Individual preparedness is the key to effectively responding to a disaster. We urge everyone to prepare for the upcoming winter storm. Winter Weather Safety and Preparedness Tips:
Prepare a Winter Storm Plan: Have extra blankets on hand; Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing: First aid kit and essential medications; Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries; Canned food and can opener; Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days); Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat; Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your car, too. If you are driving someone and slide off the road, it could be hours before help arrives.
If You Do Get Stuck...: Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety; Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see; Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car; Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen; As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm; Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
What to Do After a Winter Storm: Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. Access may be limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be blocked. Cell service may be interrupted; Help a neighbor who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations; Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles; Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow and ice are a leading cause of deaths during winter; Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.
Prevent Home Fires During a Winter Storm: Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home; Keep all sources of fuel (paper, clothing, bedding, and carpets or rugs) at least three feet away from all heat sources; Portable space heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended; Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home; If you use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor) and not on rugs and carpets, or near bedding and drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters;vKeep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
Stay Safe During a Power Outage: Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles!; Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out; Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer; Do not run a generator inside a home or garage; If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system; Listen to local radio and television for updated information.
If a Shelter Opens and You Need our Help: Bring with you essential medications, glasses, cell phone chargers; Check with your neighbors-ride together into the shelter; Only certified service animals are allowed in an emergency shelter. Make contingency plans; Bring your sleeping bags, clothing, personal hygiene items, pillows with you. Pack a bag Before you lose power.
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