Shelter in Place

1
Winter Storms
2
Winter Storms
Winter storms are deceptive killers. Customize
by listing specific damage data about recent
winter storms in your area deaths, injuries,
financial impact, etc.
3
Winter Storms Make a Plan

• Understand the hazards of wind chill.
• Service snow removal equipment before winter
  storm season.
• Keep your cars gas tank full for emergency use
  and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Discuss with your family what to do if a winter
  storm WATCH or WARNING is issued.

4
Winter Storms Make a Plan

• Protecting your property
• Make sure your home is properly insulated.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with
  plastic from the inside.
• Wrap pipes in insulation.
• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or
  layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags.

5
Winter Storms Make a Plan

• Protecting your property
• Consider storing sufficient heating fuel.
• Consider keeping emergency heating equipment.
• Install snow fences in rural areas.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, consider
  purchasing flood insurance to cover possible
  flood damage.

6
Winter Storms Get a Kit

• A warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and
  water-resistant boots.
• Extra blankets and extra warm clothing.
• Non-clumping kitty litter or sand.

7
Winter Storms Get a Kit

• Disaster supplies kit for your car should
  include
• Several blankets or sleeping bags
• Rain gear and extra sets of dry clothing,
  mittens, socks and wool caps
• Extra newspapers for insulation and plastic bags
  for sanitation
• Canned fruit, nuts and high energy snacks,
  non-electric can opener and
• Several bottles of water.

8
Car Kit

• A small shovel, a pocket knife, and small tools,
  such as pliers, a wrench and screwdriver
• A small bag of sand or kitty litter for
  generating traction under wheels, a set of tire
  chains or traction mats
• Jumper cables
• A first aid kit and necessary medications
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A candle in a metal can or other fireproof
  container.
• Matches
• Cards, games and puzzles
• A brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna
  and
• Cell phone or two-way radio.

9
Winter Storms Be Informed

• Take an American Red Cross first aid course to
  learn how to treat exposure to
• Cold
• Frostbite and
• Hypothermia.
• Customize this slide by adding information about
  first aid training offered by your field unit.

10
Winter Storms Watches vs. Warnings

• Watch
• A winter storm or blizzard might occur, generally
  within 12 to 36 hours.
• Warning
• A winter storm or blizzard is occurring or is
  imminent within about 30 minutes to an hour.
• A blizzard has sustained winds or frequent gusts
  to 35 miles per hour or greater and
  considerablefalling or blowing snow for a period
  of three hours or longer.

11
Driving Precautions

• Have your car(s) winterized before the winter
  storm season.
• Keep your cell phone battery charged.
• Keep a windshield scraper and small broom.
• Keep gas tank full.
• Plan long trips carefully.
• Be aware of sleet, freezing rain, freezing
  drizzle and dense fog.

12
Driving Precautions

• Have your car(s) winterized before the winter
  storm season.
• Keep your cell phone battery charged.
• Keep a windshield scraper and small broom.
• Keep gas tank full.
• Plan long trips carefully.
• Be aware of sleet, freezing rain, freezing
  drizzle and dense fog.

13
Take Action

• If you get stuck in your car
• Stay with your vehicle.
• Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help.
• Run engine 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is
  running so that you can be seen.
• Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.
• If more than one person is in the car, take turns
  sleeping.

14
Take Action

• If you get stuck in your car
• Huddle together for warmth.
• Use newspapers, maps and even the removable car
  mats for added insulation.
• Let in air.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Avoid overexertion.

15
If a Watch is Issued

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio, or local radio or
  television stations for updated information.
• Be aware of changing weather conditions.
• Move animals to sheltered areas.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• Stay indoors

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If a WARNING is Issued

• Stay indoors and dress warmly during the storm.
• If power is out, listen to a battery-powered
  radio or television for updated emergency
  information.
• Eat regularly. Keep the body replenished with
  fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Conserve fuel.
• Keep dry.
• Stretch before you go out.
• Avoid overexertion.
• Walk carefully.

17
Hypothermia and Frostbite

• Frostbite is the freezing of body tissues. It
  usually occurs in exposed areas of the body.
  Frostbite can cause the loss of fingers, hands,
  arms, toes, feet and legs. Symptoms include lack
  of feeling in the affected area and skin that
  appears waxy, is cold to the touch or is
  discolored.
• Hypothermia occurs when the entire body cools
  because its ability to keep warm fails. Signs and
  symptoms include shivering, slow, irregular
  pulse, numbness, glassy stare, speech difficulty,
  poor coordination, apathy or change in the level
  of consciousness.

18
Afterwards

• Continue listening to local radio or television
  stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated
  information.
• Help a neighbor.
• Avoid driving and other travel until conditions
  have improved.
• Avoid overexertion.
• Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing
  outside.