Healthy Lifestyle
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Winter Storms and Blizzards
Action Plan
Action Plan
htmBlizzardAction
Winter storm/blizzard action plan
245343
InteliHealth
2010-08-03
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InteliHealth Content
2013-08-03
Action Plan
Before Winter Storms and Blizzards
- Learn about your area's winter storm risk.
- Put together a Family Disaster Plan. It is important to review the plan often so that all family members, including children, understand it and know what to do in case of a winter storm.
- Put together a Disaster Supplies Kit for your home and a smaller one for your car.
- Install smoke alarms on each level of your home and test them monthly. Change batteries at least once a year. Learn how to use an ABC-type fire extinguisher and make sure it remains charged.
- Understand the warnings and watches issued by the National Weather Service regarding winter storms. Warnings and watches are issued for a particular area, so it is important to know the name of your county or parish.
- A winter storm watch is issued when there is a threat of a winter storm in your area.
- A winter storm warning is issued when winter storm conditions are occurring, or will soon occur, in your area.
- A blizzard warning means sustained winds of 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow, reducing visibility to less than a quarter of a mile. Such conditions are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
- Keep your vehicle's fuel tank full to prevent freezing.
- Make sure your home is properly insulated.
- Keep pipes from freezing by wrapping them in a layer of newspaper and an outside layer of plastic. Let faucets drip slightly.
- If you plan to use an alternative heating source such as a fireplace or kerosene heater, learn the proper safety precautions associated with the source. Make sure the use of kerosene is legal in your community before using it.
- Listen for updated information and instructions on a NOAA Weather Radio or battery-powered radio or television.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions.
- Avoid unnecessary travel. Driving during a winter storm is dangerous.
During a Winter Storm or Blizzard Watch:
- Listen for updated information and instructions on a NOAA Weather Radio or battery-powered radio or television.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions.
- Avoid unnecessary travel. Driving during a winter storm accounts for the majority of deaths during these events.
During a Winter Storm Warning or Blizzard Warning:
- Stay inside.
- Dress warmly and in layers. Remove layers to avoid overheating.
- Listen for updated information or instructions on a NOAA Weather Radio or battery-powered radio or television.
- Eat regularly. Food provides energy so the body can produce its own heat.
- Avoid dehydration. Avoid caffeine, which can stimulate the effects of hypothermia, or alcohol, which can hasten the effects of the cold.
- Conserve fuel.
- If you must go outside:
- Dress warmly and in layers.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
- Keep dry.
- Stretch before you go outside.
- Avoid overexertion.
- Walk carefully.
- If you must drive during a winter storm:
- Bring a cellular phone or two-way radio.
- Keep a windshield scraper and brush in your car.
- Plan to travel during daylight.
- Inform someone of the route you plan to take to your destination. If you become stranded, help can be sent along the route.
- If you get stuck in your car:
- Stay with your vehicle.
- Display a trouble sign such as a brightly colored cloth.
- Occasionally run the engine to keep warm. Run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour and keep a window slightly open to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide.
- Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen by anyone who may pass by.
- Keep up your circulation by doing minor exercises.
- If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping. If you do not wake up periodically to increase your body temperature, you can freeze to death.
- Huddle together for warmth.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
- Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Avoid overexertion.
- Use car mats or newspaper for added insulation.
After a Winter Storm or Blizzard:
- Listen for updated information and instructions on a NOAA Weather Radio or battery-powered radio or television.
- Avoid driving.
- Avoid overexertion.
- Listen for forecasts and be prepared. Winter storms are often followed by colder conditions.
- Use a flashlight and not candles, which can ignite flammable materials.
- Stay away from floodwater.
- Do not try to walk through flooded areas. As little as six inches of water can knock you off your feet.
- Do not try to drive through flooded areas. The road may be washed away and as little as two feet of water can move a vehicle.
- Floodwater can contain dangerous debris or fallen power lines.
- Floodwater can contain chemicals, sewage and other contaminants that cause disease.
- Never drink floodwater or food that came in contact with floodwater.
- Stay away from electrical lines that have fallen.
- Wear sturdy shoes.
- Watch for broken glass, debris, spills and downed power lines.
- Stay out of damaged buildings.
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