Winter Storm Survival Tips

Are you prepared? Follow these important guidelines for Winter Storm survival.

• Be sure to have extra blankets on hand.
  
  
• All family members should have gloves, warm coats, hats and water resistant boots.
  
• Check your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to make sure they are working properly.

• Portable radio (NOAA Weather Radio)
  
  
• Flashlight and batteries
  
  
• Bottled water for everyone in the family
  
  
• Long-term storage food
  
  
• First Aid Kits

• A Snow Storm or Ice Storm is possible in your area.
  
  
• If a Winter Storm Watch is issued, stay tuned to the weather station for updates on changing weather.

• A Snow Storm or Ice Storm is headed for your area.
  
  
• Stay tuned to the weather station and take the necessary precautions.
  
  
• Stay indoors.
  
  
• If you need to go outdoors, wear plenty of layered clothing under your heavy coat.
  
  
• Wear gloves and a hat.
  
  
• To protect your lungs, cover your mouth.
  
• Be aware of wind chill, which could cause hypothermia.
  
  
• Be careful walking on snowy, icy sidewalks.
  
  
• Be cautious if you need to shovel snow, takes breaks and don't over do it.

• Strong winds, dangerous wind chill, blinding wind-driven snow are expected.
  
  
• Stay tuned to the weather station for updates on changing weather.
  
  
• For your safety, stay indoors.

• Assemble a car emergency kit for your trunk.
  
  
• Make sure you winterize your car before the winter storm season.
  
  
• For emergency use, keep your car's gas tank full.
  
  
• Make sure that someone knows your destination, your route and when you are to be expected to your destination.

• Unless there is a house or business nearby, stay with your car. It is not recommended to try and walk to safety.
  
• Put a brightly colored cloth on your antenna as a signal for help.
  
  
• Start your car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour.
  
  
• Make sure that snow hasn't accumulated and might be blocking your exhaust pipe.
  
  
• When running your engine, leave the overhead light on so that you can be seen by rescuers.
  
  
• Exercise your arms and legs every few minutes to keep your blood circulating which will help to keep you warm.
  
  
• Open one window slightly to let air in, the window away from the blowing wind.
  
  
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
  
  
• Be careful not to waste your car's battery power.
  
  
• If you are in a remote area, try to spell out letters of SOS with rocks or tree limbs to attract attention.
  
  
• If absolutely necessary, once the storm passes, leave the car and proceed on foot.

• Look for signs of frostbite .
  
  
• Look for signs of hypothermia.
  
  
  
  See the Winter Storm Survival Video Below:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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