How to Prepare for Winter Storms:
Winter Storms
Heavy snowfall, ice, and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.
You can help prepare your family for winter storms by winterizing your home, car, and by protecting yourself from frostbite and hypothermia. Find out how below.
Safe Driving Tips During Winter Weather:
Dress for the Weather
Prepare your Car
Your Home and Family
Check, or have a mechanic check, the following items on your car: antifreeze levels, exhaust system, heater and defroster, thermostat, and lights and flashing hazard lights. Be sure to install good winter tires and have a winter emergency kit in each car
Winterize your home by insulating walls and attic, installing storm windows, insulating pipes, and ensuring your roof is in good condition.
Add rock salt, blankets, sand, and snow shovels to your disaster supply kit. Be sure to include winter disasters in all family emergency plans.
Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Always wear a hat, a scarf to cover your mouth, and mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
- Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
- Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
- Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
