Winter Weather Awareness
Severe Weather Watches and Warnings
Winter Storm Watch - A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter
weather may
affect your area.
Winter Storm Warning - A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter
weather
conditions are definitely on the way.
Blizzard Warning - means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and
sustained winds of at
least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.
Exposure in Winter Weather
Wind Chill Effect - is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the
effects of temperature and wind speed are combined. A strong wind combined with
a
temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air
temperature of
about 35 degrees colder.
FROSTBITE and HYPOTHERMIA
Frostbite - a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its
victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes or
nose
and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite.
Hypothermia - a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less
than 55
degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering,
slow
speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness and exhaustion.
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 frostbite or hypothermia victims anything with caffeine
(coffee or tea) or
alcohol in it.
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 temperature.
Winter Driving Tips:
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.
Here are some helpful hints as to how to prepare:
Have a mechanic check the following items on you car:
Battery
Antifreeze
Wipers and windshield washer fluid
Ignition system
Thermostat
Lights
Flashing hazard lights
Exhaust System
Heater
Brakes
Defroster
Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30weight 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 in your car.
Maintain at least a half tank of
gas during the winter season.
Plan long trips carefully. 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 on other person.
If you must go out during a winter
storm, use public transportation whenever possible.
Dress warmly. Wear layers of
loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.
Carry food and water. Store a
supply of high energy munchies and several bottles of water.
Contact the Teller County Emergency
Preparedness Office or your local chapter of the American Red Cross for more information
on winter driving.
Winter Car Kit
Keep these
items in your car:
Cellular
Telephone
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid kit with pocket knife
Necessary medications
Several blankets
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, puzzles, books
Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
Canned fruit and nuts
Non-electric can opener
Bottled water
If you are trapped in a vehicle during a blizzard:
STAY IN THE VEHICLE!
Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards; you may become
disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.
Display a trouble sign; hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the car hood.
Occasionally run engine to keep warm; turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour.
Run the heater when the car is running. Also turn on the car's dome light when the car is running.
Beware of carbon
monoxide poisoning.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
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.