Winter Storms are considered to be Deceptive Killers, because most deaths related to the storm are caused either by traffic accidents on icy roads or hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold.

Each year there are many preventable deaths as a result of Alaska's harsh winter weather. Please take this opportunity to get ready for the upcoming winter season by preparing emergency survival kits for your home and car and making sure your family has a disaster plan for handling severe winter weather whether you are at home, on the roadways, or in the back country. These simple actions could save your life.

You should know what actions to take to protect yourself, family, pets and property against winter weather.

• Extreme storms near the coast cause coastal flooding and beach erosion. Along the Bering Sea these storms can drive large chunks of sea ice inland.
• High winds combined with loose snow produce blinding blizzard conditions and extreme wind chill temperatures.
• Even relatively light winds combined with sub-zero temperatures produce dangerous wind chills.
• Heavy snow accumulations disrupt transportation and damage buildings and light aircraft.
• Heavy accumulations of ice bring down trees, electrical wires, telephone poles and lines, and communication towers.
• Extreme cold (below -40F) and ice fog can shut down air travel for weeks over interior locations.
• Some winter storms produce hurricane force winds, knocking down power lines and damaging roofs and other structures.
• Mariners sometimes face heavy freezing spray and treacherous sea conditions.