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Winter Storm
Winter Storm in PDF Format
-- 65 KB
Produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition:
American Red Cross, FEMA, IAEM, IBHS, NFPA, NWS, USDA/CSREES, and
USGS.
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Why Talk About Winter Storms?
A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by
high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, and cold temperatures.
People can become trapped at home, without utilities or other services.
Heavy snowfall and blizzards can trap motorists in their cars. Attempting
to walk for help in a blizzard can be a deadly decision.
Winter storms can make driving and walking extremely hazardous. The
aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or region
for days, weeks, or even months. Storm effects such as extremely cold
temperatures and snow accumulation, and sometimes coastal flooding, can
cause hazardous conditions and hidden problems for people in the affected
area.
A major winter storm can last for several days
and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall,
and cold temperatures. People can become trapped at home, without utilities
or other services.
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What Are Winter Storms, and What Causes Them?
A winter storm can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard
conditions with blinding wind-driven snow that lasts several days. Some
winter storms may be large enough to affect several states, while others
may affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied
by low temperatures and heavy and/or blowing snow, which can severely
reduce visibility.
Winter storms can be defined differently in various parts of the country.
Heavy snow in the south can be a dusting in the mountains. Check with
your local emergency management office, National Weather Service (NWS)
office, or local
American Red Cross for terms and definitions specific to your area.
Sleet is raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground.
Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects;
however, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists.
Freezing rain is rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below
freezing; this causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and
roads, forming a glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause
a significant hazard. An ice storm occurs when freezing rain falls and
freezes immediately on impact; communications and power can be disrupted
for days, and even small accumulations of ice may cause extreme hazards
to motorists and pedestrians.
Learn about winter storm risk in your area. Contact your local emergency
management office, National Weather Service office, or American Red Cross
chapter for more information.
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Awareness Information
Know what winter storm and blizzard WATCHES and WARNINGS mean.
- A National
Weather Service WATCH is a message indicating that conditions favor
the occurrence of a certain type of hazardous weather. For example,
a severe thunderstorm watch means that a severe thunderstorm is expected
in the next six hours or so within an area approximately 120 to 150
miles wide and 300 to 400 miles long (36,000 to 60,000 square miles).
The NWS Storm Prediction Center issues such watches. Local NWS forecast
offices issue other watches (flash flood, winter weather, etc.) 12 to
36 hours in advance of a possible hazardous- weather or flooding event.
Each local forecast office usually covers a state or a portion of a
state.
- An NWS WARNING indicates that a hazardous event is occurring or is
imminent in about 30 minutes to an hour. Local NWS forecast offices
issue warnings on a county-by-county basis.
- A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
- A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is occurring, or will
soon occur, in your area.
- A blizzard WARNING means sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles
per hour or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow (reducing
visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for
a period of three hours or longer.
Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths
are indirectly related to the storm. The leading cause of death during
winter storms is from automobile or other transportation accidents. Exhaustion
and heart attacks caused by overexertion are the two most likely causes
of winter storm-related deaths. Elderly people account for the largest
percentage of hypothermia victims. Many older Americans literally "freeze
to death" in their own homes after being exposed to dangerously cold indoor
temperatures, or are asphyxiated because of improper use of fuels such
as charcoal briquettes, which produce carbon monoxide.
House fires occur more frequently in the winter due to lack of proper
safety precautions when using alternate heating sources (unattended fires,
disposal of ashes too soon, improperly placed space heaters, etc.). Fire
during winter storms presents a great danger because water supplies may
freeze and it may be difficult for firefighting equipment to get to the
fire.
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Plan for a Winter Storm
Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Please see the "Family
Disaster Plan" section for general family planning information. Develop
a winter storm-specific plan. Learn about your area's winter storm
risk.Different areas have different risks associated with winter storms.
Contact your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or
local National Weather Service office about your area's winter storm risk.
If you are at risk from winter storms:
- Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling
effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind
increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated
rate, driving down the body temperature. "Wind chill" is a calculation
of how cold it feels when the effects of wind speed and temperature
are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below
freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35
degrees colder.
- Service snow removal equipment before winter storm season.
Equipment should be available for use if needed. Maintain it in good
working order.
- Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the
fuel line from freezing.
- Get training. Take an American Red Cross first aid course to
learn how to treat exposure to the cold, frostbite, and hypothermia.
- Discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm WATCH or
WARNING is issued. Designate one household member as the winter
storm preparedness leader. Have him or her discuss what to do if a winter
storm watch or warning is issued. Have another household member state
what he or she would do if caught outside or in a vehicle during a winter
storm. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are
not together. Discussing winter storms ahead of time helps reduce fear
and lets everyone know how to respond during a winter storm.
Please see the section "Disaster
Supplies Kit" for general supplies kit information. Winter Storm-specific
supplies should include the following:
- A warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water-resistant boots for
each member of the family.
- Extra blankets and warm clothing.
- Nonclumping kitty litter. Kitty litter will generate temporary traction.
Rock salt will melt ice on walkways but can damage vegetation and
concrete. Other, less damaging, ice melting products are available
from building supply stores.
- Disaster Suplies Kit basics.
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What to Tell Children
- The best way to stay safe in a snowstorm is to stay inside.
Long periods of exposure to severe cold increases the risk of frostbite
or hypothermia. Also, it is easy to become disoriented in blowing snow.
- If you go outside to play after a snowstorm, dress in many layers
and wear a hat and mittens. Many layers of thin clothing are warmer
than single layers of thick clothing. One of the best ways to stay warm
is to wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
Keep hands and feet warm too. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Covering
the mouth with a scarf protects lungs from extremely cold air.
- Come inside often for warm-up breaks. Long periods of exposure
severe cold increases the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
- If you start to shiver a lot or get very tired, or if your nose,
fingers, toes, or earlobes start to feel numb or turn very pale, come
inside right away and tell an adult. These are signs of hypothermia
and frostbite. If you experience these symptoms, you will need immediate
attention to prevent further risk.
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How to Protect Your Property
- Make sure your home is properly
insulated. If necessary, insulate walls and attic. This will
help you to conserve electricity and reduce your home's power demands
for heat. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold
air out, allowing the inside temperature to stay warmer longer.
- Install storm windows or cover
windows with plastic from the inside. This will provide an extra
layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out.
- To keep pipes from freezing:
- Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.
- Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out
moisture.
- Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
- Know how to shut off water valves.
- If the pipes freeze, remove any
insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely
open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they
were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to
penetrate). A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution to prevent
overheating, also works well.
- Consider storing sufficient heating
fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off. Be cautious of fire
hazards when storing any type of fuel.
- Before winter, be sure you install
and check smoke alarms.
- Consider keeping safe emergency
heating equipment:
- Fireplace with ample supply of wood.
- Small, well-vented wood, coal, or camp stove with
fuel.
- Portable space heater or kerosene heater. Check
with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene
heaters in your community. Use only the correct fuel for your unit
and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Refuel outdoors only,
and only when cool. Keep your kerosene heater at least three feet
away from furniture and other flammable objects.
- When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood
stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.
Fire hazard is greatly increased in the winter because alternate heating
sources are used without following proper safety precautions.
- Install snow fences in rural
areas to reduce drifting in roads and paths, which could block access
to homes, barns, and animals' feed and water.
- If you live in a flood-prone
area, consider purchasing flood insurance to cover possible flood damage
that may occur during the spring thaw. Homeowners' policies do
not cover damage from floods. Ask your insurance agent about the National
Flood Insurance Program if you are at risk.
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Media and Community Ideas
- Sponsor a "Winter Weather Awareness Day" or week just before winter
storm season. This is a good way to get emergency management officials
and local Red Cross representatives involved.
- Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information
about winter storms. Place special emphasis on what people should do
if they are caught out in the open or in a vehicle.
- Inform your community about the different National Weather Service
announcements - winter storm watch, winter storm warning, ice storm
warning, heavy snow warning, blizzard warning, severe blizzard warning,
and high wind warning.
- Conduct a series of presentations at the beginning of the winter storm
season. Include information on alternative heat sources and home insulation.
- Interview local physicians about the dangers of hypothermia and other
winter health conditions. Include discussions of exhaustion and heart
attacks caused by overexertion.
- Advise people of the dangers of winter driving, and warn them driving
in winter storms can be a risk to their lives. Produce a series of announcements
on what to do if you are stuck in your car during a blizzard.
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What to Do Before a Winter Storm
- Use a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature to keep you
informed of watches and warnings issued in your area.The tone alert
feature will automatically alert you when a watch or warning is issued.
- Contact your local emergency management office or American Red
Cross for information on designated public shelters in case you lose
power or heat.
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What to Do During a Winter Storm WATCH
- Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio, or local radio or television stations
for updated information. Local authorities will provide you with
the best information for your particular situation.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions. Severe weather can
happen quickly. Temperatures may drop rapidly, winds may increase or
snow may fall at heavier rates. What is happening where you are may
not agree with local forecasts.
- Move animals to sheltered areas. Have a water supply available.
Most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration.
- Avoid unnecessary travel. Your safest place during a winter
storm is indoors. About 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and
snow occur in automobiles.
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What to Do During a Winter Storm WARNING or a Blizard
WARNING
- Stay indoors and dress warmly
during the storm. Wearing layers of loose-fitting, lightweight,
warm clothing will keep you warmer than one bulky sweater. Remove layers
to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.
- Listen to a battery-powered radio
or television for updated emergency information. If the power
goes out, you will still have access to important information.
- Eat regularly. Food provides
the body with energy for producing its own heat.
- Keep the body replenished with
fluids to prevent dehydration. Drink liquids such as warm broth
or juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, accelerates
the symptoms of hypothermia. Alcohol, such as brandy, is a depressant
and hastens the effects of cold on the body. Alcohol also slows circulation
and can make you less aware of the effects of cold. Both caffeine and
alcohol can cause dehydration.
- Conserve fuel. Winter
storms can last for several days. Great demand may be placed on electric,
gas, and other fuel distribution systems (fuel oil, propane, etc.).
Suppliers of propane and fuel oil may not be able to replenish depleted
supplies during severe weather. Electric and gas services may be temporarily
disrupted when many people demand large amounts at the same time. Lower
the thermostat to 65°F during the day and 55°F at night. Close off unused
rooms, and stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors. Cover windows
at night.
- If you must go outside, protect
yourself from winter storm hazards.
- Wear layered clothing, mittens
or gloves, and a hat. Layering clothes will keep you warmer
than a single heavy coat. Outer garments should be tightly woven
and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent loss
of body heat. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers maintain
more warmth when they touch each other. Half of your body heat loss
is from the head.
- Cover your mouth to protect
your lungs from extremely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths;
minimize talking.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia
and frostbite. Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure
that can cause permanent harm to people. A loss of feeling and a
white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose, or earlobes are
symptoms of frostbite. Hypothermia is a condition brought on when
the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. Symptoms of hypothermia
include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent
stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion. Hypothermia is not always
fatal, but for those who survive there are likely to be lasting
kidney, liver, and pancreas problems.
If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person
slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's
trunk first. Using your own body heat will help. Arms and legs should
be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood
toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put the person in dry
clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket. Never give a frostbite
or hypothermia victim alcohol or something with caffeine in it,
like coffee or tea. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to
beat faster and hasten the effect the cold has on the body. Alcohol,
a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects
of the cold.
- Keep dry. Change wet
clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing
loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away
from the body.
- Stretch before you go out.
If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm
up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury.
- Avoid overexertion, such
as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow.
The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack.
Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
- Walk carefully on snowy,
icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter
weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injury.
- If you must go out during a winter
storm, use public transportation if possible. About 70 percent
of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.
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Winter Driving
- Have your car(s) winterized before
the winter storm season. Keeping your car(s) in good condition
will decrease your chance of being stranded in cold weather. Have a
mechanic check your battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer
fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights,
exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, and oil level. If necessary,
replace existing oil with a winter grade oil. Install good winter tires.
Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually
adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require
that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains
or snow tires with studs.
- If you have a cell phone or two-way
radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with
you whenever traveling in winter weather. If you should become
stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your
location.
- Keep a windshield scraper and
small broom in your car for ice and snow removal.
- Put together a separate disaster
supplies kit for the trunk of each car used by members of your household.
You should also bring a thermos of warm broth if you are on the road
during a winter storm. If you should become stranded during a winter
storm, these items will make you more comfortable until the storm passes.
The kit should include the following:
- Several blankets or sleeping bags.
- Rain gear and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens,
socks, and a wool cap.
- Extra newspapers for insulation.
- Plastic bags for sanitation.
- Canned fruit, nuts, and high energy "munchies."
Non-electric can opener if necessary.
- Several bottles of water. Eating snow will lower
your body temperature. If necessary, melt it first.
- Cans of broth or soup.
- A small shovel, a pocket knife, and small tools,
such as pliers, a wrench, and screwdriver.
- A small sack of sand for generating traction under
wheels, a set of tire chains or traction mats.
- Jumper cables.
- A first aid kit and necessary medications.
- A flashlight with extra batteries.
- A candle in a metal can or other fireproof container.
While candles are generally not recommended in disaster situations,
having one in your car can be a source of heat and light if you
are stranded.
- Matches.
- Cards, games, and puzzles.
- A brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna.
- Keep your car's gas tank full
for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Plan long trips carefully.
Traveling during winter weather can be hazardous. Listen to the radio
or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Plan
to travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other
person.
- Let someone know your destination,
your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck
along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
- Be aware of sleet, freezing rain,
freezing drizzle, and dense fog, which can make driving very hazardous.
The leading cause of death during winter storms is from automobile or
other transportation accidents. During winter weather conditions, multiple
vehicle accidents are more likely to occur, resulting in injury and
death. Avoid driving during sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle,
and dense fog - these serious conditions are often underestimated.
- If you do get stuck:
- Stay with your vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is
visible within 100 yards. Disorientation and confusion come very
quickly in blowing snow. Avoid traveling during winter storms. If
you must travel and do become stranded, it is better to stay in
the vehicle and wait for help.
- Display a trouble sign to
indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably
red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood (after snow stops falling).
- Occasionally run engine to
keep warm. Carbon monoxide can build up inside a standing
vehicle while the engine is running, even if the exhaust pipe is
clear. Experience has shown that running the heater for 10 minutes
every hour is enough to keep occupants warm and will reduce the
risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserve fuel. Turn on the
engine for about 10 minutes each hour (or 5 minutes every half hour).
Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe
clear of snow and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.
- Leave the overhead light
on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
- Do minor exercises to keep
up circulation. Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally.
Try not to stay in one position for too long.
- If more than one person is
in the car, take turns sleeping. One of the first signs of
hypothermia is sleepiness. If you are not awakened periodically
to increase body temperature and circulation, you can freeze to
death.
- Huddle together for warmth.
- Use newspapers, maps, and
even the removable car mats for added insulation. Layering
items will help trap more body heat.
- Keep a window that is away
from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
- Watch for signs of frostbite
and hypothermia. Severe cold can cause numbness, making you
unaware of possible danger. Keep fingers and toes moving for circulation,
huddle together, and drink warm broth to reduce risk of further
injury.
- Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
Bulky winter clothing can cause you to sweat, but cold dry air will
help the sweat evaporate, making you unaware of possible dehydration.
When individuals are dehydrated, they are more susceptible to the
effects of cold and heart attacks. Melt snow before using it for
drinking water. Eating snow lowers your body temperature, increasing
risk from hypothermia.
- Avoid overexertion.
Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise
such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack
or make other medical conditions worse.
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What to Do After a Winter Storm
- Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA
Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. Access may
be limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be blocked.
- Help a neighbor who may require special assistance - infants, elderly
people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people
with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care
for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in
emergency situations.
- Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved.
Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.
- Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow
are a leading cause of deaths during winter.
- Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major
winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.
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