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Winter Storm
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Why Talk About Winter Storms? |
A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, and cold temperatures. People can become trapped at home, without utilities or other services. Heavy snowfall and blizzards can trap motorists in their cars. Attempting to walk for help in a blizzard can be a deadly decision.
Winter storms can make driving and walking extremely hazardous. The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or region for days, weeks, or even months. Storm effects such as extremely cold temperatures and snow accumulation, and sometimes coastal flooding, can cause hazardous conditions and hidden problems for people in the affected area.
Winter storms can be defined differently in various parts of the country. Heavy snow in the south can be a dusting in the mountains. Check with your local emergency management office, National Weather Service (NWS) office, or local American Red Cross for terms and definitions specific to your area. Sleet is raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects; however, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists. Freezing rain is rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing; this causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard. An ice storm occurs when freezing rain falls and freezes immediately on impact; communications and power can be disrupted for days, and even small accumulations of ice may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
Learn about winter storm risk in your area. Contact your local
emergency management office, National Weather Service office, or American Red
Cross chapter for more information.
 | A National Weather Service (NWS)
WATCH is a message indicating that conditions favor the occurrence of a
certain type of hazardous weather. For example, a severe thunderstorm watch
means that a severe thunderstorm is expected in the next six hours or so
within an area approximately 120 to 150 miles wide and 300 to 400 miles long
(36,000 to 60,000 square miles). The NWS Storm Prediction Center issues such
watches. Local NWS forecast offices issue other watches (flash flood, winter
weather, etc.) 12 to 36 hours in advance of a possible hazardous- weather or
flooding event. Each local forecast office usually covers a state or a
portion of a state.
| An NWS WARNING indicates that a hazardous event is occurring or is
imminent in about 30 minutes to an hour. Local NWS forecast offices issue
warnings on a county-by-county basis.
| A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
| A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is occurring, or will
soon occur, in your area.
| A blizzard WARNING means sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35
miles per hour or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow (reducing
visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period
of three hours or longer. | |
The leading cause of death during winter storms is from automobile or other transportation accidents. Exhaustion and heart attacks caused by overexertion are the two most likely causes of winter storm-related deaths. Elderly people account for the largest percentage of hypothermia victims. Many older Americans literally "freeze to death" in their own homes after being exposed to dangerously cold indoor temperatures, or are asphyxiated because of improper use of fuels such as charcoal briquettes, which produce carbon monoxide.
House fires occur more frequently in the winter due to lack of proper
safety precautions when using alternate heating sources (unattended fires,
disposal of ashes too soon, improperly placed space heaters, etc.). Fire
during winter storms presents a great danger because water supplies may freeze
and it may be difficult for firefighting equipment to get to the fire.
If you are at risk from winter storms:
| 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 rate, driving
down the body temperature. "Wind chill" is a calculation of how
cold it feels when the effects of wind speed and temperature are combined. A
strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the
same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.
| Service snow removal equipment before winter storm season.
Equipment should be available for use if needed. Maintain it in good working
order.
| Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel
line from freezing.
| Get training. Take an American Red Cross first aid course to learn
how to treat exposure to the cold, frostbite, and hypothermia.
| Discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm WATCH or WARNING
is issued. Designate one household member as the winter storm
preparedness leader. Have him or her discuss what to do if a winter storm
watch or warning is issued. Have another household member state what he or
she would do if caught outside or in a vehicle during a winter storm.
Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together.
Discussing winter storms ahead of time helps reduce fear and lets everyone
know how to respond during a winter storm. | |
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
Please see the section "Disaster Supplies Kit" for general supplies kit information. Winter Storm-specific supplies should include the following:
| A warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water-resistant boots for each
member of the family.
| Extra blankets and warm clothing.
| Non-clumping kitty litter. Kitty litter will generate temporary
traction. Rock salt will melt ice on walkways but can damage vegetation and
concrete. Other, less damaging, ice melting products are available from
building supply stores.
| Disaster Supplies Kit basics. | |
| The best way to stay safe in a snowstorm is to stay inside. Long
periods of exposure to severe cold increases the risk of frostbite or
hypothermia. Also, it is easy to become disoriented in blowing snow.
| If you go outside to play after a snowstorm, dress in many layers and
wear a hat and mittens. Many layers of thin clothing are warmer than
single layers of thick clothing. One of the best ways to stay warm is to
wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head. Keep hands
and feet warm too. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Covering the mouth with a
scarf protects lungs from extremely cold air.
| Come inside often for warm-up breaks. Long periods of exposure
severe cold increases the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
| If you start to shiver a lot or get very tired, or if your nose,
fingers, toes, or earlobes start to feel numb or turn very pale, come inside
right away and tell an adult. These are signs of hypothermia and
frostbite. If you experience these symptoms, you will need immediate
attention to prevent further risk. | |
| Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate walls
and attic. This will help you to conserve electricity and reduce your
home's power demands for heat. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills
to keep cold air out, allowing the inside temperature to stay warmer longer.
| Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
This will provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out.
| To keep pipes from freezing:
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If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and
wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the
pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold
was most likely to penetrate). A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution
to prevent overheating, also works well.
| Consider storing sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may
be cut off. Be cautious of fire hazards when storing any type of fuel.
| Before winter, be sure you install and check smoke alarms.
| Consider keeping safe emergency heating equipment:
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When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater,
etc., use fire safeguards and ventilate properly. Fire hazard is
greatly increased in the winter because alternate heating sources are used
without following proper safety precautions.
| Install snow fences in rural areas to reduce drifting in roads and
paths, which could block access to homes, barns, and animals' feed and
water.
| If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance
to cover possible flood damage that may occur during the spring thaw.
Homeowners' policies do not cover damage from floods. Ask your insurance
agent about the National Flood Insurance Program if you are at risk. | |
| Sponsor a "Winter Weather Awareness Day" or week just before
winter storm season. This is a good way to get emergency management
officials and local Red Cross representatives involved.
| Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency
information about winter storms. Place special emphasis on what people
should do if they are caught out in the open or in a vehicle.
| Inform your community about the different National Weather Service
announcements - winter storm watch, winter storm warning, ice storm
warning, heavy snow warning, blizzard warning, severe blizzard warning, and
high wind warning.
| Conduct a series of presentations at the beginning of the winter storm
season. Include information on alternative heat sources and home
insulation.
| Interview local physicians about the dangers of hypothermia and other
winter health conditions. Include discussions of exhaustion and heart
attacks caused by overexertion.
| Advise people of the dangers of winter driving, and warn them
driving in winter storms can be a risk to their lives. Produce a series of
announcements on what to do if you are stuck in your car during a blizzard. | |
| Use a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature to keep you informed
of watches and warnings issued in your area.The tone alert feature will
automatically alert you when a watch or warning is issued.
| Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross
for information on designated public shelters in case you lose power or
heat. | |
| Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio, or local radio or television stations
for updated information. Local authorities will provide you with the
best information for your particular situation.
| Be aware of changing weather conditions. Severe weather can happen
quickly. Temperatures may drop rapidly, winds may increase or snow may fall
at heavier rates. What is happening where you are may not agree with local
forecasts.
| Move animals to sheltered areas. Have a water supply available.
Most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration.
| Avoid unnecessary travel. Your safest place during a winter storm
is indoors. About 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur
in automobiles. | |
| Stay indoors and dress warmly during the storm. Wearing layers of
loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than one
bulky sweater. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and
subsequent chill.
| Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for updated emergency
information. If the power goes out, you will still have access to
important information.
| Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its
own heat.
| Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration. Drink
liquids such as warm broth or juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine,
a stimulant, accelerates the symptoms of hypothermia. Alcohol, such as
brandy, is a depressant and hastens the effects of cold on the body. Alcohol
also slows circulation and can make you less aware of the effects of cold.
Both caffeine and alcohol can cause dehydration.
| Conserve fuel. Winter storms can last for several days. Great
demand may be placed on electric, gas, and other fuel distribution systems
(fuel oil, propane, etc.). Suppliers of propane and fuel oil may not be able
to replenish depleted supplies during severe weather. Electric and gas
services may be temporarily disrupted when many people demand large amounts
at the same time. Lower the thermostat to 65°F during the day and 55°F at
night. Close off unused rooms, and stuff towels or rags in cracks under
doors. Cover windows at night. | |
 | Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Layering
clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Outer garments
should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat
will prevent loss of body heat. Mittens are warmer than gloves because
fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other. Half of your body
heat loss is from the head.
| Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.
Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.
| Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Frostbite is a
severe reaction to cold exposure that can cause permanent harm to people.
A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose,
or earlobes are symptoms of frostbite. Hypothermia is a condition brought
on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. Symptoms of
hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses,
frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion. Hypothermia is not always
fatal, but for those who survive there are likely to be lasting kidney,
liver, and pancreas problems.
| If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the
person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's
trunk first. Using your own body heat will help. Arms and legs should be
warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward
the heart and lead to heart failure. Put the person in dry clothing and
wrap their entire body in a blanket. Never give a frostbite or hypothermia
victim alcohol or something with caffeine in it, like coffee or tea.
Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the
effect the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart
and also hasten the ill effects of the cold.
| Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of
body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits
heat rapidly away from the body.
| Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few
stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances
of muscle injury.
| Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or
walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may
cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
| Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur
frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling
injury. | |
| Have your car(s) winterized before the winter storm season.
Keeping your car(s) in good condition will decrease your chance of being
stranded in cold weather. Have a mechanic check your battery, antifreeze,
wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights,
flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, and oil
level. If necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil. Install
good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather
radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some
jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be
equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
| If you have a cell phone or two-way radio available for your use,
keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling in winter
weather. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for
help, advising rescuers of your location.
| Keep a windshield scraper and small broom in your car for ice and
snow removal.
| Put together a separate disaster supplies kit for the trunk of each
car used by members of your household. You should also bring a thermos
of warm broth if you are on the road during a winter storm. If you should
become stranded during a winter storm, these items will make you more
comfortable until the storm passes. The kit should include the following:
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Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel
line from freezing.
| Plan long trips carefully. Traveling during winter weather can be
hazardous. Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the
latest road conditions. Plan to travel during daylight and, if possible,
take at least one other person.
| 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.
| Be aware of sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and dense fog,
which can make driving very hazardous. The leading cause of death
during winter storms is from automobile or other transportation accidents.
During winter weather conditions, multiple vehicle accidents are more
likely to occur, resulting in injury and death. Avoid driving during
sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and dense fog - these serious
conditions are often underestimated. | |
| Stay with your vehicle. Do not leave the vehicle to search for
assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. Disorientation and
confusion come very quickly in blowing snow. Avoid traveling during winter
storms. If you must travel and do become stranded, it is better to stay in
the vehicle and wait for help.
| Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly
colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood
(after snow stops falling).
| Occasionally run engine to keep warm. Carbon monoxide can build
up inside a standing vehicle while the engine is running, even if the
exhaust pipe is clear. Experience has shown that running the heater for 10
minutes every hour is enough to keep occupants warm and will reduce the
risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserve fuel. Turn on the engine
for about 10 minutes each hour (or 5 minutes every half hour). Use the
heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow
and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.
| Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you
can be seen.
| Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap hands and move
arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long.
| If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping. One
of the first signs of hypothermia is sleepiness. If you are not awakened
periodically to increase body temperature and circulation, you can freeze
to death.
| Huddle together for warmth.
| Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added
insulation. Layering items will help trap more body heat.
| Keep a window that is away from the blowing wind slightly open to let
in air.
| Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Severe cold can
cause numbness, making you unaware of possible danger. Keep fingers and
toes moving for circulation, huddle together, and drink warm broth to
reduce risk of further injury.
| Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Bulky winter clothing can
cause you to sweat, but cold dry air will help the sweat evaporate, making
you unaware of possible dehydration. When individuals are dehydrated, they
are more susceptible to the effects of cold and heart attacks. Melt snow
before using it for drinking water. Eating snow lowers your body
temperature, increasing risk from hypothermia.
| Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the
heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can
bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. | |
| Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA
Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. Access may be
limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be blocked.
| Help a neighbor who may require special assistance - infants, elderly
people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with
disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them
or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency
situations.
| Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved.
Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.
| Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a
leading cause of deaths during winter.
| Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major
winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions. | |
Produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition: American
Red Cross, FEMA, IAEM,
IBHS, NFPA,
NWS, USDA/CSREES,
and USGS. HTML formating By the
Disaster Center
From: Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages. Produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition, Washington, D.C., 1999.
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