Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Winters on the Cumberland Plateau usually consist of cold or freezing temperatures along with the occasional snow shower. Along with these typical weather patterns it is also possible for us to experience other types of severe winter weather, including, but not limited to: snow or subfreezing temperatures, as well as strong winds or even ice or heavy rain storms. One of the primary concerns is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. The National Weather Service refers to Winter Storms as the Deceptive Killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold.

Preparing for Winter Weather

Step 1: Get a Kit

• Prepare an emergency supply kit. A checklist is available at http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/checklist.pdf
• Thoroughly check and update your family's emergency supply kit before winter approaches and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:
• Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
• Sand to improve traction
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
• Also include adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

Step 2: Make a Plan

• Plan to stay inside, at least for a period of time. Keep in mind that during a severe winter storm it could be hours, or even days, before emergency personnel are able to reach you.
• If you have a wood burning fire place, consider storing wood to keep you warm if winter weather knocks out your heat.
• Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the warm air inside.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
• Hire a contractor to check the structural stability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
• If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to leave. In addition, check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
• Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
• Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
• Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
• Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of 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 serviceability.
• Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
• Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
• Tires - make sure the tires have adequate tread. 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.
• Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.

Step 3: Be Informed

• Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify winter weather:
• Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
• Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
• Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
• Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
• Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
• Blizzard Warning means heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill.
• Frost/Freeze Warning means below freezing temperatures are expected.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed of winter weather watches and warnings.
• Also monitor commercial radio, television and the Internet. For a full description of what to listen for, and an explanation of different weather terms, refer to the NWS guide.

During a Winter Storm

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.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
• Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...
• Carry an emergency supply kit in the trunk.
• Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

If You Are Driving ...

Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following:

• Travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts.
• If you get stuck...
• Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
• Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
• If a blizzard traps you in your car…
• Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
• Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
• Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
• In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
• Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat, and radio - with supply.
• Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
• If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
• Leave the car and proceed on foot - if necessary - once the blizzard passes.

Immediately After a Winter Storm

• Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.
• Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.
• Cover your mouth, keep dry and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
• Signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
• Signs of hypothermia: These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
• If symptoms of hypothermia are detected:
• get the victim to a warm location
• remove wet clothing
• put the person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket
• warm the center of the body first
• give warm, non-alcoholic or non-caffeinated beverages if the victim is conscious
• get medical help as soon as possible.
• Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.
• Help a neighbor who may require special assistance—infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.

The information on this page has been obtained from Ready.gov .

For further information on how to plan and prepare for winter storms, visit: Federal Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross or NOAA Watch for more weather-related information.