WINTER STORMS

BEFORE:
* LEARN THESE WINTER WORDS OF WARNING:
Winter storm warning (a winter storm is approaching), snow flurries
(intermittent snowfall that may reduce visibility), sleet (small particles of ice
usually mixed with rain—may make roads slippery), heavy snow (four or more
inches expected within a 12-hour period, freezing rain (likely to freeze as soon as it
hits the ground, making roads slick), ice storm (ice expected to accumulate from
freezing rain), blizzard (heavy snow accompanied by strong winds—severely reduced
visibility), frost/freeze warning (below freezing temperatures are expected), wind
chill factor (wind makes the temperature feel colder that it actually is—makes the
cold more dangerous).
* Arrange for an emergency heat and light supply in case of power failure.
* Add rock salt and/or sand to your emergency supplies. Purchase a snow shovel if
needed.
* Keep your car stocked with winter supplies all winter. Have a 72-hour car kit, first
aid kit, maps, jumper cables, tow chain, florescent distress flag, tire chains, shovel,
windshield scraper, sack of sand, asphalt shingles, flares, high energy foods, compass,
blankets, and emergency blankets. (A supply of diapers is a good idea even if you
have no small children.) Keep your gas tank at least half full.
* Have your car checked for winter readiness. Check antifreeze (and all other fluid)
levels, make sure the battery is in good shape, the windshield wipers work, the heater
is working, the exhaust system is in good shape, etc. Have good snow tires if needed.
* Get your home ready for winter. Protect outdoor faucets. Insulate pipes. Cut tree
branches away from roof areas and power lines. Caulk and weather-strip around
doors and windows. Have your roof checked if you live in an area where large
amounts of snow are likely. Clean out rain gutters.
*Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.

DURING:
* In your car: Your car will help you keep warm, visible and alive should you be
trapped in it during a winter storm. Run the car and heater ten minutes every hour.
Keep a window cracked for ventilation while car is running. Keep snow from
accumulating in exhaust pipe. Make sure someone is awake at all times. Leave the
car only if you are very near a building. You can easily become disoriented in a
winter storm.
* At home: Open the cabinet doors under basins located on outside walls, keep a small
drip going if the temperature is likely to get very low. Be prepared for isolation. Keep
appropriate activities going for children. Protect your family from the possibility of
fire and/or carbon monoxide poisoning if using space heaters.
* Outdoors: Dress warm and keep dry. Wear multiple layers of protective, loose-
fitting clothing, scarves, mittens and hoods. Cover the mouth and nose to protect
lungs from cold air. Change wet clothing.
* Avoid over-exertion. Heart attacks are a major cause of death during and after
winter storms. Shoveling snow or freeing stuck vehicles can be extremely hard work.
* Do not walk through blizzard winds. You can suffocate or lose your direction.
* If trapped outdoors, keep moving. Do not lie down and go to sleep.
* Watch for signs of frostbite (loss of feeling, white or pale appearance in fingers, toes,
earlobes and nose tip), and hypothermia (uncontrollable shivering, memory loss,
disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and exhaustion. Get medical
help.