Tips For The Winter Storm Ahead

February 27, 2019

Dangerous cold temperatures and life-threatening wind chills, along with heavy snow are expected over the next couple days. There are steps you should take to stay safe if you are in the path of this winter weather.

Temperatures will be below zero in many locations with wind chills making it feel as cold as 40 degrees below zero in some areas.

Take immediate precautions if you hear these words on the news:

• Winter Storm WARNING: Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.
• Blizzard WARNING: Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 miles per hour or greater, plus considerable falling or blowing snow reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile, expected to prevail for three hours or longer.
• WIND CHILL Temperature: How cold people and animals feel when outside. As wind increases, heat is carried away from your body at a faster rate, driving down your body temperature and making you feel much colder. The wind chill temperature is not the actual temperature but rather how wind and cold feel on exposed skin.
• Winter Storm WATCH: Winter storm conditions possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. Review your winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Assemble an emergency preparedness kit.
• Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers.
• Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone.

STAY SAFE OUTSIDE

If you must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards:

• Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.
• Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries.
• If you have a high efficient furnace, make sure the pvc pipes outside are clear of snow and ice. If clogged, your furnace can stop working.