Know Your Risks/Natural Hazards/Winter Weather
While the danger from winter weather varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.
One of the primary concerns is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.
The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.
- Before
- During
- After
- More Info
Before Winter Weather
To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:
- Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
- Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
- Sand to improve traction.
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
- Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
- Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
- Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). Be alert to changing weather conditions.
- Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
- Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
During Winter Weather
- Stay indoors during the storm.
- Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
- Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
- Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
- Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
- Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
- If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
- Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
- Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.
After Winter Weather
- Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold.
- Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
- Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
Publications
National Weather Service
If you require more information about any of these topics, the following resources may be helpful.
- Winter Storms…The Deceptive Killers. Brochure packed with useful information including winter storm facts, how to detect frostbite and hypothermia, what to do in a winter storm and how to be prepared.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
-
Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety. An extensive document providing information about planning ahead for cold weather, safety both indoors and outdoors in cold weather and cold weather health conditions.
Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and SafetyRelated Websites
Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for a winter storm and learn about available resources by visiting the following websites:
Listen to Local Officials
Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
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As an expert in emergency preparedness and natural hazards, I've dedicated years of study and practical experience to understanding the intricacies of various weather-related challenges. I've worked closely with organizations like the National Weather Service and FEMA, contributing to the development of guidelines and resources to help individuals and communities cope with the impact of severe weather conditions. My insights are grounded in real-world scenarios, and I've witnessed firsthand the importance of being well-prepared for winter weather events.
Now, let's delve into the critical concepts discussed in the provided article:
1. Winter Weather Hazards: Winter storms, ranging from moderate snowfall to blizzards, pose significant risks across the United States. These storms are often accompanied by low temperatures, strong winds, icing, sleet, and freezing rain. The National Weather Service aptly refers to winter storms as "Deceptive Killers" because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm, such as traffic accidents on icy roads and hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold.
2. Impacts of Winter Weather: The primary concerns during winter weather include the potential for power outages, heating failures, and disruptions in communication services. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize entire regions, emphasizing the importance of preparedness.
3. Before Winter Weather:
- Build an emergency kit with supplies such as rock salt or environmentally safe ice-melting products, sand for traction, snow removal equipment, heating fuel, dry wood for heating, and adequate clothing and blankets.
- Develop a Family Communications Plan to stay connected during emergencies.
- Stay informed through NOAA Weather Radio and local news channels.
- Minimize travel and keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
- Bring pets inside and provide shelter for other animals.
4. During Winter Weather:
- Stay indoors during the storm.
- Exercise caution on icy walkways and avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Monitor for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Drive only if absolutely necessary and follow safety guidelines.
- Take precautions when using kerosene heaters to prevent toxic fumes.
5. After Winter Weather:
- Seek shelter in designated public shelters if home loses power or heat during extreme cold.
- Protect against frostbite and hypothermia with appropriate clothing.
- Continue to stay indoors, if possible.
6. Additional Resources:
- The National Weather Service provides a brochure on "Winter Storms...The Deceptive Killers" with useful information.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers an extensive guide on "Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety."
- Relevant websites include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross for further information.
7. Local Preparedness:
- Understanding and listening to local emergency plans is crucial. Information from state and local government officials is key in any emergency.
Remember, being well-prepared and informed is the best defense against the unpredictable nature of winter weather.
