Disaster Survival

Winter Storm + Extreme Cold

Winter storms are one of those disasters, like extreme heat, that most people feel prepared for since they get plenty of practice dealing with them. Yet every winter one region or another is crippled by snow and ice storms. There are many things you can do now to prepare your family and your home for the next winter season.

Before you get left out in the cold, follow these pointers recommended by the experts at Your Survival and hardy souls like the Breazeales:

BEFORE THE STORM APPROACHES

The best way to get through most winter storms is to stay in your home. And if the roads are covered in snow or ice, it will be difficult for help to reach you. Therefore, it's vital to have the appropriate supplies to keep yourself safe and comfortable until the weather softens.

Winterize Your Home

    Roof
  • Keep the attic well ventilated – the colder the attic, the less melting and refreezing on the roof
  • Keep the attic floor well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house
  • As an extra precaution against roof leaks, consider installing a water–repellent membrane under your roof covering Chimney
    Chimney
  • Have your chimney or flue inspected
    Pipes
  • Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow the heat transfer
  • Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space
  • If your house will be unattended during cold periods, drain the water system
  • Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts
    Exterior
  • Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking
  • Cut back tree branches that may fall on your home or in your driveway with heavy snow accumulation
    Interior
  • Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed properly and have fresh batteries
    Doors
  • Roll towels and tuck them at the base of doors to help keep heat from escaping through cracks
    Bathroom/Kitchen
  • Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes
    Garage
  • Open your garage door as little as possible to keep heat inside your home

Gather Home Supplies

Below are some items you should include in your home supply kit. You should have enough supplies to support your entire family for at least three days. If you have room, aim to have enough supplies needed to last a week or more. Be sure to check out the Your Survival interactive checklists under the Prepare Now section to help track your progress.

  • Baby formula and diapers for infants
  • Crank or battery powered NOAA Weather radio and flashlights
  • Customized first aid kit
  • Dry stack of firewood or full fuel tanks
  • Extra batteries
  • Food – items that require refrigeration and have a long shelf life
  • Non–electric can opener
  • Matches
  • Multi–purpose, dry chemical fire extinguisher
  • Rock salt
  • Shovel and ice scraper
  • Water – each person needs at least one gallon of water per day

Assemble A Medical Kit

While you can find many pre–made first aid kits in your local stores, the best ones are those that you assemble specifically for your family. Check out Your Survival's "Prepare Now" section to learn what medical supplies every home should have.

Prepare Your Vehicle

At the beginning of the winter season have a qualified person check your car and all fluid levels including:

  • Air filters
  • Antifreeze levels
  • Battery and ignition system
  • Brakes pads and break fluid
  • Exhaust system for cracks
  • Gas tank – always have at least half a tank of gas
  • Heater and defroster
  • Headlights, brake lights and hazard lights
  • Oil
  • Tire air pressure and tread – possibly changing out for snow tires or adding chains
  • Windshield wipers and washer fluid

Also keep a winter emergency kit in each vehicle that includes:

  • Battery powered radio
  • Blanket
  • Can of compressed air tire sealant to fix leaks
  • Cell phone charger or extra battery
  • Compass
  • Cup to melt snow for alternative drinking water
  • Emergency flares
  • Extra batteries
  • Extra hats, mittens and socks
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Fluorescent distress flag
  • Foil space blanket
  • High protein snack bars
  • Jumper cables
  • Matches
  • Necessary medications
  • Paper towels
  • Road maps
  • Road salt, sand or kitty litter
  • Shovel
  • Small broom
  • Tow chain or rope
  • Water
  • Windshield scraper

Watch For Warnings

Listen to your NOAA radio, local radio stations or local TV stations for storm warnings. It's important to know the differences between the advisories and to stay alert since weather conditions can change quickly.

Winter weather advisory – Expect winter weather conditions that can hinder regular routines
Frost/freeze warning – Expect below–freezing temperatures
Winter storm watch – Be alert because a storm is likely
Winter storm warning – A storm is in or entering the area
Blizzard warning – Seek shelter immediately as snow, strong winds, near–zero visibility, and life–threatening wind chill is expected

WHEN A STORM WARNING IS ISSUED

Stay Inside

Venturing outside or driving in a vehicle is never a good idea in adverse conditions. Stay inside and wait for the storm to pass. Don't forget about your pets' safety either. Animals should be brought indoors or put in a warm barn.

Conserve Heat

  • Lower the thermostat to 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night
  • Keep family members contained to as few rooms as possible, closing off unused rooms
  • Avoid opening doors and windows
  • Keep the garage door shut as much as possible
  • Roll towels and place at the base of doors
  • Close drapes and curtains

Lighting and Cooking Safety

  • Do not put a space heater on top of furniture or near water
  • Do not plug heaters into extension cords
  • Keep heating devices at least three feet from furniture and curtains
  • Know where your chemical fire extinguisher is located
  • Never store gas or fuel indoors
  • Use flashlights instead of candles
  • Never use outdoor charcoal or gas grills inside your home

Eat and Drink Wisely

  • Avoid drinking beverages with alcohol or caffeine
  • Eat well–balanced meals several time a day
  • If water becomes contaminated, boil for no less than one minute before consuming
  • If the power is out for less than 2 hours, food in your refrigerator and freezer will be safe to consume

If the power goes out

  • Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
  • A freezer that is half full will hold food safely for up to 24 hours
  • A full freezer will hold food safely for 48 hours
  • Pack dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, and spoilable leftovers into a cooler surrounded by ice
  • Use a digital thermometer to check food temperature before you cook or eat it
  • Throw away any food that has a temperature of more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit

AFTER THE STORM CLEARS

Dress Warmly and Stay Dry

  • Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing – the outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent
  • Wear mittens rather than gloves because they are warmer
  • Always wear a hat
  • Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs

Avoid Exertion

When it's cold outside your body uses most of its energy to stay warm. Make sure you check with your doctor before doing any physical work outside in the cold.

  • Dress warmly
  • Work slowly
  • Avoid perspiration
  • Limit all activities
  • Take frequent breaks to go inside and warm up
  • Be aware of icy areas and sprinkle rock salt or sand for better footing.

Be Careful When Traveling

Tell someone where you are going, the route you'll be taking and when you expect to be back. Ask that they call authorities if you do not arrive at your destination on time. And make sure you have the proper supplies and up–to–date maps in your vehicle.

If You Do Become Stranded

  • Stay in your vehicle
  • Do not leave the car to look for help unless help is visible within 100 yards
  • Display a brightly colored distress flag, raise the car hood or display a help sign
  • To keep warm, turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour
  • Run the heater only when the car is running
  • Turn on car lights only when the car is running
  • Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow
  • Crack a window away from the blowing wind for fresh air
  • Do light exercise and stretching to stay warm
  • Stay awake as much as possible
  • Take turns sleeping and try not to sleep at all if you're alone
  • Huddle close together with the other people in the vehicle
  • Wrap your body and head with extra clothes, blankets, newspapers, maps or removable car mats
  • Do not eat snow because it lowers your body temperature
  • As a last resort when no water is available, snow can be melted by using a can and a lit match –Remember, water must come to a rolling boil for one minute to kill most germs, and boiling water won't get rid of chemicals sometimes found in snow
  • Do not pour water on the windshield to melt ice because it may shatter the glass