Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. Most fatalities are indirectly related to the storm. People die from traffic accidents on icy roads, heart attacks while shoveling snow, and hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold.

Be prepared for winter weather! Listen to NOAA weather radio or commercial radio/television to stay informed about winter storm watches, warnings and advisories.

At home and work, plan ahead for winter storms by having these in hand:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-powered NOAA weather Radio
• Extra food and water - high energy food such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration
• can opener
• Extra medicine and baby supplies
• First aid kit
• Heating fuel
• Emergency heat source
• Fire extinguisher
• Smoke alarm
• Make sure pets have plenty of food, water, and shelter

If you are already indoors during hazardous winter weather:

• Stay inside!
• When using alternate heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and properly ventilate
• Close off unneeded rooms
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors
• Cover windows at night
• Eat and drink - food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing

The best advice for traveling during forecasted winter conditions is; “simply stay at home”. Only travel if necessary. However, if you must:

Before starting out in a vehicle:

• Plan your travel
• Check the weather
• Have road condition phone numbers handy
• Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit
• Keep the gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines
• Avoid traveling alone
• Let someone know your timetable and route

If you are stranded in your vehicle during hazardous winter weather:

• Stay with your vehicle
• Take turns sleeping
• Run the motor every hour for 10 minutes to keep warm
• Keep windows open a little to prevent carbon monoxide buildup
• Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked
• Tie a bright cloth to the antenna
• Exercise periodically by vigorously moving your arms, legs, toes and fingers
• Turn on the dome light while the engine is running to aid rescuers at night
• After the snow stops falling, raise the car hood to indicate you need help

A good automobile Winter Safety Kit includes: cell phone and charger, blankets, flashlight and extra batteries, first-aid kit, knife, high-calorie non-perishable food, bottled water, extra clothing to keep dry, large empty can to use as emergency toilet, tissues and paper towels, small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water, sack of sand or cat litter for traction, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit, tow rope, battery booster cables, water container, compass and road maps.

Dress for the storm if you must be outdoors during severe winter weather:

• Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothes in layers
• Remove layers to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill
• Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded.
• Wear a hat --half your body heat loss can be from the head.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
• Try to stay dry

If you are caught outdoors during hazardous winter weather:

• DO NOT PANIC
• Find shelter
• Try to stay dry
• Cover all exposed body parts
• Build shelter: a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind
• Build a fire for heat and to attract attention
• Place rocks around fire to absorb and reflect heat
• Melt snow for drinking water -- eating snow will lower your body temperature
• Avoid overexertion - especially when shoveling or freeing stuck vehicles

Being prepared for winter weather (just like all weather) starts at home. "BE AWARE - BE PREPARED – MAKE A KIT – HAVE A PLAN”.
<<Top


 

For many drivers, navigating on snow and ice is cause for alarm. Few are educated and practiced in how to drive in heavy rain or on slippery surfaces. And, much confusion prevails. So when the weather turns foul, remember these driving tips to steer clear of trouble:
 

Adjust your speed to current conditions:
When driving in challenging conditions, slow down. Decreasing your speed will allow more time to respond when a difficult situation arises. Factors such as the type of vehicle you are driving, the quality of snow tires your car is equipped with, and your abilities as a driver should all be considered in the speed adjustment.

Anticipate difficult situations:
Studies have shown that 80 percent of all accidents could be prevented with only 1 more second to react. In many situations, this second can be gained by looking far enough down the road to identify problems before you become a part of them.

Use grip effectively:
When roads are slippery, use all of the grip available for one thing at a time. Brake only before the curve when the car is traveling straight. Taking your foot off the brake before you steer into the curve allows you to use all of the grip available for steering. Don't accelerate until you begin to straighten the steering wheel when exiting the turn. This technique will allow you to be 100-percent effective at each maneuver.

Maintain a comfortable driving environment:
A constant flow of cool air will help to keep you alert, and keep the windows clear of frost. Keeping one window slightly open will allow you to hear sirens and other warning sounds more quickly. Avoid large bulky boots, gloves, and coats, and never drive in ski boots.

Wipers on, lights on:
Whenever daytime visibility is less than ideal, turning on your lights allows you to see, and to be seen by others. Remember this rule of thumb: wipers on, lights on. When traveling in snowy weather, remember to clear tail lights, signal lights, and headlamps regularly.

Use snow and ice tires:
Be aware that an all-season tire is a compromise, and will not perform as well as a snow and ice tire. To maximize safety and control, use the best snow and ice tires available.

Don't overestimate:
The capability of four-wheel-drive vehicles is greater than other vehicles, but not limitless. Many drivers mistakenly believe that four-wheel drive is all powerful. Every type of vehicle depends on four small contact patches where the tire meets the road for traction. This small contact area is the limiting factor of any vehicle on a slippery surface. Four-wheel drive does not improve braking or cornering effectiveness.

Anti-lock brakes can't perform miracles:
Don't be misled by anti-lock braking systems. Braking efficiency is limited by the grip available, and the type of tires with which your car is equipped. If you carry to much speed into a corner and then try to brake, even anti-lock brakes won't keep you on the road. Never count on technology to replace good judgment.

Go with lows:
Leave your headlamps on low beam when driving in snow or fog. This practice minimizes the reflection and glare, improves visibility, and reduces eye fatigue. When oncoming cars approach, focus on the right side of the roadway to help maintain good night vision.

Wear quality sunglasses:
Good quality sunglasses help highlight changes in the terrain and road surface even in low visibility conditions.

Don't overreact:
Many people believe that quick reactions make a good driver. The world's best drivers are trained to anticipate f problems early and direct the vehicle appropriately before they become involved in a problem. Reacting too quickly can be dangerous if the driver's response is inappropriate.

Keep momentum:
Gain speed and momentum on the flat before starting uphill. When the car begins to slow down going up the hill, ease up on the accelerator, allow the car to slow down and crest the hill slowly. If you try and accelerate too hard and spin the wheels, you may lose momentum and not make the top. It's better to make the top at a slower speed than to not make it at all.

Likely the best tip during adverse driving conditions would be to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary. Given the capabilities of today’s road crews, you shouldn’t have to wait long.

Garrard County EMA/CSEPP
  Garrard County Emergency Management Agency  & Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
  308 West Maple Avenue, Suite 3,   Lancaster, Kentucky 40444   (859)792-4786
www.garrardema.com