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April 20th, 2010 |

Winter Storm Preparendess

Winter Storm

A major winter storm can be lethal. A large winter storm can last several days and accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. People can become trapped at home, without cost or other services. Heavy snowfall and blizzards can trap motorists in their cars. Try to walk for help in a blizzard can be a deadly decision.

Winter storms are considered deceptive murderers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. The main cause of death during winter storms is from automobile or other transportation accidents. Exhaustion and heart attacks caused by overexertion are the two most likely causes of deaths related to winter storms.

House fires are more common in winter due to lack of proper safety measures when using sources Alternative heating. Fire during winter storms presents a great danger because water supplies may freeze and may be difficult for fire crews to reach the fire.

Preparation for all types of cold weather conditions and disasters, and responding to them can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms. To prepare for disasters caused by natural or man-go http://www.survivalkitsonline.com .

BEFORE

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a risk of winter storm:

Freezing rain

Rain that freezes when it hits the ground creating a layer of ice on the roads, trails, trees and power lines.

Sleet

Rain that turns into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

Winter Storm Watch

A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for more information.

Winter Storm Warning

A winter storm is occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Blizzard Warning

Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 miles per hour or more and a considerable amount of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or more.

Frost / Freeze Warning

freezing temperatures are expected.

Having the survival equipment and emergency supplies on hand at home:

Flashlight and extra batteries

Portable radio batteries and extra batteries
First aid kit and manual
Emergency food and water – at least a three-day supply of water and nonperishable food for each person in your home
Manual can opener
Essential medicines
Cash and credit cards
Documents important family and veterinary records
At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. (Include sturdy shoes and work boots, warm clothing and a hat, gloves or mittens, waterproof, thermal underwear, blankets or sleeping bag)
Extra blankets and warm clothes
no kitty litter clustering to generate traction on icy surfaces
Rock salt melt ice on walkways
Sand to improve traction
Snow shovels and other equipment for snow removal
Pets target = "_blank"> Survival Kit

Suggestions and Reminders: Store your supplies in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the emergency supplies in the trunk of his car. At least once a year changing the batteries, clothes, etc. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about storing prescription medications, and your veterinarian about medications veterinarians.

More information about the risks of winter storms in your area.

Contact your local office of emergency management, National Weather Service office or American Red Cross for information.

Familiarize yourself with snow storm and blizzard WATCHES and WARNINGS.

A National Weather Service (NWS) winter storm watch means a winter storm is possible in your area.

A storm warning NWS winter: a winter storm is occurring, or will occur soon in your area.

Freezing rain is rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a layer of ice on the roads, trails, trees and power lines.

Sleet is rain that turns into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

A Blizzard NWS warning occurs when sustained winds or frequent gusts 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period three hours or more.

Frost / freeze warnings occur when freezing temperatures are expected.

Understanding the risks of sensation heat, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.

As the wind increases, heat is conducted outside the body a person at an accelerated rate, driving lower body temperature. "Wind chill" is a calculation of how cold it feels when effects of wind speed and temperature are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature colder than about 35 degrees.

Service team of snow removal before the winter storm season.
Make sure have sufficient heating fuel, regular fuel sources may be cut. For example, store a good amount of dry wood, seasoned for your fireplace or stove wood.
Dress for the weather.
Wear several layers of loose clothing and lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear gloves that are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

Freezing

Frostbite is a severe reaction to exposure to cold can cause permanent damage. The symptoms of frostbite are numbness and a white or pale fingers, toes, nose and earlobes.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition produced when body temperature drops below the normal due to prolonged exposure to temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness and fatigue.

If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected

Warm the victim and seek immediate medical attention. Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the negative effects of temperature the cold body.

Winterize your home.
Insulate walls and attic.
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
Install window coverings or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
Seal weather-strip doors and windows.
Install bars or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
Prepare your car. A check or a mechanic check the following points in your car:
Hire a Contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight of snow accumulation of water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Clean rain gutters. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
Install window coverings or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
Prepare your car. A check or a mechanic check the car following products:
Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
Battery and ignition system – should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
Brakes – check for wear and fluid levels.
Exhaust system – check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
Fuel and air filters – replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a tank full of gas.
Heating and defroster – ensure they work properly.
Lights and flashing hazard lights – check maintenance.
Oil – Check the level and weight. Heavier oils are frozen at lower temperatures and does not lubricate well.
Thermostat – Make sure it works properly.
Windshield wiper equipment – repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. all-weather radials are usually adequate for most conditions winter. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
Keep at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
Buy a car survival kit separately for the trunk of each vehicle used by the family members. Buy winter emergency kit for each car of your property.

Having some type of insurance, emergency heating equipment available.

Fireplace with ample supply of wood, small, well-ventilated timber, coal or camp stove with fuel, portable space heaters or kerosene heater. Note: Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community. If using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid buildup of toxic fumes. In addition, if kerosene heaters outside and keep them refuel at least three feet from flammable objects.
Install smoke detectors and check.
Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure that all in the household knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternative heating sources without taking precautions necessary security.

Keep frozen pipes

Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.

Cover the newspapers with plastic to prevent moisture.
Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
Know how to shut the water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
Install snow fences in rural areas to reduce drifting in roads and paths, which could block access to homes, barns, and feed and water animals.

Use a NOAA Weather Radio with an alert function to keep you informed of watches and warnings issued in your area.

Contact your local emergency management or the American Red Cross for information on shelters designated public in case of loss of energy or heat.

DURING

Listen to a battery powered radio or NOAA Weather a local radio or television for weather information and emergency information.
Eat regularly and drink fluids wide, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Consider the weather changes.
Move animals to protected areas.
Avoid unnecessary travel. Stay inside and warm clothing during the storm.
Conserve fuel, if necessary, keeping your residence cooler than normal.
Temporarily heat close some rooms.
If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid buildup of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep at least three feet from flammable objects.
If you must go, protect yourself from winter storm hazards.
Wear layered clothing gloves and a hat.
Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.
Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, lobes the ears and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. It is best to use the buddy system where your senses are altered.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.

If symptoms of hypothermia are detected:

Get the victim to a warm place
Remove wet clothing
Put the person in dry clothing and wrap around the body in a blanket
Warm the center of the first body
Dar Drinks Hot non-alcoholic beverages with caffeine or not, if the victim is conscious
Get medical help as soon as possible.

Avoid stress too, such as shoveling snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow. Excessive stress can cause a heart attack – one of the leading causes of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going out.

Use public transport if possible.

If you have a cell phone or two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever you travel in winter weather.

If you must drive, leave someone know your destination, your route, and when it will arrive.

Consider:

Travel in the day, do not travel alone, and keep informed others of their time
Stay on main roads, avoid back road shortcuts.
Be aware of sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and dense fog, which can make driving very dangerous

IF YOU GET STRANDED IN YOUR VEHICLE

Exit the motorway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
Stay with your vehicle where rescuers are more likely to find. Not set out on foot unless you can see a building nearby when you know you can take refuge. Be careful: distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close but too far to walk in deep snow.
Occasionally run engine and heater about 10 minutes every hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a window slightly downwind for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
Leave the overhead light when the engine is running so it can be seen.
Do minor exercises to maintain circulation, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use maps of roads, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping. A person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance of power needs – the use of lights, heat, and radio – with supply.
If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and under rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be the topography of the area by air.
Leave your car and continue on foot – if necessary – once the storm passes.

AFTER:

Keep listening to local radio or television stations or NOAA radio for updated information and instructions.
Help neighbors who may require special assistance.
Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved.
Avoid overexertion.
Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing out.

ANIMALS AFTER A WINTER STORM

The animals' behavior can change dramatically after of any interruption in their routine. Normally quiet and friendly animals may become irritable. Monitor the animals and release them only in secure enclosures.

Animals are not allowed in Red Cross shelters for health reasons and space. Prepare an emergency plan and know where you take all the animals in the case a disaster. temporary shelter for animals can be set-up, however, fill up quickly. An ideal situation during disasters is to have friendship or default family that will provide living space for your entire family, including their animals. Ensure all animals have a current identification tag, license, and vaccines.

About the Author

over 30 years experience in the medical field and have spent extensive hours researching emergency and disaster preparedness.

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