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Office of Emergency Management


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Winter Storms

Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.  Even areas which normally experience mild winders can be hit with a major snow storm or extreme cold.  the results can range from isolation due to blocked roads and downed power lines to the havoc of cars and trucks sliding on icy highways.

Winter Weather Terms

Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways.

Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground.  Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.

Winter Weather Advisory - Cold, ice and snow are expected.

Winter Storm Watch - Severe winter weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible within the next day or two.

Winter Storm Warning - Severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin.

Blizzard Warning - Heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill.

Frost/Freeze Warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected.

Before the winter season...

  • Gather emergency supplies:

  1. A battery-powered NOAA weather radio and a batter-powered commercial radio; stock extra batteries.

  2. Food that doesn't require cooking.

  3. Extra water in clean soda bottles.

  4. Rock salt to melt ice on walkways and sand to improve traction.

  5. Flashlights and battery-powered lamps and extra batteries in case of a power outage.  Candles are a fire hazard.

  • Prepare for possible isolation in your home:

  1. Make sure that you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.

  2. Have emergency heating equipment and fuel [a gas fireplace or a wood burning store or fireplace] so you can keep at least one room of your house warm enough to be livable.  If your furnace is controlled by a thermostat and your electricity is cut ff by a storm, you will need emergency heat.

  3. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood.

  4. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.

  • Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply.

  1. Insulate walls and attics.

  2. Caulk and weather strip doors and windows.

  3. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.

During a winter storm...

  • Listen to the radio or television for weather reports and emergency information.

  • Dress for the season ... wear several layers of loose fitting, light-weight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.  The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.  Mittens are warmer than gloves.  Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.  Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from the cold air.

  • Be careful when shoveling snow.  Overexertion can bring on a heart attack -- a major cause of death in the winter.  If you must shovel snow, do some stretch exercises before going out and don't overexert yourself. 

  • Watch for signs of frostbite - a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose.  If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

  • Watch for signs of hypothermia - uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.  If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get medical help immediately.

  • Conserve heat if necessary by keeping your house cooler than normal.  Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.  When using kerosene heaters maintain ventilation to avoid build0up of toxic fumes.  Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

Winter driving tips

If you must travel, consider taking public transportation.  If you travel by car, travel in the day, don't travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule.  Stay on main roads; avoid back-road shortcuts.

Keep your car "winterized" with antifreeze.  Use snow tires.

Carry a "Winter Car Kit" in the trunk of your car.  This kit should contain items such as a shovel, windshield scraper, battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, water, snack food, mittens, hat, blanket, tow chain or rope, tire chains, bag of road salt, sand, a fluorescent distress flag, booster cables, road maps, and an emergency flare.

If a blizzard traps you in your car:

  1. Pull off the highway. Set your hazard lights to "flashing" and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.

  2. Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you.  Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you now you can take shelter.  Be careful: distances are distorted by blowing snow.  A building may seem close but be too far to walk to in deep snow. 

  3. Run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm.  When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation.  This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.  Periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.

  4. Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion.  In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation.  Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.

  5. Take turns sleeping.  One person should be awake at all times to look out for rescue crews.

  6. Be careful not to use-up battery power.  Balance electrical energy needs -- the use of lights, heat and radio -- with supply.

  7. At night, turn on the inside dome light so work crews can see you.

  8. If stranded in a remote rural or wilderness area, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.  Once the blizzard passes, you may need to leave the care and proceed on foot.