What to do before a winter storm threatens:
- Know the terms used by the weather forecasters.
- Freezing rain-Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.
- Sleet-Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
- Winter storm watch- A winter storm is possible in your area.
- Winter storm warning- A winter storm is occurring, or will occur in your area.
- Blizzard warning-Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less then 1/4 mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or more.
- Frost/Freeze warning-Below freezing temperatures are expected.
- Prepare to survive on your own for at least 3 days. Assemble a disaster supply kit. Be sure to include winter specific items such as rock salt to melt ice on walkways, sand to improve traction, snow shovels and other snow removal equipment. Keep a stock of food and drinking water.
- Prepare for possible isolation in your home.
Have sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off.
Have emergency heating equipment and fuel so you can keep at least one room of your residence livable.Store a good supply of dry seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood stove. Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone in your household knows how to use them properly.
Never burn charcoal in doors.
- Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel. Insulate walls and attics. Caulk and weather strip doors and windows. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic sheeting.
- Maintain several days supply of medicines, water, and food that needs no refrigeration.
| What to do during a winter storm:
- Listen to the radio or television for weather reports and emergency information.
- Eat regularly and drink ample amounts of fluid, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Dress for the season: Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather then one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be lightly woven and water repellent. Mittens are warmer then gloves. Wear a hat. Most body heat is lost through the head. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs, be careful when shoveling snow. Over exertion can bring on a heart attack. Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling, and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, distortion, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove any wet clothing warm the center of the body first, and give warm non-alcoholic beverages. Get medical help as soon as possible.
- When at home conserve fuel if necessary by keeping your residence cooler then normal. Temporarily "close off" heat to some rooms. When using kerosene heaters. Maintain proper ventilation to avoid build up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
Winter driving:
About 70% of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in automobiles. Try to travel in the winter by day and don't travel alone. Keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads. Avoid back roads and shortcuts.
- Winterize your car. This includes a battery check, antifreeze, wipers, and windshield fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, oil level, and tires. Consider snow tires, snow tires with studs, or chains. Keep your car's gas tank full.
- Carry a "winter car kit" in the trunk of your car. The kit should include: shovel, qindshield scraper, battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, water and snack food, mittens, hat and scarf, blanket, tow chain, strap or rope, tire chains, bag of road salt and sand, road maps, fluorescent distress flag, booster cables, emergency flares, cellular phone or two way radio if available.
- If a blizzard traps you in your car: Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window. Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful, distances are distorted by blowing snow. Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket. Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Be careful not to waste battery power, Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat and radio. At night turn on the inside light so rescue crews can see you.
- If stranded in a remote area, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract attention of rescue personnel who may be searching the area by airplane or helicopter.
- Once the blizzard passes, you may need to leave you car and proceed on foot.
Emergency Management Coordinator Don Gardner suggested these web sites for further information:
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Orofino, ID 83544
