Preparing for Winter


Major winter storms can be deadly. Take time now to prepare your family, home and vehicle for the upcoming winter months.


Be familiar with winter storm watch and warning messages:

  • A winter storm watch means severe winter weather may affect your area.
  • A winter storm warning means severe winter weather conditions are on the way.
  • Have a snow shovel and rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and sand to generate tempoorary traction.
  • Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.


Winterize your home:

· Insulate walls and attic.
· Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
· Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.

Have safe emergency heating equipment available:

 · Fireplace with ample supply of wood.
· Small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel.
· Portable space or kerosene heaters.
· Install and check smoke detectors.


Keep pipes from freezing:

  • Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.

  • Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.

  • Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.

  • Know how to shut off water valves.

Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes out:

  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
  • First Aid kit.
  • One-week supply of food, including items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off.
  • Manual can opener.
  • One-weel supply of essential prescription medications.
  • Extra blankets and sleeping bags. Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)


Develop an Emergency Communications Plan:

• Have a plan for getting back together if family members are separated during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school).

• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.


DURING A WINTER STORM
If you're indoors:

· Conserve fuel. Lower the thermostat to 65 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. Close off unused rooms. If the power goes out, keep the refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. You may be able to move some foods outside if the temperatures are low enough. When deciding if food is spoiled after it has thawed, remember the rhyme:  If in doubt -- throw it out!

· Listen to the radio or television for the latest information.


If your outdoors:

· Wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellant. Mittens are warmer than gloves.

· Avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of hypothermia and dehydration.

· Change out of wet clothing to prevent losing body heat.  Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly. Watch for downed power lines as you go outside. Move any broken limbs and yard debris to the curb to be picked up.


Check on your neighbors!
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - people with infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.


Winter Driving

The leading cause of death during winter storms is vehicle accidents. If at all possible, stay home during winter storms. If you know you will need to travel, prepare your vehicle and know how to react if you are stranded on the road.


Have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

·         Battery

·         Antifreeze

·         Exhaust system

·         Lights

·         Heater

·         Defroster

·         Thermostat

·         Wipers and windshield washer fluid

·         Flashing hazard lights

·         Ignition system

·         Brakes

·         Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety)

Other things to be sure of:

·         Make sure the tires have adequate tread.

·    Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.

·    Maintain a half tank of gas during the winter season.

Make a Winter Car Kit for Emergencies, which contains:

·         Flashlights with extra batteries

·         First aid kit with pocket knife

·         Necessary medications

·         Several blankets

·         Sleeping bags

·         Extra newspapers for insulation

·         Plastic bags (for sanitation)

·         Matches

·         Manual can opener

·         Snack foods

·         Extra mittens, socks, and a wool cap

·         Rain gear and extra clothes

·         Sand for generating traction  

·         Small shovel

·         Tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)

·         Booster cables

·         Set of tire chains or traction mats

·         Cards, games, and puzzles

·         Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag

·         Bottled water

 When you're caught in your car during a storm:

·         Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person.

·         Keep your driving slow and steady. Stay several car-lengths from the vehicle in front of you.  If you skid on ice,   turn the wheel the direction of the skid.

·         If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), keep your foot on the pedal. If not, pump the pedal gently, pumping more rapidly as your car slows down.

·          If you can’t make it to your destination, pull the car over as far as possible. Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards.

·         Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood.

·         Turn on the car’s engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Only turn on the car’s dome light when the car is running. BUT... BEWARE of carbon monoxide poisoning!

·         Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.

·         Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally.  If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping. Huddle together for warmth. Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.