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Winter Storm
Preparedness
| Heavy
snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize and
entire region. Even communities which normally
experience mild winters can be hit with a major
snow storm or extreme cold. The results can
range from power outages and blocked roadways to
the havoc of cars trying to maneuver on ice
covered roadways. What ever the case,winter
storms usually involve human suffering. You
should protect yourself and your family by
knowing how to prepare and what to do in the
event of a winter storm. |
| Terms You Should
Know |
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When receiving weather
advisories from the television, radio, or
The National Weather
Service, the
forecasters will use the following terms. |
-
A
TRAVELERS ADVISORY
is issued when enough snow and ice are
expected to hinder travel but the
anticipated conditions are not serious
enough to require warnings.
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A
WIND CHILL
is the effect of wind, in combination with
the actual temperature, which increases the
rate of heat loss to the human body.
-
A
HIGH WIND WATCH
indicates sustained winds of at least 40
miles per hour, or gusts of at least 50
miles per hour or greater, are expected to
last for at least one hour.
-
A
WINTER STORM WATCH
is issued when severe winter weather is
expected.
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A
WINTER STORM WARNING
is issued when heavy snow, sleet or freezing
rain are expected.
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A
BLIZZARD WARNING
is issued when heavy snows and winds in
excess of 35 miles per hour or more are
expected.
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A
SEVERE BLIZZARD
WARNING is
issued when heavy snow and winds over 45
miles per hour and temperatures below 10
degrees are expected. Visibility can be so
poor that you will not be able to see for
more than a few yards.
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| Be Prepared Before A
Winter Storm Occurs |
- Have a battery operated
radio with extra batteries
- Have one flashlight for
ever member of your family and extra
batteries
- Have a 3-5 day supply of
food that can be prepared without electric
or a gas stove
- Stock bottled water
- Have candles and matches
available
- Make sure that you have
sufficient supply of home heating fuel
- Have available some kind
of emergency heating equipment (a kerosene
heater, wood burning stove, fireplace)
- Keep a fire extinguisher
on hand and make sure your family knows how
to use it properly
- Make sure that you have
a 3-5 day supply of any prescription
medicine you may be taking
- For infants a 3- 5 day
supply of diapers/formula/medication should
be on hand
- If you have a snow
blower or power generator make sure
equipment is operational prior to the storm
- Extra fuel should be on
hand for snow blower/generator and should be
stored in approved containers in a well
vented area
- Fill you vehicle with
fuel
- When a winter storm
warning is issued put your vehicles in you
driveway. This will aid the town and county
snow removal efforts
- Remember if you put you
car in the garage and you have an electric
garage door opener your door may not be able
to open the garage door if the power goes
out
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