Emergency Kits for Winter Weather Advisories



Winter Storm Watch
 
 You should prepare for the worst now:
 
At Home or Work Make Sure You Have:
 
-a working flashlight
 
-battery powered NOAA weather radio, radio, or TV
 
-extra food, water, medicine, and baby items
 
-first aid supplies
 
-heating fuel (propane, kerosene, fuel oil, etc...)
 
-emergency heating source
 
-fire extinguishers on each level
 
-Carbon Monoxide Detector
 
-smoke detectors on each level and outside each sleeping area
 
In Cars and Trucks:
 
-fully check and winterize your vehicle
 
-keep your gas tank near full
 
-try not to travel alone
 
-let a friend or relative know your timetable for travel
 
Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit which contains:
 
-blankets/sleeping bags
 
-flashlight with extra batteries
 
-knife
 
-high calorie, non-perishable food
 
-a small can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
 
-sand or cat litter
 
-shovel
 
-windshield scraper
 
-tool kit
 
-tow rope
 
-jumper cables
 
-water container
 
-compass
 
-road maps
 
-flares
 
-fire extinguishers
 
On The Farm:
 
-Move animals to sheltered areas
 
-Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas
 
-Have a water supply available (most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration)
 
Winter Storm Warning
 
If a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather conditions (such as snow greater than 6 inches in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less 1/4 mile) are expected within the next 12 hours or are already occurring.
 
If Caught Outside:
 
-Find a dry shelter. Cover all exposed parts of the body.
 
If shelter is not available:
 
-Prepare a lean-to, wind break, or snow-cave for protection from the wind.
 
-Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.
 
-Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
 
If Stranded in a Car or Truck:
 
-Stay in your car or truck!
 
-Run the motor about ten minutes each hour. Open the windows a 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
 
-Tie a colored cloth to your antenna or door
 
-Raise the hood after the snow stops falling
 
-Exercise to keep blood circulating and to keep warm
 
At Home or in a Building:
 
-Stay inside!
 
-If there is no heat, close off unneeded rooms
 
-Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors
 
-Cover windows at night
 
-Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy and heat. Fluids prevent dehydration.
 
-Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing.