Severe winter weather can be extremely dangerous, so staying alert to weather conditions is essential. Preparing in advance is crucial for your safety.
Winter weather is now in full swing across many parts of the United States. Severe conditions, including snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain, significantly increase the risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
With its many forms, severe winter weather can persist for a few hours or extend over several days. It poses severe dangers, potentially disrupting power, heating, and communication services.
Winter weather should not be underestimated, as it puts older adults, children, those with health issues, underserved communities, and pets at heightened risk.
Winter Weather Terminology
Winter Storm Watch
The National Weather Service will issue a "Winter Storm Watch" when there is a possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet.
The NWS will typically issue these watches 12 to 48 hours before the winter storm is predicted to begin. This gives residents the ability to get prepared ahead of time.
Winter Storm Warning
The National Weather Service will issue a "Winter Storm Warning" when heavy snow, freezing rain, or sleet is either imminent or already occurring.
Winter Storm Warnings are often issued 12 to 24 hours before meteorologists expect the storm to begin.
Winter Weather Advisory
The National Weather Service will issue a "Winter Weather Advisory" when there are accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet that are considered dangerous. These advisories also point to significant inconveniences and could lead to life-threatening situations.
Staying Weather Alert
Knowledge is power so it's key to ensure that you and your family have multiple, redundant ways of receiving important weather information. Those could include alerts via NOAA weather radio, cellphones, and information via local meteorologists.
About NOAA Weather Radio
NOAA Weather Radio is a national network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information. This information comes directly from the National Weather Service (NWS).
These broadcasts include warnings, watches, forecasts, current weather observations, and other hazardous information.
According to weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio is "the most comprehensive weather and emergency information available to the public."
NOAA Weather Radios will alert users of important information as soon as the National Weather Service issues them.
You can see all of Midland's NOAA Weather Radios on the Midland website.
Preparing for Severe Winter Weather
It's important to always take the National Weather Service and your local meteorologists seriously. If severe winter weather is headed your way, take the time to make sure you, your home, your family, your car, etc. are ready for the most dire of situations.
Your Home
Make sure your home is ready for the cold and inclement weather with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Ensuring your house is ready and dripping water from your faucets can also keep your pipes from freezing and possibly bursting. You'll also want to install and test both your smoke alarm and caron monoxide detectors and ensure you have extra batteries available.
Gather the proper supplies before the storm hits. That includes important medication, batteries, enough nonperishable food and water supply for the entire household to last several days, candles, blankets, pet supplies, and flashlights.
If you can't afford your heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, check with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.
Your Car
Packing your car is just as important as ensuring your home is prepared for a storm. Preparedness experts recommend keeping up with the maintenance on your car like the radiator service, checking antifreeze level, replacing windshield-wiper fluid with wintertime mixture, checking tire pressure and tread, and keeping the gas tank full.
You'll also want to keep your car in good, working order by ensuring the heater, defroster, brakes, brake fluid, ignition, emergency flashers, exhaust, oil, and battery are ready to go.
Here are a few items you should always have in your car in case of severe winter weather:
- Emergency crank radio
- Flashlight
- Bag of cat litter to improve tire traction
- Snow shovel
- First aid kit
- Ice scraper
- Jumper cables
- Water
- Blanket
- Phone charger
- Matches
- Nonperishable snacks
Stay Safe During Winter Weather
Listen to your local officials, meteorologists, and NOAA Weather Radio as sever winter weather rolls in. Driving on the roads is dangerous. Stay off the roads if possible. If you find yourself trapped in your car, stay inside until help arrives.
Reduce the risk of heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow. Shoveling can be dangerous because of the level of exertion it requires and because of the impact of cold temperatures on your heart. Cold weather causes the blood vessels to contract, raising your blood pressure which in turn increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Some signs and symptoms of heart attacks include nausea or vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, pain, numbness or tingling in your jaw, back, neck or shoulders, cold sweat, sensation of heartburn, or sudden fatigue.
Try to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors. If you can't avoid the outdoors, wear several layers of warm clothing.
Signs of Life-Threatening Conditions
Spending too much time outside in severe winter weather can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia.
ready.gov says, "Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes. Hypothermia is 'an unusually low body temperature.' A temperature below 95 is an emergency."
Frostbite signs:
- Numbness
- White or grayish-yellow skin
- Firm or waxy skin
Hypothermia signs:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Fumbling hands
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
Using a Generator
Generators are useful, especially when power goes out, which can happen during severe winter storms. However, if not used properly, generators can be dangerous. It's important to know how to safely use them to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards.
First, always make sure you are following the manufacturer's directions carefully. Generators and fuel should only be used outdoors. Make sure you keep both at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages.
Experts with the Department of Homeland Security say you should keep the generator dry and protected from both rain and flooding. Touching a wet generator can lead to electrical shock.
When connecting a generator to appliances, use heavy-duty extension cords.
Let the generator cool before refueling. Spilled fuel on a hot engine could lead to a fire.
Most importantly, make sure there is a working carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home.
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