Emergency Management Department
Part 2: Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Contact Information
From 1970 to 1980, about 450 people died every year due to excessive cold. Deaths from winter storms are on the rise.
Have emergency heating equipment and fuel available, so you can keep at least one room of your house warm.
Snowfall may seem romantic, but it can be dangerous. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas which normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. The results can range from isolation due to power outages and blocked roads to the havoc of cars trying to maneuver on ice-covered highways. Whatever the case, winter storms usually involve human suffering. You should protect yourself and your family from the many hazards of winter weather - blizzards, heavy snow, freezing rain and sleet.
What to do before winter storm conditions arise
- Know the terms used to forecast winter weather conditions:
- A travelers' advisory is issued when enough ice and snow are expected to hinder travel but the anticipated conditions are not serious enough to require warnings.
- Freezing rain is forecast when expected rain is likely to freeze as soon as it strikes the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
- Sleet consists of small particles of ice mixed with rain. Sleet accumulation causes roads to freeze over or become slippery.
- A winter storm watch means that severe winter weather is possible.
- A winter storm warning means that heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain are expected.
- A blizzard warning means that heavy snow and winds of 35 miles per hour or more are expected.
- A severe blizzard warning means that very heavy snow is expected with winds over 45 miles per hour and temperatures below 10 degrees. Visibility can be so poor that you will not be able to see for more than a few yards.
- Be prepared before a storm occurs:
- Keep a battery-powered radio and flashlights in working order; stock extra batteries.
- Store food that can be prepared without an electric or gas stove.
- Stock emergency water and cooking supplies.
- Have candles and matches available in case of a power outage.
- Be prepared for the possibility of isolation in your home.
- Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular supplies may be curtailed by storm conditions.
- Have available some kind of emergency heating equipment and fuel (a kerosene heater, a gas fireplace or a wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room of your house warm enough to be livable. If your furnace is controlled by a thermostat and your electricity is cut off by a storm, you will need emergency heat. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them and knows basic fire prevention rules. See the Checklists chapter for more information.
- Keep your car "winterized" with antifreeze. Carry a "winter car kit" that includes a windshield scraper, flashlight, tow chain or rope, shovel, tire chains, a blanket, a bag of sand or salt, a fluorescent distress flag and an emergency flare, in case you are trapped in a winter storm. Keep extra mittens, hats and outerwear in the car.
What to do during a winter storm
- Listen to the radio or television for updates on the weather condition. With early warning you may avoid being caught in a storm or be better prepared to cope with it.
- Dress for the season: Many layers of thin clothing are warmer than single layers of thick clothing. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head. Cover your mouth with scarves to protect lungs from directly inhaling the extremely cold air.
- Overexertion can bring on a heart attack - a major cause of death during and after winter storms. If shoveling snow isn't critical, don't do it. If you must shovel snow, don't overexert yourself.
- A winter car kit includes such emergency needs as a windshield scraper, flashlight, tow chain, shovel, blankets and salt. If a blizzard traps you in your car, set your lights to flashing and hang a piece of cloth or a distress rag from the radio aerial or window.
- If you are isolated at home: Use heating fuel sparingly, Conserve fuel by keeping your house cooler than usual or by temporarily "closing off" heat to some rooms. Whenever fuel heating devices are used (such as kerosene heaters), maintain adequate ventilation to avoid build-up of potentially toxic fumes. Be sure to use only the proper fuel recommended by the manufacturer, and follow operating instructions.
- If you must travel, take public transportation whenever possible. If you must use a car, take winter driving seriously. Travel by daylight, and keep others informed of your schedule. Drive with extreme caution; never try to save time by driving fast or using back-road shortcuts.
- If a blizzard traps you in your car:
- Pull off the highway; stay calm and remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you.
- Set your directional lights to "flashing" and hang a cloth or distress flag from the radio aerial or window.
- If you run the engine to keep warm, create ventilation by cracking open a window. This will protect passengers from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.
- Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion.
- Never let everyone in the car sleep at one time. One person should look out for rescue crews.
- Be careful not to use up battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, eat and radio - with supply.
- At night, turn on the inside dome light, so work crews can spot you.
- If you are in a remote rural or wilderness area, spread a large cloth over the snow, to attract 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.
For more information
Contact your local civil defense or emergency management office or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, P.O. Box 70274, Washington, D.C. 20024, ATTN: Publications, for the following publications. (Single copy requests only.)
Safety Tips for Winter Storms (L-96). Provides safety tips to protect potential victims of winter storms.
Can Your Home Pass the Winter Survival Test? This publication provides safety check lists for heating systems, pipes and water heaters, wiring, kitchens and emergency supplies to insure your home is prepared for winter.
Emergency Preparedness Checklist (L-154). Also available in Braille or recorded versions. This pamphlet provides general information for personal and family preparedness for a variety of natural and man made disasters.
The following publications are available by writing the National Weather Service, 1325 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910,(301) 427-7622.
Winter Storms, #79018. Riding Out Winter Storms (wallet card), #80003.