risk. Produce a series of announcements on what to do if you are stuck in your car during
a blizzard.
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What to Do Before a Winter Storm
- Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature to keep you informed of watches and warnings issued in your area. The tone alert feature will automatically alert you when a watch or warning is issued.
- Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross for information on designated public shelters in case you lose power or heat.
What to Do During a Winter Storm Watch
- Listen to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, or local radio or television stations for updated information. Local authorities will provide you with the best information for your particular situation.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions. Severe weather can happen quickly. Temperatures may drop rapidly, winds may increase or snow may fall at heavier rates. What is happening where you are may
not agree with local forecasts.
- Move animals to sheltered areas. Have a water supply available. Most animal deaths during winter storms are from dehydration.
- Avoid unnecessary travel. Your safest place during a winter storm is indoors. About 70% of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.
What to Do During a Winter Storm Warning or a Blizzard Warning
- Stay indoors and dress warmly. Wearing layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than one bulky sweater. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.
- Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for updated emergency information. If the power goes out, you will still have access to important information.
- Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
- Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration. Drink liquids such as warm broth or juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, accelerates the symptoms of hypothermia.
Alcohol is a depressant and hastens the effects of cold on the body. It also slows circulation and can make you less aware of the effects of cold. Both caffeine and alcohol can cause dehydration.
- Conserve fuel. Winter storms can last for several days. Great demand may be placed on electricity and gas. Suppliers of propane and fuel oil may not be able to replenish depleted supplies during severe weather. Electric and gas services may be temporarily disrupted when many people demand large amounts at the same time. Lower the thermostat to 65ºF during the day and 55ºF at night. Close off unused rooms and stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors. Cover windows at night.
- If you must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards:
- Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves and a hat. Layering clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other. Half of your body heat loss is from the head.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can cause permanent damage. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose or earlobes are symptoms of frostbite. Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95ºF. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness and exhaustion. Hypothermia is not always fatal, but for those who survive there are likely to be lasting kidney, liver and pancreas problems.
- If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's trunk first. Using your own body heat will help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put the person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket. Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim alcohol or something with caffeine in it, like coffee or tea. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effect the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a
depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of the cold.
- Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.
- Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury.
- Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
- Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injury.
- If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation if possible. About 70% of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.
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Winter Driving
- Have your car(s) winterized before the storm season. Keeping your car(s) in good condition will decrease your chance of being stranded in cold weather. Have a mechanic check your battery,
antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster and oil level. If necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil. Install good winter tires that have adequate tread. All-weather radials usually suit most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
- 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 should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
- Keep a windshield scraper and small broom in your car for ice and snow removal.
- Put together a separate disaster supplies kit for the trunk of each car used by members of your household. You should also bring a thermos of warm broth if you are on the road during a winter storm. If you should become stranded during a winter storm, these items will make you more comfortable until the storm passes. The kit should include the following:
- Several blankets or sleeping bags
- Rain gear and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks and a wool cap
- Extra newspapers for insulation
- Plastic bags for sanitation
- Canned fruit, nuts and high energy snacks; non-electric can opener if necessary
- Several bottles of water (Eating snow will lower your body temperature. If necessary, melt it first).
- Cans of broth or soup
- A small shovel, a pocket knife and small tools such as pliers, a wrench and screwdriver
- A small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels, a set of tire chains or traction mats
- Jumper cables
- A first aid kit and necessary medications
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A candle in a metal can or other fireproof container (While candles are generally not recommended in disaster situations, having one in your car can be a source of heat and light if you are stranded).
- Matches
- Cards, games and puzzles
- A brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna
- Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Plan long trips carefully. Traveling during winter weather can be hazardous. Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Plan to travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person.
- 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.
- Avoid driving during sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and dense fog, all of which can make driving very hazardous. The leading cause of death during winter storms is from automobile or other transportation accidents. Multiple vehicle accidents are more likely to occur, resulting in injury and death.
- If you do get stuck:
- Avoid traveling during winter storms. If you must travel and do become stranded, stay with your vehicle. Do not leave to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. Disorientation and confusion come very quickly in blowing snow.
- Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood (after snow stops falling).
- Occasionally run engine to keep warm. Carbon monoxide can build up inside a standing vehicle while the engine is running, even if the exhaust pipe is clear. Experience has shown that running the heater for 10 minutes every hour is enough to keep occupants warm and will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserve fuel. Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour (or 5 minutes every half hour). Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.
- Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
- If more than one person is in the car, huddle together for warmth and take turns sleeping. If you are not awakened periodically to increase body temperature and circulation, you can freeze to death.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Severe cold can cause numbness, making you unaware of possible danger. Keep fingers and toes moving for circulation and drink warm broth to reduce risk of further injury.
- Use newspapers, maps and even the removable car mats for added insulation. Layering items will help trap more body heat.
- Keep a window that is away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
- Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Bulky winter clothing can cause you to sweat and cold dry air will help the sweat evaporate, making you unaware of possible dehydration. When individuals are dehydrated, they are more susceptible to the effects of cold and heart attacks. Melt snow before using it for drinking water. Eating snow lowers your body temperature, increasing risk from hypothermia.
- Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.
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What to Do After a Winter Storm
- Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. Access may be limited to some parts of the community or roads may be blocked.
- Help neighbors who may require special assistance (infants, seniors, people with disabilities). 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 msjor cause of deaths during winter.
- Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.
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Produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition: American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, International Association of Emergency Managers, Institute for Business and Home Safety, National Fire Protection Association, National Weather Service, United States Department of Agriculture/Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, and United States Geological Survey.
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