Severe Weather Preparations! Snow Storm Tips and Tricks to Stay Safe and Warm In Dangerous Weather Conditions

BE PREPARED!
BEFORE THE STORM STRIKES

At Home and Work

• Primary concerns are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.

Have available:

• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.
• Extra food and water. Have high energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
• Extra medicine and baby items. 
• First-aid supplies.
• Heating fuel. Refuel before you are empty. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm.
• Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove, space heater.
• Use properly to prevent a fire.
• Ventilate properly.
• Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm.
• Test smoke alarms once a month to ensure they work properly.

Make sure pets have plenty of food, water and shelter.

Vehicles

Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm!

Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.

Carry a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT:

• Mobile phone, charger, batteries
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Knife
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Large empty can to use as emergency toilet. 
• Tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
• Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Battery booster cables
• Water container
• Compass and road maps.

Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
Avoid traveling alone.

Let someone know your timetable
and primary and alternate routes.

Dress For the Season

• Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothes in layers. 
• Trapped air insulates
• Remove layers to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill
• Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded
• Wear a hat - Half your body heat loss can be from the head. 
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold
• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. 
• Try to stay dry.