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At Home
and at Work...
Primary concerns are the potential loss of heat and power, telephone
service, and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for
more than a day.
Have available:
* Flashlight and extra batteries.
* Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and
portable radio - to receive emergency information. These may be your
only links to the outside.
* Extra Food and water. High energy food, such as dried
fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.
* Extra medicine and baby items.
* First-aid supplies
* Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a
severe winter storm.
* Emergency Heating Source, such as a fireplace, wood
stove, space heater, etc.
- Learn to use properly to prevent a fire.
- Have proper ventilation.
*Fire Extinguisher and Smoke Detector.
- Test units regularly to ensure they are working
properly.
On the Farm...
* Move animals to sheltered areas.
Shelter belts, properly laid out and oriented, are
better protection for cattle than confining shelters, such as sheds.
* Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas.
* Have a water supply available. Most animal deaths in
storms are from dehydration.
In Cars and
Trucks...
Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm!
* Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter
season begins.
* Carry a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT:
blankets/sleeping bags; flashlight with extra
batteries; first aid kit; knife; high-calorie, non-perishable food;
extra clothing to keep dry; a large empty can and plastic cover with
tissues and paper towel for sanitary purposes; a smaller can and
water-poof matches to melt now for drinking water; sack of sand ( or cat
litter ); shovel; windshield scraper and brush; tool kit; tow rope;
booster cables; water container; compass and road map.
* Keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel
lines.
* Try not to travel alone.
* Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate
routes.
What to Listen
For...
| Winter
Storm Watch: |
Severe Winter conditions,
such as heavy snow and /or ice, are possible within the next day
or two. Prepare NOW! |
|
|
Winter Storm Warning: |
Severe Winter conditions
have begun or are about to begin in your area. Stay indoors! |
|
|
Blizzard Warning: |
Snow and strong winds will
combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility), deep
drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge
immediately! |
|
|
Winter Weather Advisory: |
Winter weather conditions
are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be
hazardous. If caution is exercised, these situations
should not become life-threatening. The greatest hazard is often
to motorists. |
|
|
Frost/Freeze Warning: |
Below freezing temperatures
are expected and may cause significant damage to plants, crops,
or fruit trees. In areas unaccustomed to freezing temperatures,
people who have homes without heat need to take added
precautions. |
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When CAUGHT in a
Winter Storm...
OUTSIDE
Find Shelter:
* Try to stay dry.
* Cover all exposed parts of the body.
No Shelter:
* Prepare a lean-to, wind break, or snow cave for
protection from the wind.
* Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
* Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.
Do Not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
IN A CAR OR TRUCK
Stay in your car or truck. Disorientation occurs quickly in
wind-driven snow and cold.
Run the motor - about ten minutes each hour for heat:
* Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon
monoxide poisoning.
* Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.
Make yourself visible to rescuers:
* Turn on the dome light at night when running engine.
* Tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or door.
* Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling.
Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers, and
toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
AT HOME OR IN A BUILDING
Stay inside. When using ALTERNATIVE HEAT from a fireplace,
wood stove, space heater, etc.:
- Use fire safeguards.
- Properly ventilate.
No Heat:
* Close off unneeded rooms.
* Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
* Cover windows at night.
Eat and Drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its
own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent
dehydration.
Wear layers of loose-fitting, light weight, warm clothing. Remove
layers to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chill. |