Winter Storms
Winter Storms & Extreme Cold
Getting Prepared
Caught in Your Car During a Blizzard
Create a survival kit for your pet. This should include:
Getting Prepared
- Know the terms used by weather forecasters.
- Consider purchasing a battery-powered NOAA weather radio and stock extra batteries:
- Keep rock salt to melt ice on walkways and sand to improve traction.
- Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel.
- Make sure you have an alternate heat source and a supply of fuel.
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.
- Insulate walls and attics.
- Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows.
- Keep your car "winterized" with antifreeze. Use snow tires.
- Listen to the radio or television for weather reports and emergency information.
- Wear several layers of loose fitting, light weight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
- Wear mittens instead of gloves.
- Wear a hat- most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
- Avoid overexertion.
- Watch for signs of frostbite. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
- Conserve fuel if necessary by keeping your house cooler than normal.
- Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
- If you must travel, consider using public transportation.
- When using kerosene heaters, gas lanterns or stoves inside the house, maintain ventilation to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes.
- Never use charcoal or gas barbeques inside; they produce carbon monoxide.
- Connect lights and appliances directly to a generator, not to an existing electrical system.
Caught in Your Car During a Blizzard
- Pull off the highway and set your hazard lights to flash. Hang a distress flag from the radio antenna.
- Run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm. While the engine is running, slightly open a window and keep the exhaust pipe free of snow.
- Exercise lightly to maintain body heat. Huddle with passengers to stay warm.
- Take turns sleeping.
- Be careful not to run the car battery down.
- If stranded in a remote rural or wilderness area, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract attention of rescue personnel.
- Once the blizzard passes, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot.
Create a survival kit for your pet. This should include:
- Identification collar and rabies tag
- Carrier or cage
- Leash
- Any medications (be sure to check expiration dates)
- Newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste
- At least a two-week supply of food, water and food bowls
- Veterinary records (most animal shelters do not allow pets without proof of vaccination)