| A Winter Storm Watch means that a winter storm is possible for the area. This watch is issued 12 to 36 hours before the event. A Winter Storm Warning means that a Winter Storm is occurring, or will soon occur in your area. A Blizzard Warning means that sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable falling snow, which will reduce visibility to less than a quarter mile, are expected for a period of three hours or longer.
BEFORE THE STORM ARRIVES:
• Learn about your area's winter storm risk. Contact the American Red Cross, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency at www.mema.state.md.us or the local National Weather Service office to learn more about your area's winter storm risk.
• Learn first aid, especially for treatment of exposure to the cold, frostbite and hypothermia.
• The most likely direct threat is a loss of electric power and heat that could last for several days. Make sure that stocks of non-perishable food and water are sufficient.
• Make sure there is plenty of food and water stored for pets and livestock.
• Make sure there is adequate warm clothing for each member of the family.
• Understand the effects of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
• Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.
• Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit in your vehicle that should include:
o Mobile phone, charger and batteries
o Blankets/sleeping bags
o Flashlight with extra batteries
o First aid kit
o Knife
o High-calorie non-perishable food and water
o Extra clothing to keep dry
o Large empty can to use as emergency toilet as well as tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
o Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
o Sack of sand of kitty litter for traction
o Shovel
o Windshield scraper and brush
o Tool kit
o Tow rope
o Battery booster cables
o Water container
o Compass and road maps
• Keep your car's fuel tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.?
• Service snow removal equipment before winter season.?
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate walls and attic.?
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.?
• Take the following action to keep your pipes from freezing:?
o Wrap the pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers
o Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture
o Let faucets drip to keep them from freezing
o Know how to shut off water valves.
• Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature to keep you informed of watches and warnings issued for your area.
• Install and check fire alarms.
• Consider storing sufficient heating fuel if the possibility exists that regular fuel sources may be cut off in a winter storm. Be cautious of fire hazards when storing any type of fuel.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance to cover possible flood damage that may occur during the spring thaw.
• Install snow fences in rural areas to reduce drifting in roads and paths, which block to homes, barns and animals' feed and water.
• Consider keeping safe emergency heating equipment:
o A fireplace with ample supply of wood
o Small, well-ventilated wood, coal or camp stove with fuel.
o Portable space heater or kerosene heater
This requires the proper use of fire safeguards and ventilation. Consult the local fire marshal for assistance.
DURING THE STORM
• Avoid unnecessary travel. About 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, radio or television for updated information about the storm. These devices should be battery-operated or have a battery backup in the event of a power failure.
• If you are caught out in your vehicle when the storm hits, stay in your vehicle. You will become quickly disoriented in wind-driven snow and cold. Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat. Open the window little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked. Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine, as this will make you more visible to rescuers. After the snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate that you need help.
• Continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio, radio or television for official information about the storm and its impact.
• If you are caught outside when the storm arrives, find shelter where you can stay warm and dry. If no shelter is available, build a lean-to or windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for warmth and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat. Melt snow for drinking water as eating snow will lower your body temperature.
• Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
• If you go outside after a snowstorm, dress in many layers and wear a hat and gloves or mittens. Many layers of thin clothing are warmer than single layers of thick clothing. Wear a hat to keep the body from losing heat through the head. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Covering the mouth with a scarf protects lungs from extremely cold air.
• If in a vehicle, exercise from time to time by moving your arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
• Avoid overexertion, and use caution when engaging in activities such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and hard labor could cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to chill or hypothermia.
• If indoors, wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing and remember to remove layer to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chills.
• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap the pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold or where the cold was most likely to have penetrated. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution to prevent overheating also will work.
Courtesy MEMA |
