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| Prepare a Winter Storm
Plan
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- Have extra
blankets on hand.
- Ensure that
each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or
mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.
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Prepare a Disaster
Supplies Kit Containing:
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- First aid
kit and essential medications.
- Battery-powered
NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Canned food
and can opener.
- Bottled
water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to
last at least 3 days).
- Extra warm
clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.
- Assemble a
Disaster Supplies Kit for your car, too.
- Have your
car winterized before winter storm season.
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Stay Tuned for Storm
Warnings. . .
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- Listen to NOAA
Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for
updated storm information.
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Know What Winter Storm
WATCHES and WARNINGS Mean
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- A winter
storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
- A winter
storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
- A blizzard
WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and
dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!
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When a Winter Storm WATCH
is Issued...
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- Listen to
NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, and TV stations, or cable
TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
- Be alert to
changing weather conditions.
- Avoid
unnecessary travel.
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When a Winter Storm
WARNING is Issued...
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- Stay
indoors during the storm.
- If you must
go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will
keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or
mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover
your mouth to protect your lungs.
- Understand
the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling
effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
- As the wind
increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an
accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
- Walk
carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
- After the
storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is
physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid
overexertion.
- Avoid
traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...
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- Carry a Disaster
Supplies Kit in the trunk.
- Keep your
car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the
fuel line from freezing.
- Let
someone know your destination, your route, and when you
expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way,
help can be sent along your predetermined route.
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If You Do Get Stuck...
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- Stay with
your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
- Tie a
brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for
rescuers to see.
- Start the car
and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the
exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
- Leave the
overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can
be seen.
- As you sit,
keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and
to stay warm.
- Keep one
window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in
air.
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