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Gutter Kit

April 5th, 2011 |

Preparing for Winter Storm A Survival Guide

Winter Storm

A major winter storm can be lethal. A major winter storm can last for several days and accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and low temperatures. People can be trapped in her home, without utilities or other services. Heavy snowfall and blizzards can motorists trapped in their cars. Trying to walk for help in a storm Snow 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 excess exercise are the two most likely causes of deaths related to winter storms.

House fires are more frequent in the winter due to lack of proper safety precautions when using alternative heating sources. Fire during winter storms presents a great danger because water supplies may freeze and can be difficult for firefighting equipment to reach the fire.

Preparation for all types of cold weather and disasters, and respond to they can effectively reduce the dangers caused by winter storms.

BEFORE

Familiar 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

The rain turns into pellets ice 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.

Notice Winter Storm

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

Blizzard Warning

Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts 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.

Have survival kits and emergency supplies on hand at home:

Flashlight and extra batteries
Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
First- aid kit and manual
Food and water – at least three day supply of nonperishable food and water for each person in your home
Opener Manual can
Essential medicines
Cash and credit cards
Important family documents and veterinary records
At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. (Include sturdy shoes and work boots, coat and hat, gloves or mittens, waterproof, heat underwear, blankets or sleeping bag)
Extra blankets and warm clothes
no litter grouping to generate traction on ice
Rock salt to melt ice on roads
Sand to improve traction
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
Pet Survival Kit

Suggestions and Reminders: Store your supplies in a 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 change batteries, update clothes, etc. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about storing prescription medications, and your veterinarian about veterinary medications.

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

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

Be familiar with winter storm and blizzard WATCHES and WARNINGS.

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

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

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

Sleet is rain that turns into pellets ice 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 of 35 mph or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter of a mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or more.

Frost / Freeze Warning occurs when freezing temperatures are expected.

Understanding the dangers of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.

With increasing wind, heat is conducted outside the body of a person at an accelerated rate, driving down body temperature. "Feels" is a calculation how cold it feels when the effects of wind speed and temperature are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect a still air temperature about 35 degrees cooler.

Service snow removal equipment before winter storm season.
Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel, regular fuel sources may be cut. For example, store a good amount of dry, wood dry for your fireplace or wood stove.
Dress for the weather.
Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm place with a layer of heavy clothing. The Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Use 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 cold exposure that can cause permanent damage. The symptoms of frostbite are numbness and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose and earlobes.

Hypothermia

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

If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected

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

The winter home.
Insulate walls and attic.
Putty and weather-strip doors and windows.
Install window coverings or cover windows with plastic inside.
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
Install window coverings or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
Prepare your car. Check or have a mechanic check the following points in your car:

Hiring a contractor to check the structural capacity of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Clear rain gutters.

Antifreeze levels – Ensure they are sufficient to prevent freezing.
Battery and ignition system – should be in top condition and battery terminals must be clean.
Brakes – Check the wear and fluid.
Exhaust system – check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
The fuel and air filters – replace and keep water outside the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
Heater and defroster – ensure they work properly.
Lights and flashing hazard lights – check for a better service.
Oil – check level and weight. Heavier oils frozen over in cold temperatures and do not lubricate well.
Thermostat – ensure it works correctly.
Windshield Wiper – Repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have the band running properly. All weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. 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 season winter.

Buy a separate auto survival kit for each car trunk used by members of his family. Buy a winter emergency kit for each vehicle you own.

Have some type of insurance, emergency heating equipment available.

Fireplace with ample supply of wood, small and well ventilated, coal or camp stove with fuel, 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. kerosene heaters also always out of stock of fuel and keep at least three feet away from flammable objects.
Install and check smoke detectors.
Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and ensure everyone in the household knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary measures safety precautions.

Keep frozen pipes

Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.
Cover the newspapers with plastic to avoid moisture.
The faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
Know how to shut off water valves (in case of broken pipes).
Install snow fences in rural areas to reduce drift on highways and roads, which could block access to homes, barns, and feed and water animals.

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

Contact your local emergency management and American Red Cross for information on designated public shelters in case you lose power or heat.

DURING

Listen to a battery powered radio or NOAA weather local radio stations or television for weather reports and emergency information.
Eat regularly and drink plenty of fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Be aware of changing weather conditions.
Scroll animals to protected areas.
Avoid unnecessary travel. Stay indoors and warm clothing during the storm.
Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal.
Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
If freezing pipe, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and plastic pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, from where they were most exposed to cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to prevent accumulation of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet away from flammable objects.
If you must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards.
Wear several layers of 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 sensation and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, earlobes and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. It is best to use the buddy system if your senses are impaired.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shaking, loss memory, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.

If symptoms of hypothermia are detected:

Get the victim to a warm place
Remove wet clothes
Put the person in dry clothing and wrap your body in a blanket
Warm the center of the first body
Give hot drinks, caffeinated drinks or not, if the victim is conscious
Get help medical attention as soon as possible.

Avoid overexertion, such as a shovel snow, pushing a car or walking in the snow deep. 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 outside.

Use public transportation if possible.

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

If you need to drive, let someone know your destination, your route and when you to arrive.

Consider:

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

IF YOU GET STRANDED IN YOUR VEHICLE

Exit the motorway. Turn hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
Stay with your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find. Do not go out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take refuge. Be careful, the 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 each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a window slightly downwind for ventilation and periodically the snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from a possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
Leave the overhead light when the engine is running, so it can be seen.
Child Exercise to maintain circulation, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
If more than one person 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 explaining HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by air.
Leave the car and proceed on foot – if necessary – once the blizzard passes.

AFTER:

Continue listening to local radio or television or radio wave to obtain information updates 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 outside.

ALLOWED AFTER A WINTER STORM

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

Animals can not be allowed in Red Cross shelters for health and space. Prepare an emergency plan and know where it will take all their animals in case of a disaster. Temporary animal shelters can be put in place, however, fill up quickly. An ideal situation for disaster is to have a friend or member default family that will provide living space for your entire family, including 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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