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Winter
Storm Preparedness
| Heavy snowfall and
extreme cold can immobilize and entire region. Even communities which
normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snow storm or
extreme cold. The results can range from power outages and blocked roadways
to the havoc of cars trying to maneuver on ice covered roadways. What
ever the case,winter storms usually involve human suffering. You should
protect yourself and your family by knowing how to prepare and what to
do in the event of a winter storm. |
| Terms You Should
Know |
| When receiving weather
advisories from the television, radio, or
The National Weather Service,
the forecasters will use the following terms. |
- A TRAVELERS
ADVISORY is issued when enough snow and ice are expected
to hinder travel but the anticipated conditions are not serious enough
to require warnings.
- A WIND
CHILL is the effect of wind, in combination with the actual
temperature, which increases the rate of heat loss to the human body.
- A HIGH
WIND WATCH indicates sustained winds of at least 40 miles
per hour, or gusts of at least 50 miles per hour or greater, are expected
to last for at least one hour.
- A WINTER
STORM WATCH is issued when severe winter weather is expected.
- A WINTER
STORM WARNING is issued when heavy snow, sleet or freezing
rain are expected.
- A BLIZZARD
WARNING is issued when heavy snows and winds in excess
of 35 miles per hour or more are expected.
- A SEVERE
BLIZZARD WARNING is issued when heavy snow and winds over
45 miles per hour and temperatures below 10 degrees are expected.
Visibility can be so poor that you will not be able to see for more
than a few yards.
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| Be Prepared Before
A Winter Storm Occurs |
- Have a battery
operated radio with extra batteries
- Have one flashlight
for ever member of your family and extra batteries
- Have a 3-5 day
supply of food that can be prepared without electric or a gas stove
- Stock bottled
water
- Have candles
and matches available
- Make sure that
you have sufficient supply of home heating fuel
- Have available
some kind of emergency heating equipment (a kerosene heater, wood
burning stove, fireplace)
- Keep a fire extinguisher
on hand and make sure your family knows how to use it properly
- Make sure that
you have a 3-5 day supply of any prescription medicine you may be
taking
- For infants a
3- 5 day supply of diapers/formula/medication should be on hand
- If you have a
snow blower or power generator make sure equipment is operational
prior to the storm
- Extra fuel should
be on hand for snow blower/generator and should be stored in approved
containers in a well vented area
- Fill you vehicle
with fuel
- When a winter
storm warning is issued put your vehicles in you driveway. This will
aid the town and county snow removal efforts
- Remember if you
put you car in the garage and you have an electric garage door opener
your door may not be able to open the garage door if the power goes
out
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