Winter Storm Preparedness

Children can be especially susceptible to the dangers associated with winter weather. Their youthful enthusiasm often takes over when common sense and safety should prevail. Even if they are cold, wet, or exhausted they often are not conscious of the potential impact these conditions pose.

School administrators and principals need to be sensitive to the dangers winter weather can pose to children and be prepared. Winter weather procedures and practices need to be established before the onset of the winter season. When formulating a winter weather safety plan consider the following:

• The best source for the latest information is NOAA Weather Radio. Most counties fall within their coverage area. Commercial radio or television should also be monitored. Arrangements can also be made with county sheriff's office to have critical weather forecasts relayed to the school.
• All schools need to have a functional plan in regard to closures due to snow, ice, or extreme cold.
• During the winter months, guidelines need to be established regarding outside recess periods. Temperatures and wind chills need to be monitored and criteria set as to when outside recess will be allowed.
• School bus drivers should receive extra training on driving during winter weather. Snow and ice can often accumulate quickly and unexpectedly on roads creating dangerous driving conditions.
• With many households having two working parents today, it may be necessary for some children to be brought to school early. Schools should make provisions to allow children inside school buildings as early as possible during cold weather.

Wear loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers (the trapped air between the layers insulates). Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded. Wear a hat (half of body heat is lost through the top of the head). Cover the mouth with scarves to protect lungs from cold air. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. Gloves allow your fingers to cool much faster than mittens do. Try to stay dry. Do not stay outside for extended periods!

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest weather forecasts before traveling in the winter. The National Weather Service broadcasts weather information, including watches, warnings, and advisories 24 hours a day. Weather radio transmitters have a range of about 40 miles. Almost 90 percent of the population of Illinois is within listening range of a NOAA Weather Radio. Here is a list of radio transmitters that cover Illinois:

The National Weather Service uses the terms below to convey the weather threat to the public. It is important that everyone understands these terms and knows what actions need to be taken at that time.

WIND CHILL: A calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined. A strong wind combination with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.

FREEZING RAIN: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways.

SLEET: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. An accumulation of sleet can make roads slick and hazardous.

WINTER STORM WATCH: Indicates severe winter weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible within the next day or two. Prepare now!

WINTER STORM WARNING: Indicates severe winter weather conditions are occurring, imminent, or highly likely. Stay indoors!

• HEAVY SNOW WARNING: Snowfall of six inches or more.
• ICE STORM WARNING: Heavy accumulations of ice will create extremely dangerous travel and damage trees and power lines.
• BLIZZARD WARNING: Snow and strong winds will combine to produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life threatening wind chill.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY: Indicates winter weather conditions will cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous...especially to motorists. Use caution!

• SNOW ADVISORY: Snowfall of three to five inches.
• WIND CHILL ADVISORY: Dangerous wind chills of 35 below zero or colder.
• FREEZING RAIN/SLEET ADVISORY: Light accumulations of ice will cause hazardous travel.
• BLOWING/DRIFTING SNOW ADVISORY: Poor visibility and hazardous driving conditions.

Remember these terms because the next time you hear them, your life and the lives of others may depend upon it!!

Extreme cold temperatures in Illinois pose a substantial danger during the winter months. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia, or even death. Persons most susceptible to extreme cold are infants and the elderly.

FROSTBITE is a severe reaction to cold exposure of the skin that can permanently damage fingers, toes, the nose, and ear lobes. Symptoms are loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance to the skin. If these symptoms are apparent, seek medical help immediately. If medical help is not immediately available, slowly rewarm the affected areas. If the victim is also showing signs of hypothermia, always warm the body core before the extremities.

HYPOTHERMIA (Low Body Temperature) is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95 degrees F. Symptoms include slow or slurred speech, incoherence, memory loss, disorientation, uncontrollable shivering, drowsiness, repeated stumbling, and apparent exhaustion. If these symptoms are detected, take the person's temperature. If below 95 degrees F, immediately seek medical help. If medical aid is not available, begin warming the person slowly. Always warm the body core/trunk first. If needed, use your own body heat to warm the victim. Get the person into dry clothing, and wrap them in a warm blanket covering the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee, or any hot beverage or food; warm broth is better. Do not warm extremities (arms and legs) first. This drives the cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.

Most of the time, cold is judged in terms of a thermometer reading. With people and other living things though, both temperature and wind speed are needed to produce a "wind chill factor". The wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the combined effects of the wind and cold. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. The wind chill shows how cold the wind makes exposed flesh feel and is a good way to determine the potential of frostbite or hypothermia.

Remember...wind chill temperatures apply only to people and other living things. If the temperature is 35 degrees F and the wind chill is 10 degrees F, objects such as pipes or cars will only cool to 35 degrees F. The wind chill factor does not apply to non-living objects.

Read right and down from the calm-air line. For example, a temperature of 0 degrees F. combined with a 20 mph wind, has an equivalent cooling effect of -39 degrees F.

• Conserve fuel if necessary by keeping your house cooler than normal. Temporarily "close off" heat to some rooms.
• Hang blankets over windows at night (let the sun shine in during the day). Stuff cracks around doors with rugs, newspapers, towels, or other such materials.
• When using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet away from flammable objects.
• If you have a fireplace, stock an ample supply of wood that is easy to get to during a storm. Use a screen. Do not leave unattended, especially at night.
• If you have a small camp stove, keep ample fuel. When in use ensure that it is well ventilated.

WINTER DEATHS: Everyone is potentially at risk with the actual threat depending upon individual situations. Recent winter death statistics in the United States indicate the following: Related to ice and snow: About 70% occur in automobiles; 25% are people caught out in the storm; and the majority are males over 40 years old. Related to exposure to cold: 50% are people over 60 years old; over 75% are males; and about 20% occur in the home.

Frozen water pipes aren't life threatening, however frozen or broken water pipes do cause damage to homes each winter. If pipes in the walls aren't properly insulated; they can freeze and rupture. (An eighth-of-an-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water a day, soaking floors, rugs, and furniture.)

To prevent the mess and aggravation frozen pipes cause, protect your home or apartment by following the simple steps below.

• Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing--typically those near outer walls, in crawl spaces, or in the attic. Insulation made especially for this purpose is available.
• Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved).
• Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.
• Disconnect garden hoses and, shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

• Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to uninsulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.
• Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
• If you plan to be away: (1) Have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or (2) drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).

• Make sure you and your family know how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the flow of water can minimize the damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.
• Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

AT HOME AND AT WORK

The primary concerns are the potential loss of heat, power, 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 (AM-FM) radio to receive emergency information. These may be your links to the outside world.
• Extra food and water. High energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.
• Extra supply of medicine and baby items.
• First-aid kit.
• Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm.
• Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. Learn to use them properly to prevent a fire. Have proper ventilation.
• Fire extinguisher and smoke detector. Test units regularly to ensure they are working properly.

ON THE FARM

• Move animals to sheltered areas.
• Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas.
• Have a water supply available. Most animal deaths in winter storms occur from dehydration.

IN CARS AND TRUCKS

• Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports on current conditions!
• Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.
• Carry a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT: blankets/sleeping bags; high-calorie, non-perishable food; flashlight with extra batteries; first aid kit; knife; extra clothing to keep dry; a large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes; a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water; sack of sand (or cat litter); shovel; windshield scraper and brush; tool kit; tow rope; booster cables; water container; compass and road maps.
• Keep your gas tank near full to prevent ice in the tank and fuel lines which could leave you stranded.
• Try not to travel alone.
• Let someone know your primary and alternate routes and anticipated timetable.

Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor could cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and even hypothermia.

OUTSIDE

• Seek shelter to stay dry.
• Cover all exposed parts of the body.
• If no shelter is nearby, prepare a lean-to, wind-break, or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
• Do not eat snow as it will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

IN A VEHICLE

• If you have a cellular phone, call for help.
• Stay in your vehicle. Disorientation occurs quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.
• Run the engine (after making sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked and opening windows a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning) about ten minutes each hour for heat.
• 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.

AT HOME OR IN A BUILDING

• Stay indoors. When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. use safeguards and ensure proper ventilation.
• If you have no heat, close off unneeded rooms and place towels or rags under the doors. Cover windows at night.
• Eat to supply heat and drink to avoid dehydration.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.

To minimize the possibility of break down, winterize your vehicle following the suggested maintenance schedule included in the owners manual or have your vehicle serviced by a reputable dealer, garage, or mechanic.

Check your wipers, tires (use snow tires if possible), lights, and fluid levels (radiator, windshield washer, power steering, oil and brakes) regularly. Make sure the brakes and transmission are working properly. Lubricate door and trunk locks with lock lubricant to prevent them from freezing.

During a winter storm ask yourself, "is this trip really necessary?" If you decide the trip cannot be delayed, check on weather conditions along your travel route. Listen to weather forecasts on TV, local radio stations, or NOAA Weather Radio. Call 1-800-452-IDOT to get current road conditions for Illinois' interstate and freeway systems. Information is updated every two hours during a storm.

Do not leave without a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT. The page titled "PREPARE NOW" lists the recommended contents of a kit.

Tell someone at home (a friend, relative, or co-worker) that you are taking a trip, where you are going, the routes you will travel, and when you expect to arrive. When you reach your destination, make a call to report that you have arrived.

Before you leave town, fill your gas tank. While traveling, frequently re-fill the gas tank. The stops will relieve tense muscles. When you stop, don't flaunt large amounts of cash. Keep valuable items out of sight. Avoid talking with strangers. Stop at well-lighted, well-traveled facilities.

If your vehicle breaks down, pull as far off the road as possible. Your greatest personal danger at this point is that of being hit by passing cars. Don't panic. Use common sense! The steps on the page titled "WHEN CAUGHT IN A WINTER STORM..." in a vehicle will help you survive.

Winter driving is often the most difficult due to blowing snow, icy slick spots and fewer daylight hours. When you are on the road:

• Buckle your seat belts!
• Be prepared to turn back and seek shelter if conditions become threatening.
• In fog, drive with your headlights set on dim, or use foglights. If the fog is too dense, pull off the roadway and stop. Do not drive at five or ten miles per hour.
• In rain, fog, snow, or sleet, do not overdrive your headlights. Stay within the limits of your vision.
• Keep your windows clear of snow and ice. Do not start until your windshield is defrosted.
• Drive slower and increase your following distance. Your speed should be adjusted for the conditions and match the flow of traffic.
• Roadway conditions may vary depending on the sun, shade, or roadway surface. Watch for slick spots especially under bridges, on overpasses and in shaded spots. Be prepared to react physically and mentally.
• If the pavement is snow or ice covered, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when you come to an intersection. If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction then straighten your vehicle.
• When a snow plow is coming towards you, allow plenty of room for the plow to pass. When the center line is being cleared and salted the plow tip may be on or over the line. Snow plows are big, heavy pieces of equipment. So play it safe, give them room to pass.
• When you approach a snow plow from behind, pass with care and only when you can see the road ahead of the plow. You should not try to pass in blowing snow, there may be a vehicle in that cloud of snow. Allow more distance between you and the plow, they may be spreading salt.
• Be alert when you approach a cloud of snow which covers the road, especially on passing lanes of interstates or freeways. A snow plow may be at work clearing the lane or preparing to turn around.
• Be careful after a minor rear end accident. If you are bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable exiting your vehicle, motion the other driver and drive to the nearest police station, 24-hour store, service station, hospital, or fire station.