Winter Storm Preparedness & Safety

Do you know what to do if you are trapped in the middle of a blizzard?

If a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather conditions (such as snow greater than 6 inches in 12 hours) are expected in the next 12 to 36 hours. You should prepare for the worst now.

At Home or Work Make Sure You Have:

A working flashlight
A battery powered NOAA Weather Radio, radio, or TV
Extra food, water, medicine, and baby items
First aid supplies
Heating fuel (propane, kerosene, fuel oil, etc.)
Emergency heating source
Fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and a carbon monoxide detector

In Cars & Trucks:

Fully check and winterize your vehicle
Keep your gas tank near full
Try not to travel alone
Let a friend or relative know your timetable for travel

Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit:

Blankets/Sleeping Bags
Flashlight with Extra Batteries
Knife
High Calorie, Non-Perishable Food
Small Can & Water-Proof Matches to Melt Snow for Drinking Water
Sand
Shovel
Windshield Scraper
Tool Kit
Jumper Cables
Water Container
Compass
Road Maps

On the Farm:

Move animals to sheltered areas
Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas
Have a water supply available (most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration

If a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for your area, dangerous winter weather conditions are expected or are already occuring.

If Caught Outside:
Find a dry shelter. Cover all exposed parts of the body.

If Stranded in a Car or Truck:

Stay in your vehicle
Run the motor about ten minutes each hour
Open the windows 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 the engine
- Tie a colored cloth to your antenna or door
- Raise the hood after the snow stops falling
Exercise to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

At Home:

Stay inside

If there is no heat:

Close off unneeded rooms
Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors
Cover windows at night

Other Tips:

Eat and drink non-alcoholic beverages.
Food provides the body with energy and heat.
Fluids prevent dehydration.
Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing.

Winter Storms & Extreme Cold