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.
Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit for Home and Car, Including --
- 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 per person per day to last at least 3 days).
- Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens and a hat.
- Have your car winterized before winter storm season.
Know What Winter Storm WATCHES and WARNINGS Mean
- A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
- A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
- A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind-chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!
Know What to do When a Winter Storm WATCH is Issued
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio and television stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
- Be alert to changing weather conditions.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
Know What to do 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.
- After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
- Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...
- Carry a disaster supply kit 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 Are Stuck
- Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna for rescuers to see.
- Start the car and use the heater for 10 minutes every hour. Keep exhaust pipe clear so fumes do not 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 wind direction) slightly open to let in air.
What to Do After a Winter Storm
- Continue listening to local weather reports for updated information and instructions. Access to roads may be limited or blocked in certain areas.
- Help a neighbor who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
- Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved.
- Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.
Additional Resources
Materials for Children
For More Information
Contact Elena Sabin at the St. Louis Area Chapter for information on Community Disaster Education presentations available for children and adults at (314) 516-2753.