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Winter Storm
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 three 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 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.
Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can
Provide Additional Materials in English and Spanish:
- "Safe Steps for Winter Weather"
(ARC 5056)
- "Surviving the Cold" 16-minute
video (Available for a nominal fee) (321709)
- "Your Family Disaster Plan"
- "Your Family Disaster Supplies
Kit" (ARC 4463)
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" (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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