Winter Safety Tips
Winter Weather Terms
Watches
Winter Storm Watch: Issued for the possibility of severe life-threatening winter weather conditions including: heavy snow, heavy ice and/or near blizzard conditions. Forecasters are typically 50 percent confident that severe winter weather will materialize when a watch is issued.
Blizzard Watch: Issued for the possibility of blizzard conditions. Forecasters are typically 50 percent confident that blizzard conditions will materialize when a blizzard watch is issued.
Lake-Effect Snow Watch: Issued for the potential for heavy lake effect snow.
Wind Chill Watch: Issued for the potential of wind chills of -25F or less, which can cause rapid frostbite and increase the risk of hypothermia.
Warnings
Winter Storm Warning: Issued for a combination of heavy snow and/or ice, of which, at least one exceeds or meets warning criteria. Winter weather is expected to cause life-threatening public impact for a combination of winter hazards including heavy snow, ice, near blizzard conditions, blowing and drifting snow and/or dangerous wind chills.
Heavy Snow Warning: Issued when 7 inches or more of snow is expected in 12 hours or less, or 9 inches or more is expected in 24 hours or less. Heavy Snow Warnings are issued when there is a high degree of confidence that the entire event will be snow.
Ice Storm Warning: Issued for a ½ inch or more of ice accumulation which causes damage to power lines and trees. Ice Storm Warnings are issued when there is a high degree of confidence that the entire event is expected to be ice.
Blizzard Warning: Issued when blizzard conditions are imminent or expected in the next 12 to 24 hours. Blizzard conditions include sustained or frequent gusts of or above 35 mph AND considerable falling, blowing and drifting of snow reducing visibilities frequently 1/4 mile.
Lake-Effect Snow Warning: Issued for 7 inches or more of lake-effect snow.
Wind Chill Warning: Issued when the wind chill is expected to be -25F or less. Frostbite can occur in less than 10 minutes.
Advisories
Winter Weather Advisory: Issued for a hazardous combination of snow, and ice of which neither meets or exceeds warning criteria. Issued for winter weather that will cause significant inconveniences or could be life-threatening if the proper precautions are not taken.
Snow Advisory: Issued when an average of 4 to 6 inches of snow is expected in 12 hours or less. Snow advisories are issued when there is a high degree of confidence that the entire event will be snow.
Freezing Rain Advisory: Any accumulation of freezing rain that can make roads slippery. Freezing rain advisories will only be issued when there is a high degree of confidence that the entire event will be freezing rain only.
Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory: Sustained wind or frequent gusts of 25 to 34 mph accompanied by falling and blowing snow, occasionally reducing visibility to a 1/4 mile or less for three hours or more.
Blowing Snow Advisory: Widespread or localized blowing snow reducing visibilities to a 1/4 mile or less with winds less than 35 mph.
Lake-Effect Snow Advisory: Issued for an average of 4 to 6 inches of lake effect snow.
Wind Chill Advisory: Issued for wind chills of -15F to -24F. Frostbite can occur in less than 30 minutes.
Home Safety
Family Disaster Plan
Families should be prepared for all hazards that affect their area and themselves. Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan:
Learn your communitys warning signals.
Meet with your family to create a plan. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school). Choose an out-of-area friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family becomes separated.
Implement your plan. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phones. Install safety features in your house such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Inspect your home for potential hazards and correct them. Have your family learn basic safety and first aid measures. Make sure everyone knows how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency medical services phone number. Have disaster supplies on hand.
Home Emergency Supplies
You should stockpile the following supplies in the event a winter storm or power outage prevents you from leaving your home.
Flashlights and extra batteries
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Emergency non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration
Non-electric can opener
Bottled water
One week supply of essential medicines
Extra blankets and sleeping bags
First aid kit and manual
Fire extinguisher
Emergency heating equipment, used properly
Winterize Your Home
Take the time now to get your home ready for the winter season by following these tips:
Have your heating system checked by a professional annually. This will ensure that your system is working safely and efficiently which, in turn, will save you money.
If you heat by wood, clean your fireplace or stove. Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of creosote and then cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.
Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate walls and attic. This will help you to conserve energy and reduce your homes power demands for heat.
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. This will provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out.
Inspect and flush your water heater.
Clean gutters. Leaves and other debris will hamper drainage.
Replace batteries of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. If you did not do it when you set the clocks back, do it now.
To keep pipes from freezing:
Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers
Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture
Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing
Know how to shut off water valves
Staying Warm Indoors
If your heat goes out during a winter storm, you can keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.
Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturers instructions.
Dress in layers of lightweight clothing and wear a cap.
Eat well-balanced meals.
Losing your heat when winter winds are howling is not pleasant. However, by following these simple tips, you will weather the storm more comfortably.
Protecting Water Pipes
To prevent the mess and aggravation of frozen water pipes, protect your home, apartment or business by following the simple steps below.
Before Cold Weather
Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing, typically those near outer walls, in crawl spaces or in the attic.
Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved).
Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.
Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
When It's Cold
Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall.
Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.
Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
If you plan to be away: (1) Have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or (2) drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).
If Pipes Freeze
Make sure you and your family is familiar with how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the water flow minimize the damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.
Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
If The Lights Go Out
If you lose electrical service during the winter, follow these tips:
Call your utility first to determine area repair schedules. Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored. Leave one light on to indicate power has been restored.
To help prevent freezing pipes, turn on faucets slightly. Running water will not freeze as quickly.
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning:
DO NOT operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon monoxide gas.
DO NOT use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
DO NOT use your gas oven to heat your home -- prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house can create carbon monoxide gas.
Make sure fuel space heaters are used with proper ventilation.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food spoilage.
Generator Safety
Electric generators can provide you with piece of mind and convenience when you are faced with a temporary loss of electric service.
Follow these safety guidelines when operating a generator:
Before installing a generator, be sure to properly disconnect from your utility electrical service. If possible, have your generator installed by a qualified electrician.
Run generators outside, downwind of structures. NEVER run a generator indoors. Deadly carbon monoxide gas from the generators exhaust can spread throughout enclosed spaces.
Install a carbon monoxide detector.
Fuel spilled on a hot generator can cause an explosion. If your generator has a detachable fuel tank, remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling.
Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Most of the small, home-use portable generators produce from 350 to 12,000 watts of power. Overloading your generator can damage it, the appliances connected to it, and may cause a fire. Follow the manufacturers instructions.
Keep children away from generators at all times.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer claiming about 1,000 lives each year in the United States. Such common items as automotive exhaust, home heating systems and obstructed chimneys can produce the colorless, odorless gas. The gas can also be produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other items used for cooking and heating when used improperly during the winter months.
NEVER run generators indoors. Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater.
NEVER use charcoal to cook indoors.
NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and get to a hospital.
Fire Safety
Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters can add a cozy glow, but make sure you are using them safely.
Always keep a screen around an open flame.
Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
Never burn charcoal indoors.
Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
Have your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup -- and then clean it.
Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors ... and make sure they work! Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.
Kerosene Heaters
If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
Follow the manufacturers instructions.
Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool.
Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.
Remember, the fire hazard is greatly increased in the winter because alternate heating sources often are used without following proper safety precautions.
Clearing Your Roof
As the snow and ice continues to build up, homeowners should think about safety before trying to clear the snow from their roof. Here are some safety tips:
When possible, use long-handled snow rakes or poles.
If you must use a ladder, make certain that the base is securely anchored. Ask a friend, neighbor or adult family member to hold the ladder while you climb.
Know where the snow is going to fall before clearing the area.
Make certain not to contact electrical wires.
If possible, do not attempt to clear the roof alone.
If you are afraid of heights or think the job is too big for you, HIRE HELP.
Clearing roofs is a dangerous task. However, if you think safety, and work safely, you will get the job done.
Neighborhood Safety
Safety First for Kids
Winter can be a fun-filled time when enjoying outdoor activities such as skiing, skating and sledding. However, before going out, follow these safety tips:
The best way to stay safe in a snowstorm is to stay inside. Long periods of exposure to severe cold increases the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
If you go out after the storm, dress in many layers of clothing and wear a hat and mittens or gloves. Many layers of thin clothing are warmer than a single layer of thick clothing. One of the best ways to stay warm is to wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
Come inside often for warm-up breaks.
If you start to shiver a lot or get very tired, or if your nose, fingers, toes or earlobes start to feel numb of turn very pale, come inside right away. These are signs of hypothermia and frostbite. If you experience these symptoms, you will need immediate attention to prevent further risk.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
If someone you know is elderly or dependent on life-sustaining or health-related equipment such as a ventilator, respirator or oxygen concentrator, you should make plans now to ensure their needs are met during severe winter weather and possible power outages.
Help them stock a home disaster kit including a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, bottled water, non-perishable foods, essential medicines, and extra blankets or sleeping bags.
Check on them after a storm or power outage. Register them as a special needs customer with their utility so they will become a priority customer. Notify others who could provide help such as neighbors, relatives, nearby friends and local emergency responders such as the fire department.
Have a list of emergency numbers readily available.
Have a standby generator or an alternative source of power available. Be aware of the safety rules for its use.
Protecting Pets
Winter is a time we should pay close attention to the safety of our pets. Here are some safety tips to follow:
Ingesting antifreeze can be fatal for your dog or cat. It has a sweet taste and even a tiny amount can cause severe kidney damage and even death. If you spill some, soak it up immediately. (Clay kitty litter works well. Discard the litter once the antifreeze has been absorbed.)
Pets that live outdoors should be fed a bit more in the winter because they need the extra calories to stay warm. They also should have fresh water put out a couple of times a day, or consider a special bowl that prevents the water from freezing.
If your pet goes outdoors, be aware of the temperature. Pets can get frostbite very easily on the ears, tail and paws.
When walking your dog, check the paws to make sure that ice is not building up between the toes and that salt from the roads is not irritating the skin.
If your dog is a swimmer, keep it on a leash around open water or unstable ice. Hypothermia can set in quickly and the dog may be unable to get out of the water.
Before you start your car, you should honk the horn to make sure that a cat has not decided to nap in a warm spot under the hood of the vehicle.
If decorating for the holidays, keep ornaments out of the reach of your pets. Remember that poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and other plants can be toxic if ingested.
Road Safety
When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.
If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and a brightly-colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
Keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline freeze-up.
If you have a cell phone or two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
Winterize Your Vehicle
Preparing your vehicle for the winter season now will help ensure your vehicle is in good working order when you need it most.
Have a mechanic check the following items on your vehicle:
Battery
Wipers and windshield washer fluid
Antifreeze
Ignition system
Thermostat
Lights
Exhaust system
Flashing hazard lights
Heater
Brakes
Defroster
Oil level
Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. You may also want to carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle for heavy snow conditions.
Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal and maintain at least a half tank of gas throughout the winter season.
Finally, plan long trips carefully. Listen to the local media report or call law enforcement agencies for the latest road conditions.
Drive Safely
The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents.
Before getting behind the wheel this winter season, every driver could learn a lesson from our school bus drivers. It is elementary, but we have to keep our vehicles clear of ice and snow. Good vision is a key to good driving.
Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert. Remember, snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Moreover, always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
Trapped in a Car
What would you do if a blizzard trapped you on the road?
Here are some tips to follow:
Stay in your car and wait for help to find you.
Run your engine for short periods of time to stay warm. Keep your down-wind window open and make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow.
Turn on the dome light at night when you are running the engine to signal rescuers.
Hang a brightly colored piece of cloth or piece of clothing from your car.
Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
Outdoor Safety
Dress for the Season
Winter has arrived and you should dress for the season.
Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air between the layers acts as an insulator. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.
Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.
Always wear a hat or cap on your head since half of your body heat could be lost through an uncovered head.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other.
Physical Exertion
Winter storm conditions and cold waves are the deadliest types of weather.
Cold temperatures put an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, can increase the risk of a heart attack.
To avoid problems, remember these tips:
Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors.
Take frequent rests to avoid over exertion.
If you feel chest pain -- STOP and seek help immediately.
Frostbite
People working or playing outdoors during the winter can develop frostbite and not even know it. There is no pain associated with the early stages of frostbite, so learn to watch for these danger signs:
First, the skin may feel numb and become flushed. Then it turns white or grayish-yellow.
Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch.
If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area. Cover the affected area with something warm and dry. Never rub it! Get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible.