Prepare An Emergency
Plan
As winter progresses
and the weather gets more severe, winter storms and blizzards become
more of a hazard. It is important that people review their winter emergency
plans before the snow begins to fall.
Before the Storm
Always take weather reports seriously. When you first hear predictions
of any significant amount of snow, prepare for the worst. Winter storms
can often be more severe than predicted, so it is important to make
sure that your home is safe and you have adequate supplies.
The following tasks are things that should be done not only when you
hear predictions of snow, but also at the start of each winter season:
1. Head to the store. First check the food, water, and first-aid supplies
in your house. Make a list of items that you need. Be sure that you
have enough food and water for one full week. Many people who have disabilities
require specific medications. Make sure you have enough medication
in your supply kit to last at least one full week.
2. Gather supplies and check equipment. Make sure you have extra clothing
and blankets on hand. If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove,
stock up on firewood. Be sure that you have a working fire extinguisher.
Check that you have a working battery-operated radio, flashlight, and
fresh batteries in case you lose phone service or electricity. Fill
your home heating fuel tank, if necessary.
3. Prepare your car. If for any reason you have to leave during a snowstorm,
or travel when a blizzard is expected, you will want to have emergency
supplies in your car. In addition to the usual ice scraper and shovel,
cars should contain all of the things that a home emergency kit would
contain: food, water, clothing, blankets, and a first-aid kit.
4. “Winterize” your house and car. Install storm windows and
doors that will withstand pressure from snow buildup or from heavy winds.
Check the roof—clear rain gutters and look for leaks. Also, make
sure the roof is sturdy enough that it can support a great deal of snow
buildup. Insulate the walls and the attic, along with pipes. Get your
car checked by a mechanic to ensure that your breaks, tires and battery
are in working order.
The following steps can help you to make sure that your emergency plan
is complete:
• Use the task list above and ideas from your own personal experience
to make a list of things that need to be done before, during and after
a winter storm.
• Separate this list into things that you will be able to do on
your own, and things that you will need assistance with.
• Then, ask a trusted friend or family member to agree to be the
primary person who will help you with the things you cannot do.
• Have additional family members, friends, or neighbors agree
to be “on call” if you happen to need additional or immediate
assistance.
Sometimes lines of communication fail during an emergency, so it is
important to have already designated a friend, family member, or neighbor
who will be part of your emergency plan and assist you during a storm.
This way, even if you can’t reach them, you can rest assured that
they will be on their way to help you or send someone who can help.
If you have friends or neighbors who are elderly or have disabilities,
check with them to make sure that they too have someone who will assist
them during a winter storm.
Winter Storm Warnings
The best way to be prepared for a winter storm or blizzard is to know
what is coming. During the winter season, it is important to always
check the weather report, especially when planning trips. Remember to
carefully follow emergency warnings that are announced on the radio
or television. It is also important to be able to recognize each warning
and what it means.
• Winter Storm Watch: Be alert. A storm is likely in your area.
• Winter Storm Warming: Take action. A storm is currently in or is approaching
your area.
• Blizzard Warning: Take shelter. Expect snow and strong winds, which
may cause blinding wind-driven snow, deep snowdrifts, and a dangerous
wind chill.
• Winter Weather Advisory: Be cautious. Winter weather conditions are
expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially
to motorists.
• Frost/Freeze Warning: Below-freezing temperatures are expected
and may cause significant damage to crops, plants, and trees.
During the Storm
During blizzards, it is always best to stay inside. Listen to
your radio or television, if possible, to get storm alerts or evacuation
notifications. Have “go bags” ready in case you are told you
need to evacuate. Be sure that all animals have been brought inside,
if at all possible. After these precautions have been taken, all you
can do is stay calm, stay warm, and stay inside unless told otherwise.
If you need to leave the house for any reason, be sure to dress appropriately.
Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing, rather than one heavy
layer. Wear mittens rather than gloves, because they will keep your
fingers warmer. Make sure that your pants, boots, and gloves are water-repellant.
If you have any doubts about your safety, do not leave.
Winter Driving Tips
If you must travel during or after a storm, go during the daylight hours
and do not travel alone. Make sure that someone who is not traveling
with you is aware of your schedule and route. Before you leave, be sure
to clear all snow and ice off of the front, top and rear of your car.
Even if you can see fine, there may still be ice on your car that
can come off and damage another car while you are driving. Once driving,
do everything in slow motion. Do not brake, accelerate, or turn
suddenly, and allow a much greater distance between your car and other
cars on the road. All vehicles are different, so check with a mechanic
or your car’s manufacturer to see how best to handle your specific
model in the snow or ice. If you are still unsure, a defensive driving
course offered by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or
a private driving school will teach you exactly what to do in a dangerous
situation.
Always bundle up, even for a quick trip in the car with the heat on.
Ask yourself, would I be safe in this outfit if my car were to
break down without heat? Keep an extra blanket, pair of gloves, and
any other necessary clothing in the trunk of your car just in case.
In certain states, driving and speed limit laws are different during
winter months or during snowstorms. Check with your state’s
Department of Transportation website to familiarize yourself.
After the Storm
As soon as the storm is over, assess your home for damage. If you see
any downed power lines or broken gas lines, call for help immediately.
Do not attempt to drive anywhere until the roads have been cleared and
plowed. However, if it is possible to leave the house, it is a good
idea to check on neighbors that may need assistance. Before leaving
the house, check weather conditions and further advisories—blizzards
are often followed by extremely cold conditions, even if the snow has
stopped. This kind of weather can be even more dangerous than the snowfall,
so it is important to dress appropriately and stay warm.
Try to clear snow off of decks, driveways, sidewalks, and even rooftops,
if possible. However, don’t rush to get it all done at once. The
most common deaths that occur in the winter are the result heart attacks
caused by strenuous snow shoveling. After a storm, it is always the
first instinct to try to fix and clean up everything at once—but
this can be very dangerous. Shovel slowly, take frequent breaks and
if you need to, stop shoveling and continue another day. Remember when
shoveling or snow blowing that snow should never be dumped into the
street. This is not only illegal, but can be very dangerous to drivers.
Following these simple steps can help to keep you and your loved ones
safe during a winter emergency.
By John Cavanagh and Anne Malia emergencyinfoonline.org