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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, ect.
- 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.
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.
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