Know your winter weather terms:
Winter Storm Watch-
is issued by the National Weather Service when there is potential for significant winter weather conditions (like a blizzard). A Winter Storm Watch means it is an alert to the public of a serious winter storm, but the exact location, timing, and intensity of the storm are still uncertain. This gives the public enough time to prepare for disruptions, such as power outages and road closures.
Winter Storm Warning-
is issued by the National Weather Service when heavy snowfall, freezing rain or sleet is imminent or occurring. It is important to stay indoors, dress warmly, prepare for power outages, and check on neighbors (especially the elderly) during a Winter Storm Warning.
Preparing For Winter Storms
- Listen to the radio for winter storm forecasts and other information.
- Prepare your home for cold weather. Install storm windows. Insulate outside walls, attics and crawl spaces. Wrap pipes, especially those near cold outer walls or in attics or crawl spaces. Repair leaks in the roof, around the doors and in the windows or schedule a professional inspection before winter.
- Have appropriate cold weather clothing available.
- If you have a kerosene heater, refuel your heater outside and remember to keep it at least three feet from flammable objects.
- Make sure your fireplace functions properly or make sure your furnace filter is clean.
- Have a safe backup heating source.
- Have rock salt and sand on hand for traction on ice.
- Having a full gas tank helps maintain warmer temperature in the fuel line, preventing the fuel line to freeze.
During A Winter Storm
- Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear mittens rather than gloves. Wear a warm, woolen cap.
- Avoid being on the road, stay home.
- Heat only the areas of your home you are using. Close doors and curtains or cover windows and doors with blankets.
- Use alternative heat methods safely. Never use a gas or charcoal grill, hibachi or portable propane heater to cook indoors or to heat your home. This will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use a generator indoors or in a garage or carport, make sure to keep it away from windows and doors.
- Be careful when shoveling snow. Do not overexert yourself.
- Be sure to eat regularly. Food provides calories that maintain body heat.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia — slurred speech, disorientation, uncontrollable shivering, stumbling, drowsiness and body temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
- If you become trapped outside, get out of the wind and stay dry. Build a lean-to or snow cave if nothing else is available. Do not eat snow; it will make you too cold.
- Bring dogs and cats inside during cold weather.
If In Your Vehicle
- Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition before you take a long trip. Check for requirements of chains or studs in the areas you will be traveling. Having a full tank of gas will prevent your fuel line from freezing.
- Let someone know where you are going, the route you plan to take, and your expected time of arrival. Stay on the main roads.
- If you get lost or stranded or if you must stop, remain inside the vehicle. Use a bright distress flag or your hazard lights to draw attention to your vehicle.
- If trapped in a blizzard, clear your tail pipe and run your engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour. Open your window slightly. Letting in a little fresh air will prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Make sure to charge your cell phone.
- During night hours, keep the dome light on in the car so rescue crews can see your vehicle.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food that can be eaten without being cooked. Include a blanket or sleeping bag for each passenger, a flashlight, cell phone, shovel, sack of sand or kitty litter, booster cables, flare, coffee can with lid, and toilet paper.
- Charge your cellphone while you drive. If you forget your cellphone charger and your battery is running low or cellphone has no signal, change the voicemail on your phone. Provide information that will help callers send help to you quickly. State your approximate location, date, time, your current situation, and special instructions such as: if you are staying in the car, or directions should you need to leave your vehicle.
