Winter Season

Facts and Preparedness

__________________________

Cold weather and winter storms are often referred to as “The Deceptive Killers”.  In the Northeast we are well accustom to cold weather and winter storms, including Nor’easters, however, every year dozens of people across the nation are killed as a result of effects from the season.  With this said the Southborough Emergency Management Division and Local Emergency Planning Committee urge everyone to be prepared for the winter season.  Within this document you will learn some winter terminology, the inherent dangers, preparedness steps you can take and recommendations on how to react during a storm.

Some Interesting Facts:

• Each year dozens of Americans die due to exposure to the cold.  This number is increased dramatically by adding deaths related to motor vehicle accidents, heart attacks and house fires (commonly caused by the use of electric heaters).

• Hypothermia and frostbite are realistic hazards and can lead to the loss of fingers and toes or cause permanent kidney, pancreas and liver damage and can easily lead to death.

• Winter storms can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snow and cold temperatures. 

• People may be trapped at home or in a car without utilities or assistance for a significant period of time.

• Attempting to walk for help during a winter storm can be a deadly decision.

• Winter storms produce hidden hazards in addition to snow fall and cold temperatures.

• 70% of injuries result from vehicle accidents – 20% of injuries occur in people caught out in a storm.  Most injuries happen to males over 40 years old.  Several fatal heart attacks occur in middle age males from overexertion shoveling heavy snow.

Terminology:

• Winter Weather Outlook: 
• Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2-5 days.
• Winter Weather Watch:
• Winter Storm conditions are possible within the next 36-48 hours.
• Prepare now!
• Winter Storm Warning:
• Life-threatening severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within the next 24 hours.
• Take action now!
• Winter weather Advisory:
• Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous
• Blizzard:
• Winds 35 mph or more with snow and blowing snow reducing visibility to less than ¼ mile for at least 3 hours.  The amount of snow fall is not a factor.
• Snow Squalls:
• Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds.  Accumulation may be significant.
• Frostbite:
• Damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold.  Wind chill of -20 degrees Fahrenheit (F) will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes.  Signs and symptoms include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities.  Get medical attention immediately and re-warm effected areas slowly.
• Hypothermia:
• A condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95 Degrees (F).  Persons can easily die form this condition and those who survive often have lasting kidney, liver and pancreas problems.  Warning signs include; uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and exhaustion.  Seek medical attention immediately. 

o      NOTE: Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.

Preparedness:

Before the season

• Store drinking water, first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, radio, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily, even in the dark.
• Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit in each.
• Avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, do so during daylight. Don't travel alone. Stay on main roads, and keep others informed of your schedule.
• Get a NOAA Weather Radio to monitor severe weather.
• Know how the public is warned (siren, radio, TV, etc.)
• Know how to contact other household members through a common out-of-state contact in the event you have to evacuate and become separated.
• Know how to turn off gas, electric power and water before evacuating.
• Know in advance what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
• Keep plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, sandbags and hand tools on hand and accessible.
• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Install storm shutters, doors and windows; clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks; and check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow--or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
• If you think you might want to volunteer in case of a disaster, now is the time to let voluntary organizations or the emergency services office know.

During a storm:

• Monitor your NOAA Weather Radio or keep a local radio and/or TV station on for information and emergency instructions.
• Have your emergency survival kit ready to go if told to evacuate.
• If you go outside for any reason, dress for the season and expected conditions.
  For cold weather, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in snow or flooding conditions.

• If advised to evacuate, tell others where you are going, turn off utilities if told to, then leave immediately, following routes designated by local officials.

·       Have snow removal equipment and rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to generate temporary traction.

·        

·       Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.  Lower thermostat to 65 degrees day and 55 degrees night.

·        

·       Have safe emergency heating equipment available.

• Fireplace with ample supply of wood
• Small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel
• Portable space heaters –
• Use Caution – Fire Hazards
• Unvented kerosene heaters are prohibited in MA
• Install and check smoke detectors.
• Install and check carbon monoxide detectors

·       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.

·       Stretch before you go out.

o      If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. Also take frequent breaks.

·       Cover your mouth.

o      Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.

·       Avoid overexertion.

o      Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.

·       Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

·       Keep dry.

o      Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

·       Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

Winter Driving:

The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.

Before the Season:

·       Have a mechanic check the following items on your car.

·       Battery , Antifreeze, Wipers and windshield washer fluid, Ignition system

• Thermostat, Lights, Flashing hazard lights, Exhaust system, Heater
• Brakes, Defroster, and Antifreeze
• Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety)

·       Install good winter tires.
Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

·       Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.

·       Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.

·       Plan long trips carefully.

o      Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person.

·       Avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, do so during daylight. Don't travel alone. Stay on main roads, and keep others informed of your schedule

·       If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation.

o      Dress warmly.
Wear layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.

o      Carry food and water.
Store a supply of high energy "munchies" and several bottles of water.

·       Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on winter driving.

Winter Car Kit:
Keep these items in your car:

• Flashlights with extra batteries, first aid kit with pocket knife
• Necessary medications, several blankets  or sleeping bags
• Extra newspapers for insulation, plastic bags (for sanitation)
• Matches, extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap
• Rain gear and extra clothes, small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels, small shovel, small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
• Booster cables, set of tire chains or traction mats
• Cards, games, and puzzles, brightly colored cloth to use as a flag

• Canned fruit and nuts, non electric can opener, bottled water

What to do if a storm traps you in your car:

• Stay in your car.
  Do not leave your car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow. Pull off the road, set hazard lights to flashing, and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window. Remain in your vehicle; rescuers are most likely to find you there.
• Do not set out on foot unless you see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.
• Display a trouble sign.
  Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood
• Turn on the inside dome light so rescue teams can see you at night, but be careful not to run the battery down. In remote areas, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract the attention of rescue planes.
• Conserve fuel, but run the engine and heater about ten (10) minutes each hour to keep warm.
• Crack windows slightly (downwind) and keep exhaust pipes clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

·       Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia; do minor exercises to keep up circulation.

·       Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.

·       For warmth, huddle together.

·       Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.

·       Avoid overexertion.
Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.

·       If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure.

·       Put person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.

·       Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.

• Once the blizzard is over, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot. Follow the road if possible. If you need to walk across open country, use distant points as landmarks to help maintain your sense of direction.

After a Storm:

·       Report downed power lines and broken gas lines immediately.

·       After blizzards, heavy snows or extreme cold, check to see that no physical damage has occurred and that water pipes are functioning. If there are no other problems, wait for streets and roads to be opened before you attempt to drive anywhere.

·       Check on neighbors, especially any who might need help.

·       Beware of overexertion and exhaustion. Shoveling snow in extreme cold causes many heart attacks. Set your priorities and pace yourself after any disaster that leaves you with a mess to clean up. The natural tendency is to do too much too soon.

More Information:

For additional detailed information refer to the following websites or contact the Southborough EMD/LEPC office.

American Red Cross – Winter Storm:

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_595_,00.html

National Weather Service: Winter Weather:

http://nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/index.shtml

BACK