WINTER STORM FACTS AND SAFETY INFORMATION
Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. The actual threat to you depends on your specific situation. Recent observations indicate the following:
Deaths related to ice and snow:
* About 70% occur in automobiles
* About 25% are people caught out in the storm
* Majority are males over 40 years old
Deaths related to exposure to cold:
* 50% are people over 60 years old
* over 75% are males
* About 20% occur in the home
Winter storms occur between the months of December and April, and can immobilize whole communities for a few days. The problem can be compounded by hypothermia and power outages. Dangerous driving conditions occur several times a month, particularly on Highways 24 and 94 east of Marksheffel Road, with strong winds lowering visibility and the wind chill index.
When you are caught in a winter storm:
Find shelter:
- Try to stay dry.
- Cover all exposed parts of the body.
No shelter:
- Prepare a lean-to, wind-break or snow cave for protection from the wind.
- Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.
- Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
Stay in your car or truck. Disorientation occurs quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.
- Run the motor about ten minutes each hour for heat.
- Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked. Make yourself visible to rescuers.
- Turn on the dome light at night when running engine.
- Tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or door.
- Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling.
- Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers, and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
Stay inside.
- Cover windows at night.
- Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chill.
When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc.:
- Use fire safeguards.
- Properly ventilate.
No heat:
- Close off unneeded rooms.
- Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
Emergency Car Kit:
Winter storms can occur quickly, without much warning. During the winter months, be prepared--keep a winter-weather box in your vehicle. Items to include are:
- 1. A battery-powered radio (extra batteries)
- 2. Flashlight (extra batteries)
- 3. Blankets or sleeping bags
- 4. Booster cables
- 5. High calorie food (nuts, candy bars, etc.)
- 6. Candles/matches
- 7. Coffee can with lid (to melt snow)
- 8. First aid kit
- 9. Bottled water
- 10. Extra clothes/boots
- 11. Kitty litter or rock salt
- 12. Shovel
- 13. Bright colored cloth (hang on antenna)
- 14. Map
- 15. Newspapers, cards, games
- 16. Plastic bags (sanitation)
- 17. Pocket knife, handsaw or axe