Preparing for the Severe Weather of Winter

Dealing with severe winter weather can be challenging, even under the best circumstances. The snow, ice, and chilling winds can delay even the most experienced motorist.

Before the dangerous weather arrives, you can begin to prepare. Store drinking water, first aid supplies, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, radio, flashlight, and extra batteries where they are easily accessible, even if the electricity goes out. Make sure that your vehicles are fueled, in good repair, and supplied with a winter emergency kit.

Knowing the warning terms for winter weather advisories can help you monitor potential disasters in your area. Also, winterizing your home, barn, garage, or any other building that could be used for shelter can reduce your risks of exposure to the elements. Install storm doors, windows, and shutters; clean rain gutters; repair leaks in the roof, and check the structural ability of the roof to sustain the unusually heavy weight of the snow that will accumulate there.

Once winter arrives, make sure you are dressed for the conditions. Wearing several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing can keep you warmer than wearing one layer of heavy clothing. It also helps if your outer garments are made of tightly woven, water-repellant fabrics. You should wear a hat, scarf, sturdy- weatherproof boots, and mittens or gloves.

If a storm does occur, conserve fuel by keeping your house cooler than normal. If possible, shut off heat to rooms that you do not often use. When using kerosene heaters, be sure that rooms are properly ventilated, and that heaters are at least three feet from flammable objects. Avoid traveling on the roads if it is at all possible. If you must do so, go in the daylight, stay on the main roads, and take someone with you.

If you happen to be trapped in your car because of a blizzard, pull off the road, set your hazard lights to flashing, and hang a distress flag from the window or antenna. Remain in your vehicle, this will enable rescuers to locate you with less difficulty, and will prevent your exposure to the severe winds, cold, and blinding snow. Conserve your fuel by running the car for ten minutes each hour; however, make sure that there is a window slightly cracked open in a downwind direction to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Use anything that is available in your car for body covering in the extreme cold, including floor mats, newspapers and maps.

Do not attempt to set out on foot, unless you see a building within a short distance where you can take shelter. Once the blizzard is over, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot to the nearest location. Follow the road, if possible. If you need to walk across open country, use objects in the distance to maintain your sense of direction.

Following a winter storm, report any downed power lines and broken gas lines immediately. Check to make sure that no physical damage has occurred, and that water pipes are fully functional. If there are no other problems, wait for streets and roads to be opened and cleared before you attempt to drive anywhere. If you have any elderly or disabled neighbors, be sure to check on them- they might be in need of assistance. Pace yourself, if there is a mess to clean up, or a large amount of snow to be shoveled. Be careful not to over-exert or exhaust yourself, shoveling snow in the extreme cold can cause heart attacks.

Following a few simple safety tips can prevent a larger disaster than a winter storm. It can save your life. While these measures are effective in preventing the occurrence of a potential disaster, they are not foolproof. It is always a good idea to exercise extreme caution when dealing with severe winter weather, and stay alert.

Winter Weather Warnings- What Do They Mean?

Winter Storm Watch
- Be alert, a storm is likely.

Winter Storm Warning
- Take action, the storm is in or entering the area.

Blizzard Warning
- Snow combined with strong winds of at least 35 mph will produce 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, especially to motorists.

Frost/Freeze Warning
- Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees.

Wind Chill - A calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed 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.