NOAA Ozark Weather Observer Vol. Researchers say that 70 percent of the fatalities related to ice and snow occur in automobiles, and about 25 percent of all winter related fatalities are people that are caught in the storm. Males of 40 years of age or older are the most susceptible, often from heavy snow shoveling. Exposure to extreme cold, or hypothermia, is another silent but quick killer.
Research shows that elderly and males make up the majority in deaths related to extreme cold.
About 20 percent of these deaths occur in the home. The key so staying safe this winter is to stay alert, stay tuned to the latest weather forecasts, and stay off the roads when conditions are dangerous. Before and during the storm, be sure to listen carefully to the radio, television, and NOAA Weather Radio for the latest winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories. The NWR network has more than 555 stations, covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. Pacific Territories. Weather radios come in many sizes, with a variety of functions and costs.