# Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

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Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even
areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major
snowstorm or extreme cold. The impacts include flooding, storm surge,
closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.

You can protect yourself and your household from the many hazards of
winter by planning ahead.

### What to do before a winter storm threatens

1.  Know the terms used by weather\
    forecasters:

    -   **Freezing rain**---Rain that freezes when it hits the ground,
        creating a 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
        soon occur in your area.

    -   **Blizzard Warning**---Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35
        miles-per-hour or greater and considerable falling or blowing
        snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are
        expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

    -   **Frost/Freeze Warning**---Below freezing temperatures are
        expected.

2.  Prepare to survive on your own for at least three 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
    extra drinking water. See the "Emergency Planning and Disaster
    Supplies" and "Evacuation" chapters for more information.

3.  Prepare for possible isolation in your home:

    -   Have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut
        off.

    -   Have emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace or a
        wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can keep at least one
        room of your residence livable. (Be sure the room is well
        ventilated.) If a thermostat controls your furnace and your
        electricity is cut off by a storm, you will need emergency heat.

    -   Kerosene heaters are another emergency heating option. Never use
        any fuel other than kerosene in a kerosene heater.

    -   Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or
        wood-burning stove.

    -   Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your household
        knows how to use them.

    -   Never burn charcoal indoors.

4.  Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply.

    -   Insulate walls and attics.

    -   Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.

    -   Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.

5.  Maintain several days' supply of medicines, water, and food that
    needs no cooking or refrigeration.

### What to do during a winter storm

1.  Listen to the radio or television for weather reports and emergency
    information.

2.  Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and
    alcohol.

3.  Dress for the season:

    -   Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing
        rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments
        should be tightly woven and water repellent.

    -   Mittens are warmer than gloves.

    -   Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.

    -   Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

4.  Be careful when shoveling snow. Over-exertion can bring on a heart
    attack­---a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel
    snow, stretch before going outside and don't overexert yourself.

5.  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. If symptoms are detected, get medical help
    immediately

6.  Watch for signs of hypothermia: 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 any 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.

7.  When at home:

    -   Conserve fuel if necessary by keeping your residence cooler than
        normal. Temporarily "close off" heat to some rooms.

    -   When using kerosene heaters, maintain 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 percent of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in
automobiles. Consider public transportation if you must travel. If you
travel by car, travel in the day, don't travel alone, and keep others
informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads; avoid back-road
shortcuts.

1.  Winterize your car. This includes a battery check, antifreeze,
    wipers and windshield washer 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.

2.  Carry a "winter car kit" in the trunk of your car. The kit should
    include:

    -   Shovel

    -   Windshield scraper

    -   Battery-powered radio

    -   Flashlight

    -   Extra batteries

    -   Water

    -   Snack food

    -   Mittens

    -   Hat

    -   Blanket

    -   Tow chain or rope

    -   Tire chains

    -   Bag of road salt and sand

    -   Fluorescent distress flag

    -   Booster cables

    -   Road maps

    -   Emergency flares 

    -   Cellular telephone or two-way radio, if available.

3.  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. A building may seem close but be
        too far to walk to in deep snow.

    -   Run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep
        warm. When the engine is running, open a window slightly for
        ventilation. This will protect you from possible 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---with supply.

    -   At night, turn on the inside light so work crews or rescuers can
        see you.

    -   If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an
        open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree
        limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be
        surveying the area by airplane.

-   Once the blizzard passes, you may need to leave the car and proceed
    on foot