Winter Operations

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Winter Operations

• Winter Weather Conditions
• Winter Weather Advisory Winter weather
  conditions are expected to cause significant
  inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially
  to motorists
• Winter Storm Watch Be alert, a storm is
  possible
• Winter Storm Warning Take action, the storm is
  occurring or will soon occur in the area
• Blizzard Warning Snow and strong winds combined
  will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility,
  deep drifts, and life threatening wind chill
  seek refuge immediately
• Frost / Freeze Warning Below freezing
  temperatures are expected

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Preparation

• Be familiar with winter storm warning messages
• Have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways
  and kitty litter to generate temporary traction
• Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel
  regular fuel sources may be cut off
• Winterize your home
• Have safe emergency heating equipment available
• Install and check smoke detectors
• Keep pipes from freezing
• Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power
  goes off
• Develop an emergency communication plan

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During the Storm

• Stay indoors and dress warmly
• Conserve fuel
• Lower the thermostat to 65 degrees during the day
  and 55 degrees at night. Close off unused rooms
• If outdoors wear loose fitting, layered, light
  weight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent
  perspiration and chill.
• If you go out to shovel snow, take frequent
  breaks
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from
  extremely cold air
• Avoid overexertion, cold weather puts an added
  strain on your heart. Be aware of symptoms of
  dehydration
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
• Remember wind chill

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Signs of Frostbite Hypothermia

• Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure
  that can permanently damage its victim. A loss of
  feeling and a white pale appearance in fingers,
  toes, nose, and ear lobes are symptoms of
  frostbite.
• Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the
  body temperature drops to less than 95 degrees
  Fahrenheit. Symptoms include uncontrollable
  shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent
  stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion

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Treatment of Frostbite or Hypothermia

• Never give a victim something with caffeine in it
  (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a
  stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and
  hasten the effects the cold has on the body.
  Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and
  also hasten the ill effects of cold body
  temperatures.
• Begin warming the person slowly and seek
  immediate medical assistance. Warm the persons
  trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms
  and legs should be warmed last because
  stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood
  toward the heart and lead to heart failure.
• Put person in dry clothing and wrap their body in
  a blanket.

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Re-warming the extremity

• Subsequently, a nice rule of thumb is as follows
  Water should be warmed to approximately 104
  degrees Fahrenheit. This is the water that should
  be used to rapidly re-warm. This temperature is
  about that of a hot tub. After warming the water,
  if you place your hand in the water and
  immediately have to take it out, it is clearly
  above 104 degrees. At 104 degrees, one can leave
  their hand in the water for an extended period of
  time without feeling pain.

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Before the storm

• Check the battery
• Antifreeze
• Wipers and windshield washer fluid
• Ignition symptom
• Thermostat
• Lights
• Flashing hazard lights
• Exhaust system
• Heater
• Brakes
• Defroster
• Oil Level ( may replace with winter grade oil)
• Install winter tires
• Keep a windshield scraper for snow and ice
  removal

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If you are trapped in your car

• Pull off the road, set hazard lights to flashing
  and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or
  window. Remain in your vehicle.
• Conserve fuel, but run the engine and heater
  about ten minutes each hour to keep warm, crack
  the downwind window slightly to prevent carbon
  monoxide poisoning.
• Exercise to maintain body heat but dont
  overexert. Huddle with other passengers and use
  your coat for a blanket.
• Use road maps, seat covers, floor mats,
  newspapers or extra clothing for covering.
• In remote areas spread a large cloth over the
  snow to attract rescue planes.
• Do not set out on foot unless you see a building
  close by where you know you can take shelter.