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Title
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Winter Storm Preparedness
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Type
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Primary: Mission Briefing Article
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Operation
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Monster Storms
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Mission:
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Mission 5: The Recovery
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Print Page
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100,101
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Subjects
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Science | Earth and space science | Weather | Precipitation | Storms | Temperature | Wind | Personal and social issues | Personal health
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Grades
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5 | 6 | 7 | 8
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Keywords
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winter storm, blizzard, snow storm, snowstorm, winter condition, winter preparedness, winter preparation, winter storm prepare, winter storm preparedness, blizzard preparation, blizzard preparedness, winter storm season, preparedness kit, emergency kit, winter hazard, winter storm warning, winter storm watch, blizzard warning, blizzard watch, wind chill, snowfall, emergency preparation, emergency plan
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Duration
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00:00:00 (HH:MM:SS)
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Audience
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Teachers | Elementary Grades | Junior High
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Created On
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5/17/2007
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Copyright
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Photo courtesy of James Amos/NGS
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From: Monster Storms Mission 5: The Recovery (pp: 100,101) |
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Winter Storm Preparedness Read about the differences between winter storm warnings and watches and how to stay safe outside, in your home, and in your car when a winter storm hits. Assemble a winter storm preparedness kit using the included checklist. |
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A winter storm warning alerts you that heavy snowfall or extreme cold is headed your way. Unlike a storm watch, which identifies the possibility of a winter storm, a warning informs you that the storm will arrive shortly. You can find out more about the approaching weather by listening to NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio or television broadcasts.
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Strong winds and heavy snowfall can produce blinding conditions in a blizzard.
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The National Weather Service will issue a blizzard warning for a severe winter storm if it meets several criteria. A winter storm is categorized as a blizzard if it comes with high winds in excess of 56 km/h (35 mph), dangerous wind chill, and heavy falling and/or blowing snow that will last for at least three hours.
During a severe winter storm it is best to remain inside and keep from doing any unnecessary traveling. Keep warm and prepare for the loss of electrical power, telephone service, and heat. To conserve heat, close off unneeded rooms. If you have a cell phone, use it only when essential in order to conserve its battery. Make sure you have access to shovels to begin digging out when the storm is over. 
After the storm, continue to listen to radio or television reports for information updates, road conditions, school and office closings, and other affected services. Look around your property for damage that may have occurred. Remove snow from walkways and from around furnace vents and laundry vents so that these vents can operate freely. If you see downed electrical lines, stay away and contact authorities immediately. Make sure water pipes are not frozen. You can use a hair dryer to thaw pipes if they do freeze.
Contact neighbors to make sure that they are all right, particularly if there are infants, elderly people, or people with disabilities who live near you. They may require additional help in dealing with conditions brought on by a winter storm.
When shoveling snow, don’t overdo it. In some individuals, the physical exertion can lead to serious injuries, including cardiac arrest. You may want to have a supply of sand to spread on walkways and driveways for better traction. A supply of road salt can also come in handy to accelerate melting or prevent the formation of ice.
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Winter Storm Preparedness Kit
To be ready for the winter storm season, you can assemble a storm safety kit that includes these items:
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- Flashlight
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio
- Extra batteries for flashlight and radio
- Cell phone
- First-aid kit and prescription drugs
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- Bottled water, canned food, high-energy snacks
- Manual can opener
- Layers of warm clothing
- Hats, mittens, and boots
- Extra blankets
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Avoid traveling during and after a winter storm until you know that conditions have improved and roads are passable. If you must travel by car, let someone know where you are headed, what route you plan to take, and when you expect to arrive. Keep a storm supply kit in the trunk, and keep the car’s gas tank full. If you get stranded during a storm, stay with the car; do not try to walk to safety. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna for rescuers to see. Start the car and use the heater for about ten minutes every hour, and keep your arms and legs moving to stay warm. Be sure that the exhaust pipe outside the car stays clear so that fumes do not back up into the car. Wait for emergency assistance to arrive.
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