Winter Storm Safety: Essential Steps to Protect Yourself and Others

Winter storms can pose significant risks, including heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures. Understanding and implementing safety protocols before, during, and after a winter storm is essential to protect yourself and others.

What Should You Do Before a Winter Storm?

Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts regularly to anticipate upcoming storms. Utilize reliable sources such as the National Weather Service for timely updates.

Prepare Your Home and Vehicle:

• Home: Ensure you have a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, non-perishable food, and sufficient water. Keep extra prescription medications and baby items on hand. Maintain heating fuel levels, and have an emergency heat source like a fireplace or space heater. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. (weather.gov)

• Vehicle: Before winter, winterize your vehicle by checking the ignition system, cooling system, fuel system, battery, lights, tires, heater, brakes, wipers, defroster, oil, and exhaust. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. If you must travel during a winter storm, carry a winter storm survival kit in your car, including blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, high-calorie non-perishable food, and extra clothing to keep dry. (weather.gov)

What Should You Do During a Winter Storm?

At Home: Stay indoors and avoid using alternative heat sources like fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters without proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. If you lose heat, close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors, and cover windows at night. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing to retain body heat. (weather.gov)

In a Vehicle: If you become stranded, stay in your vehicle. Run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour for heat, but open the window slightly for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. Tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or door to signal for help. After the snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need assistance. (weather.gov)

Outside: If caught outside, find shelter and try to stay dry. Cover all exposed body parts. If no shelter is available, build a lean-to, windbreak, or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention, placing rocks around it to absorb and reflect heat. Melt snow for drinking water, but avoid eating unmelted snow as it can lower your body temperature. (weather.gov)

What Should You Do After a Winter Storm?

Stay Informed: Continue to monitor weather updates for information on road conditions and potential flooding. Be aware that melting snow can lead to flooding, and partially cleared roads may still be icy or blocked. (weather.gov)

Check Your Home: Inspect your home for damage, such as downed power lines or gas leaks. Ensure that your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and that the outside vent is clear of leaves and debris. During or after the storm, make sure it is cleared of snow. (weather.gov)

Be Cautious on the Roads: Even after the storm, be aware of hazards like black ice and potholes. Drive cautiously and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve. (weather.gov)

Assist Others: Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with special needs, to ensure they are safe and have necessary supplies.

By following these guidelines, you can enhance your safety and the safety of those around you during winter storms.

Highlights:

• What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm
• Winter Weather Safety and Product Information
• Winter Weather Safety