FREE ACCESS: Tips for preparing for a winter storm

The Greene County Emergency Management Agency shared the following winter storm season planning list ahead of the possible incoming winter weather:

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.

• Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing a first aid kit and essential medications, battery-powered NOAA weather radio and portable radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, canned food and nonelectric can opener and bottled water.

• Have your car winterized before winter storm season

• Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your car containing blankets, extra sets of dry clothing, a shovel, sand, tire chains, jumper cables, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries and a brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna.

Stay tunes for storm warnings

• Listen to NOAA weather radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

• Know what storm ‘watches’ and ‘warnings’ mean.

A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in the area.

A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for the area.

A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chill are suspected. Seek shelter immediately.

When a winter storm WATCH is issued...

• Listen to NOAA weather radio, local radio and TV stations or cable TV such as ‘The Weather Channel’ 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 the 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 skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature.

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.

• After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion.

Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...

• Have emergency supplies in the trunk.

• Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

• Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

If you do get stuck...

• 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 into the car.

• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so 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.