Freezing Rain
Rain that freezes on contact with roads, trees, sidewalks, etc.
Sleet
Rain that freezes before hitting the ground.
Winter Storm Watch
A winter storm is possible in the area.
Blizzard Warning
Winds or gusts 35 mph or greater, along with snow, are expected to last 3 hours or more.
Winter Storm Warning
A winter storm is occurring or will begin soon.
Frost/Freeze Warning
Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.
Create a plan for your family
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Prepare an Emergency Kit
The below listed items should be part of your basic emergency kit and kept in a container that can be easily carried. Use the Family
Safety Guide as a reference to gather additional items important to your family.
Water and canned or dried food - families should set aside one gallon of water per person per day, to last three days, and a three-day supply of food
per person. The food should be nonperishable items that don’t need to be cooked, such as tuna and crackers. Remember to include a manual can
opener. If there’s an infant in the house, include formula and baby food.
Battery powered radio
Flashlight
Extra batteries for the radio and flashlight
Prescription medications
First-aid kit
Copies of insurance policies, deeds and other important records
Listen for information about what to do and where to go during an actual emergency.
City, county, and state officials have developed emergency plans.
Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside bedrooms.
If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the home immediately. NEVER use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any other partially enclosed area.
If your vehicle is stranded, pull off the road and turn on your hazard lights.
If no buildings are in sight, stay in your vehicle, where emergency responders can find you.Wrap yourself in blankets, or use seat covers, floor mats and maps. Run the engine for 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a window slightly for ventilation. Balance use of the heater and lights to conserve battery. Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. Minimize travel and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
Running water, even at a trickle helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Consider alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood or coal-burning stoves.
Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually. Bring pets inside during winter weather. Move other animals and livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen water.
Take care of yourself and your family.
Wear several layers of clothing and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your
lunges. Watch for signs of frostbite such as loss of feeling along with paleness in tip of nose, fingers, toes and ear lobes.
Beware of hypothermia, signs include uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, memory loss or disorientation