Natural Disasters - How to Prepare for Winter Weather

Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

An entire region can be paralyzed by severe temperatures and a major snowstorm.  Potential difficulties can include blocked streets, closed roads, downed utility lines, flooding, storm surge, and hypothermia.  By planning ahead for these risks, you can protect yourself and your family.

What to do before a winter storm

1.  Know these important terms:

• Freezing rain – Rain that freezes when it hits the ground and creates a layer of ice on roads, walks, trees, etc.

• Sleet – Rain that changes into ice pellets before it hits the ground.  Sleet makes the roads freeze and become slick.

• Winter Storm Watch – A winter storm is possible.

• Winter Storm Warning – A winter storm is occurring or will occur.

• Blizzard Warning – A blizzard is defined as having continuous or frequent gusts of at least 35 mile-per-hours and considerable falling or blowing snow.  Visibility is limited to under a quarter of a mile.  This will last for a minimum of three hours.

• Frost/Freeze Warning – Temperatures below freezing are possible.

2.  Assemble an emergency kit that will allow you to live on your own for at least three days.  Include winter-specific items.

3.  Be ready in case you are isolated in your house.  Make sure you have alternative methods for heating at lest one room in your residence.

4.  Winterize your home (insulating, caulking, etc.) to stretch out your fuel resources.

What to do during a winter storm

1.  Tune in to radio or television stations for emergency information.

2.  Eat consistently and drink plenty of fluids, steering clear of alcohol and caffeine.

3.  Dress appropriately for the weather:

• Wear layers and make sure the outer layer is water repellent.

• Wear a hate to prevent loss of body heat.

• Protect your lungs by covering your mouth with a scarf.

4.  Do not overexert yourself when shoveling snow.

5.  If you see signs of frostbite (loss of feeling and pale appearance in extremities), immediately get medical attention.

6.  If you see signs of hypothermia (uncontrollable shaking, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, drowsiness, exhaustion) move the victim to a warm area.  Take off any wet clothes and warm the center of the body first.  Give warm beverages if the victim is conscious.  Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

7.  Conserve fuel by keeping temperatures down and shutting off heat to some rooms.  Use proper safety precautions when using kerosene heaters

 Winter driving

Many fatalities related to snow and ice take place in vehicles.  Driving on primary roads, traveling during the daylight and taking public transportation all can help reduce accidents.

Keep these points in mind for driving in the winter:

1.  Winterize your vehicle and keep your gas tank full.

2.  Assemble a winter car kit and store it in your trunk.

3.  If you become trapped in your car because of a blizzard:

• Pull off of the road and turn on your hazard lights or tie a distress flag from the aerial.

• Remain in your vehicle.

• Do not move away from your vehicle unless there is a building close by.  Keep in mind that distances are distorted by blowing snow.

• Only run the engine and heater about ten minutes per hour.  While the car is running, roll down a window a little for ventilation.  Occasionally clear snow away from the exhaust pipe.

• Use anything within the car to keep warm and huddle with other passengers.  You can also do exercises to sustain body heat, but do not overexert yourself.

• Sleep in shifts so that someone is always looking for rescue crews.

• Drink fluids.

• Do not waste your vehicle’s battery power.

• If it is dark out, turn on the inside light to help rescuers locate you.

• You may need to proceed on food after the blizzard has passed.

(Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency. Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness.)

 

For More Information, Please Visit

• Federal Emergency Management Agency

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Illinois Emergency Management Agency

• National Weather Service

• American Red Cross

Other Natural Disasters

• Floods

• Tornadoes

• Thunderstorms

• Winter Weather

• Extreme Heat

• Fire

• Earthquake

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