Winter Storm Preparedness
(PDF
File)
Versiσn en Espaρol
Table of Contents:
Prepare a Winter Storm Plan
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
Stay tuned for Storm Warnings
Know what Winter Storm Watches and Warnings
mean
Preventing and
Thawing Frozen Pipes
When a Winter Storm Watch is issued
When a Winter Storm Warning is issued
If you DO
get stuck
What to do After a Winter Storm
More Information
See also...
Winter Storms... the Deceptive Killers,
in-depth information about winter storm
safety from the National Weather Service
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
Containing--
First aid kit
and essential medications.
Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio,
flashlight, and extra batteries.
Canned food and can opener.
Bottled water (at least one gallon of
water per person per day to last at
least 3 days).
Extra warm clothing, including boots,
mittens, and a hat.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for
your car, too.
Have your car winterized before winter
storm season.
Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings. . .
Listen to NOAA
Weather Radio and your local radio and
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, local radio, and TV
stations, or cable TV such as The
Weather Channel 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, several layers
of lightweight clothing will keep you
warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves
(or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss
of body heat. Cover your mouth to
protect your lungs.
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 rated, driving down the body
temperature.
Walk carefully on snowy, icy,
sidewalks.
After the storm, if you shovel snow,
be extremely careful. It is physically
strenuous work, so take frequent breaks.
Avoid overexertion.
Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but
if you must...
Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the
trunk.
Keep your car's gas tank full for
emergency use and to keep the fuel line
from freezing.
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.
If You Do
Get Stuck...
Stay with your
car. Do not try to walk to safety.
Tie a brightly colored cloth
(preferably red) 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 in the car.
Leave the overhead light on when the
engine is running so that you can be
seen.
As you sit, keep moving your arms and
legs to keep blood circulating and to
stay warm.
Keep one window away from the blowing
wind slightly open to let in air.
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.
Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can Provide
Additional Materials in English and Spanish:
Materials for Children:
"Be Ready 1-2-3" involve puppets who
give important safety information to
children ages 3-8 about residential fire
safety, winter storms, and earthquakes.
"Disaster
Preparedness Coloring Book" (PDF File)
(ARC 2200, English, or Spanish) for use
by children 3-10.
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