Winter Weather

Prior to winter weather, prepare your home and auto for severe cold. Stay inside during winter storms. Drive only if absolutely necessary, and if you must drive, keep others informed of your travel plans and schedule. Keep an emergency kit inside your home and vehicle. If you must get out, wear several layers of lightweight warm clothing, stay dry, and avoid overexertion. If stuck inside your home, use heaters only approved for indoor use.

Before the watches and warnings are issued, prepare a winter storm plan that will enable you and your family to survive for up to 72 hours without any outside assistance…

• Have extra blankets on hand.
• Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves and mittens, a hat, and water-resistant boots.
• Make sure all family members know what to do when a winter storm watch or warning is issued.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for Your Home Containing:

• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Portable, battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio and AM/FM radio, and extra batteries.
• First aid kit.
• 3-day supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case of power loss).
• Non-electric can opener.
• Bottled water.
• 3-day supply of essential prescription medications.
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags.
• Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type).

If You Must Be Outdoors During Winter Weather Conditions:

• Dress warmly. Wear loose-fitting, layered, light-weight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves and are recommended.
• Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. Also, take frequent breaks. Those with heart problems or who lead a sedentary lifestyle, be careful of overexertion and heart attack. Be aware of the symptoms of dehydration.
• Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
• Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance-infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Winter Readiness for Your Home

A major winter storm can be lethal. Preparing your home for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms.

• Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to generate temporary traction.
• Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.
• Winterize your home:
  • Insulate walls and attic.
  • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
  • Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
• Have safe emergency heating equipment available.
  • Fireplace with ample supply of wood.
  • Small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel.
  • Portable space heaters or kerosene hears (See Kerosene Heaters below).
• Install and check smoke detectors.
• Keep pipes from freezing.
  • Wrap pipes with insulation or layers of old newspapers.
  • Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
  • Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
  • Know how to shut off water valves.

For More Winter Weather Safety Information, go to: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.