PREPARING FOR A WINTER STORM
At home:
· Keep handy a battery-powered flashlight, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio and portable radio, extra food (canned or dried food is best), can opener, and bottled water (at least 3 gallons per person).
· Make sure each member of the household has a warm coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant boots. Ensure extra blankets and heavy clothes are available.
· Keep on hand items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
· Keep on hand items for your pets. Animals feel the effects of wind chill. Be sure to have suitable shelter with food and water.
· Be aware of potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards if you plan to use an emergency heating source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater. (See Heat Sources Safety page later in this packet for more information.)
Outside:
· Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. Sweating could lead to chill and hypothermia. Cold weather also puts extra strain on the heart, so the elderly and those with heart conditions should be especially cautious when out in the cold.
· Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
· Wear loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing in layers, with a waterproof outer layer. Wear a wool hat and mittens.
· Keep your clothes dry. Change wet socks and clothing quickly to prevent loss of body heat.
· Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body more rapidly.
Automotive preparedness:
· Ensure the vehicle is winterized by late fall. This includes having the proper mix of antifreeze and water in the cooling system, topping off the windshield washing solution, and checking the tire treads. Have a mechanic check the belts, hoses, tires, battery, and coolant.
· Keep the fuel tank near full, as low fuel levels can cause condensation to form, degrading fuel quality and possibly causing the fuel line to freeze. Additionally, gas stations may be closed during a severe winter storm, so it is wise to fill up if warnings of an impending storm are being broadcasted.
· Your car should always be equipped with emergency supplies. Keep the following items stored in a portable container:
Ø A small battery powered radio (AM is sufficient) and extra batteries
Ø Flashlight with extra batteries
Ø Cellular phone
Ø Windshield scraper
Ø Jumper cables
Ø Fire extinguisher
Ø Maps
Ø Shovel
Ø Blanket and extra clothes
Ø Flares
Ø Bottled water and nonperishable, high energy foods (granola bars, canned nuts, raisins, hard candy, trail mix, peanut butter and crackers)
Ø First aid kit
Ø Tire repair kit and pump
Ø Tow chain or rope
Ø Phone book and phone list
Ø De-icer and extra antifreeze
Ø “Call Police” or other “Help” sign
DURING A WINTER STORM
At home:
· To save heat, close off unneeded rooms, cover windows at night and stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
· Maintain adequate food and water intake. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
If travel is necessary:
· Use caution when driving in winter conditions. The highest rate of traffic crashes due to winter weather is in the month of November when the snow first starts to fall over Michigan.
· Inform someone of your destination and travel time. Bring a cell phone in case you must call for help.
If traveling and the power goes out:
· Use extreme caution when driving. If traffic signals are out, treat each signal as a stop sign – come to a complete stop at every intersection and look for oncoming traffic before proceeding.
· Do not call 9-1-1 to ask about the power outage. Listen to news radio stations for updates and contact your electrical company.
If stranded in a vehicle:
· Attach a bright cloth to your antenna to attract attention and then remain in the vehicle.
· Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat. However, open the window slightly for fresh air and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.
· Attract attention by turning on the dome light and emergency flashers when running the engine.
· To keep blood circulating and to stay warm, exercise by moving arms, legs, fingers and toes.
If stranded outside:
· Try to stay dry and cover all exposed parts of the body.
· Prepare a windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
· Do not eat snow because it will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
ANYTIME
· Listen to an All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio or local radio, television and cable stations for the latest updates on hazardous winter weather.
· To ensure uninterrupted weather information, make sure the NOAA Weather Radio or other radio has a battery-operated backup and fresh batteries. A battery-operated TV is also another option.
· For All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio information, including a station near you, visit the NOAA Weather Radio web site at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr or contact your National Weather Service office.