Prepare a Winter Storm Plan:

Have extra blankets on hand.

Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing…

First aid kit and essential medications.

Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

Canned food and can opener.

Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days).

Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your car, too.

Have your car winterized before winter storm season.

When a Winter Storm WATCH is Issued:

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, and TV stations for further updates.

Be alert to changing weather conditions.

Avoid unnecessary travel.

When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued:

Stay indoors during the storm.

If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.

Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.

If You Do Get Stuck While Driving:

Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.

Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.

Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.

Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.

As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.

Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

What to Do After a Winter Storm:

Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.

Access may be limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be blocked.

Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.

Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.

Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.

For this and more information visit www.redcross.org or www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter