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Winter Storm Preparation is needed NOW!
By EMT-B / IV Tech Scot Best
December 18, 2009
Winter Storm Preparation is needed NOW!
Be prepared for the winter storm. Know Your Winter Storm and Extreme Cold Terms
Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a winter storm hazard:
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 moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
Winter Storm Watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.
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 amounts of 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.
Here is a list of items to consider having on hand.
1. Drinking water, one gallon per family member. In case of an extreme emergency, snow can be melted for water. Bringing the water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most germs but won't get rid of chemicals sometimes found in snow.
4. If there's a baby in the house, make sure you have baby food and formula
5. Prescription drugs and other medicine
6. First-aid kit
7. Rock-salt to melt ice on walkways Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
8. Supply of cat litter or bag of sand to add traction on walkways
9. Flashlight and extra batteries.
10. Battery-powered lamps or lanterns. Don't use candles, because it can cause a fire.
11. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
12. Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
13. Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
Dress for the Weather 1. 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. 2. Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves. 3. Wear a hat. 4. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
[Courtesy U.S. Department of Homeland Security/ FEMA]
