Winter Storm Preparedness

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 uninstalled 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.