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ARE YOU READY FOR A
WINTER STORM?
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 that contains: first aid kit and any essential
prescription medications; canned food and can opener; at least 3 gallons of
water per person; protective clothing, outerwear, and bedding or sleeping bags;
NOAA weather radio and portable radio, flashlight and extra batteries; special
items for infant, elderly or disabled family members. Assemble a kit for
your car, too!
Have your
car or truck winterized before winter storm season.
Stay tuned
for storm warnings. Listen to NOAA weather radio and your local radio or 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 or local radio or
TV sources 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, wear several layers of lightweight clothing to include gloves or
mittens and a hat; understand the affects of wind chill; walk carefully on snowy
or icy sidewalks; if you must shovel snow, do it carefully and don't over exert
yourself.
Avoid
traveling by car in a storm, but if you must - carry a disaster supplies kit
in the trunk or truck box of your vehicle; keep the gas tank of your vehicle
full; let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to
arrive. If your vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your
predetermined route.
If you do
get stuck: stay with your car, don't try to walk to safety; tie a brightly
colored cloth 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 into the car; leave the interior lights on when the engine is
running so that you can be seen; keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood
circulating and to keep warm; keep one window away from the blowing wind
slightly open to let in air.
For More
Information, Check Out These Links:
NOAA Weather on-line
The Weather Channel
on-line | 