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Winter Storms Previous Page    Home Page

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Before a Storm

• Arrange for emergency heat supply in case of power failure.
• Prepare vehicle, battery-powered equipment, food, heating fuel, and other supplies.
• Prepare a winter survival kit and include these items in your vehicle:
  • Blankets
  • Sleeping bags
  • Flares
  • High-energy foods, such as candy, nuts, raisins, trail mix
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Extra clothing
  • Knives
  • Compass
  • Candles and matches
  • Maps
  • Jumper cables
  • Tow chain
  • Shovel
  • Windshield scraper
  • Sack of sand
  • Paper and pencils or pens to leave a note in case you evacuate your vehicle.

If You are In a Vehicle

• Avoid travel.
• Keep your vehicle fuel tank above half full.
• If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle and keep it ventilated.
• Bundle up.
• Your vehicle will help you keep warm, visible, and alive, if you get trapped in a winter storm.
• A lighted candle will help keep you from freezing, but remember to have a window open slightly for ventilation.
• Run the motor 10 minutes every hour for heat, but be sure the tailpipe outlet is clear of obstructing snow while running the engine.
• Be visible to rescuers. Turn on the interior dome light at night when running the vehicle engine and tie a red cloth to the antenna.
• Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers, and toes to keep blood circulating and to increase body warmth.

Indoor Preparedness

• Stay inside.
• If using alternative heat, use fire safeguards and proper ventilation.
• Close off uneeded rooms.
• Stuff towels in the cracks under doors.
• Eat to provide energy and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.

If You are Outside in Open Country

• Find shelter.
• Try to stay dry.
• Cover all exposed parts of the body.
• If there is no shelter, prepare a lean-to, wind-break, 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.
• Do NOT eat snow! It will lower body temperature. Melt it first.

During and After the Storm

• Dress warmly by wearing multiple layers of protective, loose-fitting clothing, scarves, mittens, and hoods.
• Cover your mouth and nose to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.
• Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks are a major cause of death during and after winter storms. Shoveling snow or freeing stuck vehicles can be extremely hard work. Don't overdo it!
• Beware of the chill factor, if winds are present.
• Be prepared for isolation at home. Make sure you can survive for a week or two in case a storm isolates you and makes it impossible for you to leave.

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