Preparing & Surviving the Storm!

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Ready for the storm? Here are a few tips to help:

Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:

• Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
• Sand to improve traction
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

Prepare your home and family

• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Prepare for power outages. During major snow storms many families loose power due to electrical lines that are experiencing trouble. It could hours or even days before electricians are able to restore power to some homes. Having extra ice can keep your food cold.
• Stay warm. Store extra blankets, firewood and kerosene for portable heaters. Bundle up if you go outdoors. An extra layer of clothing such as thermal wear can help keep your body warm. Additionally, a scarf, hat, gloves, boots and thick socks will help keep you warm.
• Keep a portable radio handy. In the event of a power loss, a battery operated radio can keep you informed and provide additional updates about the weather and emergency services.

• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.

Dress for the Weather

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

During The Storm Guidelines

• Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• When using candles, try to use a secure candle holder or a hurricane vase for greater safety. Fires often occur from candles during a snow storms, so be cautious. Candles can be safely used, but must not be left unattended. Lanterns and wick-free items are preferred for lighting needs.
• When removing snow from sidewalks, driveways and vehicles make sure that you lift snow in moderation. Do not try to lift too much snow at once or for extended periods of time. Clear some snow, then take a break and try again after you're rested. Have a family member or a friend check on you if you are outdoors for too long.

• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

If you are outdoors

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
• Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
• Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
• If symptoms of hypothermia are detected:
• get the victim to a warm location
• remove wet clothing
• put the person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket
• warm the center of the body first
• give warm, non-alcoholic or non-caffeinated beverages if the victim is conscious
• get medical help as soon as possible.