Winter Storms and Your Family

Stay informed and monitor for severe winter weather in your area.

Prepare an emergency kit.

• Food, water and necessities for all members of the family to last 3 to 5 days; high energy food (e.g., dried fruit) or canned food that require no cooking or refrigeration is best.
• Any medications needed for family members
• First aid kit, battery powered radio, flashlight with extra batteries
• Sleeping bags or blankets
• Extra clothing and boots, hats, mittens
• Fire extinguisher
• Emergency contact numbers

Family communication plan.

• Inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school.
• Have a plan of how you will contact each other if you are in separate locations or establish a location to meet.
• Have an out-of-state relative or friend serve as the family contact person.
• Learn the location of the emergency shelters for your area.

Prepare your car for winter.

• Have your car systems serviced; check the battery, antifreeze, wipers, etc.
• Replace wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
• Replace worn tires; check the air pressure in the tires.
• Keep the gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank or fuel lines.

Prepare a survival kit for your car that includes:

• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Extra winter clothes (mittens, hats, scarves), boots
• High calorie, non-perishable food (e.g., unsalted nuts, dried fruit); hard candy can help keep your mouth moist
• A can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Flashlight, extra batteries, battery powered radio, first aid kit
• Shovel, windshield scraper
• Road salt, sand or cat litter
• Cell phone and charger
• Jumper cables, tow rope, tool kit
• Compass and road maps

Stay informed.

• Listen to local news and weather channels for situation developments and road closures.

Stay inside.

• Avoid traveling during the storm period.This can help you avoid injuries from cold temperatures, slips on the ice or car accidents.

Gather your emergency supplies.

• Be prepared for power outages or conditions requiring you to remain at home for several days.

Stay safe while indoors.

• Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside.
• Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns.
• Avoid using candles; if they are used never leave them unattended while lit.
• If you lose power or heat to your home and do not have back-up heat options, go to a designated public shelter.

Stay nourished.

• Eat to provide your body with energy to produce its own heat.
• Keep your body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration

Cooking safety.

• Never use charcoal grills or portable gas camp stove indoors —the fumes can be deadly.

If you have to go outside,

• Dress warmly and in layers; loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing is best.
• Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from cold temperatures.
• Stay dry to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
• Avoid ice. Many cold-weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches.
• Avoid exertion. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold.

If you are caught outside during a storm, try to find a shelter out of the wind. Stay dry and cover all exposed parts of your body.

If you must travel,

• Do so during daylight.
• Don’t travel alone.
• Stay on main roads.
• Tell others about your route and schedule.

If you get stranded in your vehicle,

• Stay calm! Staying in your vehicle is often the safest choice.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Make yourself visible to rescuers:
• Tie a distress flag (preferably red) to your antenna or window.
• Turn on the dome light at night, but only when running the engine. You don’t want to wear down your battery.

Run the motor/heater for only about 10 minutes per hour.

As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.

Drink fluids to remain hydrated.

Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and you are certain this action will improve your situation.

Do not let all occupants of the car sleep at once; one person should always remain awake.