Winter storms in the form of freezing rain or sleet, ice, heavy snow or blizzards can be a serious hazard to people in many parts of the country. The first line of protection is to be aware of weather conditions in your area. You should also know the warning conditions:
Snow Travelers Advisory: Roads are snow and/or ice covered. Hazardous driving conditions are possible with traffic moving at reduced speeds. Motorists are urged to use caution and allow for an extended drive time.
Snow Condition Yellow: Hazardous driving conditions exist with heavy snow and/or ice, drifting, and limited visibility. Traffic is moving at reduced speeds with major highways being maintained in fair condition, but local roads may be impassable. Motorists to be urged that if they must drive, use extreme care and allow a significant drive time.
Snow Condition Red: Very hazardous driving conditions exist on major highways with heavy snow and/or ice, severe drifting and extremely limited visibility. The majority of local roads are impassable. Traffic is stalling in some areas, and the storm is expected to continue or worsen. The entire road system may become completely unusable. Motorists are urged not to drive.
Winter Storm Watch: Indicates that severe winter weather conditions may affect your area.
Winter Storm Warning: Indicates that severe winter conditions are imminent.
Winter Storm Warning for Heavy Snow: Indicates snowfalls of at least 6 inches in 12 hours or 8 inches in a 24-hour period are expected. In the Upper Peninsula, it indicates 8 or more inches in 12 hours and 10 or more inches in a 24-hour period.
Blizzard warnings: Issued when sustained wind speeds or frequent gusts of at least 35 miles per hour are accompanied by considerable falling and/or blowing snow. Visibility is greatly reduced during a blizzard.
Know how to protect yourself if you are caught in a winter storm. Everyone is potentially at risk, the actual threat to you depends on your specific situation: at home or at work, outside, or in a car or truck.
The primary concerns you should have if you are at home or at work are the potential loss of heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day. Prepare for a storm by arranging a Family Disaster Supply Kit.
Protect yourself at home:
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Keep handy a battery-powered flashlight, NOAA weather radio and portable radio, extra food (canned or dried food is best), can opener, and bottled water (at least 3 gallons per person).
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Make sure each member of the household has a warm coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant boots.
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Ensure that extra blankets and heavy clothes are available.
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Keep on hand items for infant elderly or disabled family members.
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Be aware of potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards if you plan to use an emergency heating source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater.
Protect yourself while outside:
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Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. Sweating could lead to chill and hypothermia.
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Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
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Wear loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing in layers. Wear wool hat and mittens.
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Keep your clothes dry. Change wet socks and clothing quickly to prevent loss of body heat.
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Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from a person's body more rapidly.
Recent studies show that 70% of winter deaths occur in automobiles; 25% from people being caught out in the storm; and the majority of these people are males over 40 years old. Deaths due to exposure to the cold weather occur about 20% of the time in the home; 50% are people over 60 years old; over 75% are males.
The best way to prepare yourself when you are traveling is to check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm. Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins. To avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines, keep your gas tank near full. Try not to travel alone, but if you do, make sure someone knows your timetable and primary and alternate routes. Take along a cell phone in case you must call for help.
If you do have to travel in a winter storm, prepare yourself with the following items:
- blankets/sleeping bags
- flashlight with extra batteries
- battery-operated radio
- first-aid kit
- high energy snacks (e.g. nuts, raisins)
- knife
- high calorie, non-perishable food
- extra clothing to keep dry
- a large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
- a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
- sack of sand (or cat litter)
- shovel
- windshield scraper and brush
- tool kit
- tow chain or rope
- battery booster cables
- water container
- compass and road maps
Precautions to take during a winter storm:
At home:
- To save heat, close off unneeded rooms, cover windows at night and stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
- Maintain adequate food and water intake. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
If stranded in a vehicle:
- Attach a bright cloth to your antenna to attract attention and then remain in the vehicle.
- Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat. However, open the window slightly for fresh air and make sure that the exhaust pipe isn't blocked.
- Get attention by turning on the dome light and emergency flashers when running the engine.
- Exercise by moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
If stranded outside:
- Try to stay dry and cover all exposed parts of the body.
- Prepare a windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind. build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
- Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.