Emergency Kits for Winter Weather Advisories
February 05, 2013; 8:27 AM
Winter Storm Watch
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 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less 1/4 mile) are expected in the next 12 to 36 hours. You should prepare for the worst now:
KATARZYNA ZWOLSKA
At Home or Work Make Sure You Have:
-a working flashlight
-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 extinguishers on each level
-Carbon Monoxide Detector
-smoke detectors on each level and outside each sleeping area
In Cars and 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 which contains:
-blankets/sleeping bags
-flashlight with extra batteries
-knife
-high calorie, non-perishable food
-a small can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
-sand or cat litter
-shovel
-windshield scraper
-tool kit
-tow rope
-jumper cables
-water container
-compass
-road maps
-flares
-fire extinguishers
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)
Winter Storm Warning
If a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather conditions (such as snow greater than 6 inches in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less 1/4 mile) are expected within the next 12 hours or are already occurring.
If Caught Outside:
-Find a dry shelter. Cover all exposed parts of the body.
If shelter is not available:
-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.
If Stranded in a Car or Truck:
-Stay in your car or truck!
-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.
-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 or in a Building:
-Stay inside!
-If there is 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 and heat. Fluids prevent dehydration.
-Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing.