Winter Tips

Are You Ready for(to be updated soon)

Here are a few tips to help prepare yourself and your family:

At Home and at Work:

The primary concerns are the potential loss of heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.

Have Available:

· Flashlight and extra batteries.

· Battery powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable (AM/FM) radio to receive emergency information. These may be your links to the outside world.

· Extra food and water. High energy food, such as dried fruit or candy. Food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.

· Extra supply of medicine and baby items.

· First-aid kit.

· Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm.

· Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. Learn to use them properly to prevent a fire. Have proper ventilation.

· Fire extinguisher and smoke detector. Check units regularly to ensure they are in working condition.

In Cars and Trucks

· Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports on current conditions!

· Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.

· Carry a Winter Travel Survival Kit.

· Keep your gas tank near full to prevent ice in the tank and fuel lines which could leave you stranded.

· Try not to travel alone. Let someone know your primary and alternate routes and anticipated timetable.

Prepare a Winter Storm Plan

· Have extra blankets on hand.

· Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water resistant boots.

· Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing

o First aid kit and essential medications

o Battery powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

o Canned food and a non electric can opener

o Bottled water

· Have your car winterized before winter storm season.

· Assemble a Winter Travel Survival Kit.

Stay tuned for winter storm warnings

· Listen to your NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

· Know what a winter storm WATCH and WARNING means:

· A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area. A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm has been sighted and may be possible in your area.

· A Blizzard WARNING means strong winds blinding wind driven, snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter Immediately!

When a winter storm WATCH is issued...

· Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.

· Be alert to changing weather conditions.

· Avoid unnecessary travel.

When a winter storm WARNING is issued...

· Stay indoors during the storm.

· If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

· Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature.

· Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.

After the storm passes...

· After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.

· Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must . . .

o Have emergency supplies in the trunk.

o Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

o Let someone know your destination, you route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

If you do get caught in a Winter Storm

Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor could cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and even hypothermia.

· If you are outside:

· Seek shelter to stay dry.

· Cover all exposed parts of the body.

· If no shelter is nearby, prepare a lean-to, wind-break, or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.

· Do not eat snow as it will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

· If in a Vehicle:

· If you have a cellular phone, call for help.

· Stay in your vehicle, do not try to walk to safety.. Disorientation occurs quickly in wind driven snow and cold.

· Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up into the car. Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning).

· Make yourself visible to rescuers. Turn on the dome light at night when running engine. Tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or door. Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling.

· As you sit, exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers, and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

· At Home or in a Building

· Stay indoors. When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. use safeguards and ensure proper ventilation.

· If you have no heat, close off unneeded rooms and place towels or rags under the doors. Cover windows at night.

· Eat to supply heat and drink to avoid dehydration.

· Wear layers of loose fitting, light-weight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.

Winter Driving Tips

To minimize the possibility of break down, winterize your vehicle following the suggested maintenance schedule included in the owners manual or have your vehicle serviced by a reputable dealer, garage, or mechanic.

Check your wipers, tires (use snow tires if possible), lights, and fluid levels (radiator, windshield washer, power steering, oil and brakes) regularly. Make sure the brakes and transmission are working properly. Lubricate door and trunk locks with lock lubricant to prevent them from freezing.

During a winter storm ask yourself, "is this trip really necessary?" If you decide the trip cannot be delayed, check on weather conditions along your travel route. Listen to weather forecasts on TV, local radio stations, or NOAA Weather Radio. Call to get current road conditions for Kansas's interstate and freeway systems by calling the Kansas Road condition Hot Line at 1(800) 585-ROAD. Information is updated every two hours during a storm.

Do not leave without a Winter Travel Survival Kit.

Tell someone at home (a friend, relative, or co-worker) that you are taking a trip, where you are going, the routes you will travel, and when you expect to arrive. When you reach your destination make a call to report that you have arrived.

Before you leave town, fill your gas tank. While traveling, frequently re-fill the gas tank. The stops will relieve tense muscles. When you stop, don't flaunt large amounts of cash. Keep valuable items out of sight. Avoid talking with strangers. Stop at well lighted, well traveled facilities.

If your vehicle breaks down, pull as far off the road as possible. Your greatest personal danger at this point is that of being hit by passing cars. Don't panic. Use common sense! The steps on the page When Caught in a Winter Storm in a vehicle will help you survive.

Winter Travel Survival Kit

Keep the following items in your car during the winter. Make sure you do not leave without them.

· blankets/sleeping bags

· high calorie, non-perishable food

· flashlight with extra batteries

· first aid kit

· knife

· extra clothing to keep dry

· a large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes

· a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water;

· bag of sand (or cat litter)

· shovel

· windshield scraper and brush

· tool kit

· tow rope

· booster cables

· water container

· compass

· road maps

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