Winter Weather

How to protect yourself, your family and your pets

Kinds of winter weather

*Heavy snow

 Heavy snowfalls cause large accumulations of snow on the ground, and sometimes, large snowdrifts. The weight of heavy snow can break or knock down trees and power lines sometimes leaving homes without power. Deep snow can cause hazardous driving conditions that can close highways and mountain passes.

 
 
 

 

 



* Blizzards

Blizzards are composed of blowing snow with wind speeds of at least 35 miles per hour.  Blizzards can damage trees, roofs and power lines.  Blowing snow makes it difficult to see clearly while driving.  Damage to power lines can leave some homes without power.

* Freezing rain, ice, or sleet

Downpours of freezing rain, ice or sleet can coat trees, power lines, streets, and cars with ice.   Icy roads can cause extremely dangerous driving conditions

* Extreme Cold

 

To be safe in winter weather your car needs to have a winter weather emergency kit.  This kit should include:

* A flashlight with extra batteries

* Warm blankets or sleeping bags

* Quick energy foods such as peanuts, raisins, trail mix or crackers

* A bag of sand or cat litter

* Booster cables

* Matches and candles

* A shovel

* Containers of water

* A tow chain

* A first aid kit

* A bright piece of cloth to put on your antenna in case of emergency

* A stocking cap, mittens, and boots

* Put a bright cloth (red or orange) on the radio antenna so you can be seen and helped

 

If your car gets stuck in a snowstorm
 

* Try to keep warm in the car, clap your hands, and stomp your feet

* Run the car engine and heater for about ten minutes (or longer if needed) each hour to keep warm.  Be   sure to keep one window slightly open for ventilation

 

When you are outside in winter weather

* Wear layers of clothing, they will be warmer than just one heavy layer

* Since most body heat is lost through the top of your head, be sure to wear a hat

* Wear mittens, they are warmer than gloves

* Cover your mouth with a hood or scarf to help protect your lungs from the extremely cold air

Winter storms can last for days stopping traffic on roads and sometimes causing the power in your house to go off. If you are advised to stay in your house for several days make sure you have an emergency home kit

 
 
* Go inside often to warm up


 Home Tips

* Have a battery powered NOAA weather radio and or a commercial radio to listen to the weather conditions in your area.

* Stay inside your house, you could become lost if you go outside in blowing snow or blizzard conditions.

* Have three days supply of drinking water on hand.

* Have emergency supplies of food (cans of tuna, fruit, and nuts, as well as boxes of crackers) flashlights, lamps, and candles stored in a safe spot.

* If the electricity goes off, use a fireplace or emergency heating equipment to stay warm.

* Make sure your pets are inside and warm.  You will need to have extra food and water stored for them and any medication they take.

* At first notice of a winter storm move farm animals to a sheltered area and have extra feed and water available for them.

 

 How to make your own winter emergency kit

1.             Store one gallon of water for each person in your family per day

2.           Find a place to store canned meats, fruits, vegetables, milk, and soups as well as sugar, salt, pepper, peanut butter, crackers, nuts, trail mix and a manual can opener

3.           Store a battery operated NOAA weather radio or commercial radio

4.           Make sure you have a flashlight in your emergency kit

5.           Don’t forget to store extra batteries

6.          Have an emergency supply of medications for family members and pets

 

Where is the best place to get weather information?

 


The National Weather Service is the best place to get up-to-date accurate weather information.  Listen to the National Weather Service Reports on your NOAA weather radio or on a local radio station for the latest updates on weather in your area.  Or you can call the National Weather Service by calling 719-589-3232 or contacting them at their web site at www.crh.noaa.gov/pub.

 

What is a winter storm watch?

When the National Weather Service issues a winter storm watch it means that heavy snow and/or ice are possible within the next day or two.  You should make sure that you and your family are prepared with enough food and water in case you are snowed in for a few days.

 

What is a winter storm warning?

When the National Weather Service issues a winter storm warning it means that severe winter weather conditions have begun or will soon begin in your area.  You should stay inside and make sure that your pets are safely inside.

 

What is a blizzard warning?

When the National Weather Service issues a blizzard warning for your area you should seek shelter immediately.  The combination of snow and strong winds in a blizzard can limit visibility, cause deep snowdrifts, and produce wind chill temperatures that can be life threatening.

 

What is wind chill?

Wind chill is when the wind blows across your skin and causes your skin to cool fast.  This may cause your skin to freeze resulting in frostbite or it may lower your body temperature causing hypothermia.  Always dress according to the Wind Chill Temperature.  You can hear the current temperature and the wind chill temperature on NOAA Weather Radio and you can read about it on the internet.

 

What is frostbite?

Frostbite is a condition that is caused by being exposed to cold temperatures too long and these temperatures can damage body tissue by freezing it.  People with frostbite often lose feeling in their fingers, toes, ear lobes or tip of their nose, and they look very pale.  Frostbite needs immediate medical attention.  If help is not close, try to slowly warm the affected areas.

Never rub snow on frostbite!


What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia occurs when the temperature inside your body is colder than it should be. This happens when you spend too much time outdoors during very cold weather, especially when it is windy and cold, or, when you are not dressed warmly enough.  You can tell if some one has hypothermia if they show the following symptoms:

 

                *     Uncontrolled shivering

       *       Confusion

       *       Slurred Speech

          *       Extremely tired or exhausted

 
If a person’s temperature is below 95o F he or she needs immediate medical attention.  If you must wait for medical help, try to warm the person slowly.  Use a warm blanket to cover the person, making sure to cover both their head and neck.

 

This booklet is produced by San Luis Valley Project Impact in cooperation with NOAA