Plan for a Winter Storm

Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Please see the "Family Disaster Plan" section for general family planning information. Develop a winter storm-specific plan. Learn about your area's winter storm risk.Different areas have different risks associated with winter storms. Contact your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or local National Weather Service office about your area's winter storm risk.

If you are at risk from winter storms:

  -Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures o exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. "Wind chill" is a calculation of how cold it feels when the effects of wind speed and temperature are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.

  -Service snow removal equipment before winter storm season. Equipment should be available for use if needed. Maintain it in good working order.

  -Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

  -Get training. Take an American Red Cross first aid course to learn how to treat exposure to the cold, frostbite, and hypothermia.

  -Discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm WATCH or WARNING is issued. Designate one household member as the winter storm preparedness leader. Have him or her discuss what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Have another household member state what he or she would do if caught outside or in a vehicle during a winter storm. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing winter storms ahead of time helps reduce fear and lets everyone know how to respond during a winter storm.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

Please see the section "Disaster Supplies Kit" for general supplies kit information. Winter Storm-specific supplies should include the following:

  -A warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water-resistant boots for each member of the family.
  -Extra blankets and warm clothing.
  -Nonclumping kitty litter. Kitty litter will generate temporary traction. Rock salt will melt ice on walkways but can damage vegetation and concrete. Other, less damaging, ice melting products are available from building supply stores.
  -Disaster Suplies Kit basics.

How to Protect Your Property

Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate walls and attic. This will help you to conserve electricity and reduce your home's power demands for heat. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out, allowing the inside temperature to stay warmer longer.

Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. This will provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out.

To keep pipes from freezing:

  -Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.

  -Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.

  -Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.

  -Know how to shut off water valves.

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). A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution to prevent overheating, also works well.

Consider storing sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off. Be cautious of fire hazards when storing any type of fuel.

Before winter, be sure you install and check smoke alarms.

Consider keeping safe emergency heating equipment:

  -Fireplace with ample supply of wood.

  -Small, well-vented wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel.

  -Portable space heater or kerosene heater. Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community. Use only the correct fuel for your unit and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Refuel outdoors only, and only when cool. Keep your kerosene heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.

When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and ventilate properly. Fire hazard is greatly increased in the winter because alternate heating sources are used without following proper safety precautions.

Install snow fences in rural areas to reduce drifting in roads and paths, which could block access to homes, barns, and animals' feed and water.

If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance to cover possible flood damage that may occur during the spring thaw. Homeowners' policies do not cover damage from floods. Ask your insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program if you are at risk.


                                     All information obtained from The American Red Cross