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.
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©Copyright
2002. The American National Red Cross,
Northwest
North Carolina Chapter. All rights reserved.