Each year dozens of Americans die due
to exposure to cold. Add to that number
vehicle accidents and fatalities, fires
due to dangerous use of heaters, and
other winter weather fatalities and you
have a significant threat.
Winter Weather Hazard Levels
When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued...
What to Do After a Winter Storm
Winter Weather Hazard Levels
- OUTLOOK: Winter storm conditions are
possible in the next 2-5 days. Stay
tuned to local media for updates.
- WATCH: Winter storm conditions are
possible within the next 36-48 hours.
Prepare now!
- WARNING: Life-threatening severe
winter conditions have begun or will
begin within 24 hours. Act now!
-
ADVISORY: Winter weather conditions
are expected to cause significant
inconveniences and may be hazardous.
If you are cautious, these situations
should not be life threatening.
Wind Chill is not the actual
temperature, but rather how wind and
cold feel on exposed skin. As the wind
increases, heat is carried away from the
body at an accelerated rate, driving down
the body temperature. Animals are also
affected by wind chill; however, cars,
plants and other objects are not.
When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued...
- Stay indoors during the storm.
- Do not use cooking stoves or ovens as heat sources.
- Insulate exposed water pipes.
- 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.
- Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
- Provide plenty of fresh water and food for your pets and make sure they have shelter from the cold.
- Avoid traveling by car in a storm,
but if you must...
- Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk. See the Red Cross website for a full description of the kit.
- 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.
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.
- Check on neighbors who may require special assistance: infants, elderly people, or people with disabilities. Caregivers or large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
- Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Access may be limited to some parts of the community. Roads may be blocked by snow, emergency vehicles, or extremely hazardous conditions.
- After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. Avoid overexertion. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of death during winter.
- Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.
Hypothermia is a condition brought on
when the body temperature drops to less
than 95°F. It can kill. Warning signs
include uncontrollable shivering, memory
loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred
speech, drowsiness and apparent
exhaustion. For those who survive, there
are likely to be lasting kidney, liver and
pancreas problems. Take the person's
temperature. If below 95°F, seek medical
care immediately!