Preparing for Winter Storms and Blizzards

Blizzards are the most dangerous of
winter storms. They produce high winds and heavy snow throughout
much of the United States from December to March.

They are most common in the northern
Great Plains states -- South Dakota is sometimes called "the
Blizzard State" -- but they also occur as far south as
Texas and as far east as Maine.

Many blizzard-related deaths involve
people who die of hypothermia in their cars, on the street
or in wilderness areas. Sadly, most of these deaths could
have been avoided with proper preparation. Blizzards also
cause countless cases of frostbite, as well as damage to unsupported
structures and homes.

> Winter
Storm Watches and Warnings

> Plan Ahead
for Winter Storms

> How to Dress
for Winter Weather

> If You're Away
From Home When the Storm Hits

> After the Blizzard
has Passed

Winter
Storm Watches and Warnings

If you live in a snow-prone area, pay close attention to weather
forecasts and listen for watches and warnings like these:

WINTER STORM WATCH: Severe winter
conditions, such as heavy snow or ice, are possible within
the next day or two. Prepare now!

WINTER STORM WARNING: Severe
winter conditions have begun or are about to begin in your
area. Seek shelter!

BLIZZARD WARNING : Snow and strong
winds will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility),
deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge
immediately!

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY: Winter
weather conditions are expected and may be hazardous, especially
for motorists.

FROST/FREEZE WARNING : Below
freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significant
damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees. In areas unaccustomed
to freezing temperatures, people who have homes without heat
need to take added precautions.

You can check the current
weather forecast for your area right on this site.

Plan
Ahead for Winter Storms

Play it safe by preparing ahead for
winter storms and blizzards. Be sure to winterize your manufactured
home by following all the tips in our winterizing
section.

Remember, these storms can cause loss
of electricity, heat, and telephone service and can trap you
in your home for a few days. It's important to have ample
supplies on hand in your home:

• Flashlight and extra batteries.


• Battery-powered NOAA weather radio
  and portable radio to receive emergency information. These
  may be your only links to the outside.


• Extra food and bottled water. High
  energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and canned food
  requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.


• Manual can opener.


• Extra medicine and baby items.


• First-aid supplies.


• Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not
  reach you for days after a severe winter storm.


• Back-up heating source, such as a
  fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc.


• Fire extinguisher and smoke detector.


• Brush up on your fire safety knowledge
  by visiting our fire
  safety section.

Be sure to carry a survival kit in your
car that contains:

• Cell phone


• Blankets/sleeping bags


• Flashlight with extra batteries


• Knife


• High calorie, non-perishable food
  


• A can and waterproof matches to melt
  snow for drinking water


• Sand or cat litter


• Shovel


• Windshield scraper


• Tool kit


• Tow rope


• Jumper cables


• Water container


• Compass


• Road maps


• Extra winter clothes and boots

Also, keep your vehicle's gas tank
full in case you get stranded and to keep the fuel line from
freezing.

How to Dress
for Winter Weather:

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting,
  lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy
  clothing.


• Remove a layer or two if necessary
  to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chill.


• Make sure outer garments are tightly
  woven and water-repellent.


• Wear mittens -- they are warmer than
  gloves.


• Wear a hat.


• Cover your mouth with a scarf to
  protect your lungs from extremely cold air.


• Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in
  snow or flooding conditions.

If You're
Away From Home When the Storm Hits:

If you're outside:

• Find a shelter out of the wind. Try
  to stay dry and cover all exposed parts of your body.


• If you can't find shelter, prepare
  a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the
  wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place
  rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.


• Don't eat snow - it will lower your
  body temperature. Melt the snow first.

If you're in a car or truck:

• Pull off the road and turn on your
  hazard lights.


• Stay inside your vehicle. It's easy
  to become disoriented in the wind and snow. Do not set out
  on foot unless you see a building close by where you know
  you can take shelter.


• Run the motor about ten minutes each
  hour for heat.


• Open the window a crack to avoid
  carbon monoxide poisoning.


• Make sure the exhaust pipe is not
  blocked by snow.


• Exercise frequently to keep blood
  circulating and to keep warm, but don't overexert.


• Huddle with other passengers and
  use your coat as a blanket.


• In extreme cold, use road maps, seat
  covers, floor mats, newspapers or extra clothing for covering--anything
  to provide additional insulation and warmth.

Make yourself visible to rescuers:

• Turn on your dome light at night,
  but only when running the engine. You don't want to wear
  down your battery.


• Tie a distress flag (preferably red)
  to your antenna or window.


• Raise the hood to indicate trouble
  after snow stops falling.

Once the blizzard is over, you may need
to leave your vehicle and proceed on foot. Follow the road
if possible. If you need to walk across open country, use
distant points as landmarks to help maintain your sense of
direction.

If you're in your home or a building:

• Stay inside.


• If you must travel, do so during
  daylight. Don't travel alone. Stay on main roads, and tell
  others about your route and schedule.


• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping
  your house cooler than normal. Temporarily shut off heat
  to less-used rooms.


• When using alternative heat from
  a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, use fire safeguards
  and properly ventilate.


• If using kerosene heaters, maintain
  ventilation to avoid buildup of toxic fumes. Keep heaters
  at least three feet from flammable objects. Refuel kerosene
  heaters outside.

If there's no heat:

• Close off unneeded rooms.


• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under
  doors.


• Cover windows at night.


• Stay nourished:
  
  
  
  • Eat food to provide your body
    with energy so it can produce its own heat.
  
  
  • Keep your body replenished with
    fluids to prevent dehydration.
  
  
  
  

After the
Blizzard has Passed:

• Look for any damage that may have
  occurred to your home and make sure water pipes are functioning.
  Check out the freezing
  pipes information on this site for help. If there are
  no other problems, wait for streets and roads to be plowed
  before you drive anywhere.


• Check on neighbors to see if they
  need help.


• Pace yourself and rest frequently
  when shoveling snow -- don't overexert. Shoveling causes
  many heart attacks, especially in very cold temperatures.
  

With a little planning and know-how,
you can make this winter a safe and warm one for you and your
family.