Blizzards or winter storms produce a variety of conditions threatening both life and property.  Here are some tips for your home and travel:

Prepare your home:

v     Make sure your home has smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers and that they are in working order.

v     Make sure you have extra blankets, as well as warm coats, gloves, hats and water-resistant boots for each member of your family.

v     Main a Survival Kit – see our “Disaster Kit” and “Winter Car Kit” (below)

v     Insulate the water pipes most susceptible to freezing i.e., exterior walls, attics and crawl spaces using home insulation material or UL approved heat tape.  Seal any visible air leaks in exterior walls where pipes are located.

v     If you have a wood burning fireplace, stock an ample supply of wood where it may be retrieved easily in the event of a storm.

v     If you have a camp stove or kerosene heater, make sure you safety store an ample supply of fuel.

What to do when a blizzard of winter storm hits:

v     Remain indoors.  If you must go outside, wear multiple layers of lightweight clothing rather than a single heavy coat.  Prevent the escape of body heat from your head and hands with hats, gloves and cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

v     Wear layers of loose fitting clothing indoors, removing layers to avoid overheating and perspiration.  Eat to supply body heat and drink water to avoid dehydration

v     Understand the hazards of wind chill (See chart below)

v     Conserve fuel by keeping your house cooler than normal and temporarily closing off heat to some rooms.

v     Place blankets over windows at night, but allow sunshine to enter during daytime.  Insulate cracks around doors with rugs, newspapers, towels, etc.

v     When using stoves, kerosene heaters or wood burning fireplaces, make sure you have adequate ventilation to avoid the build-up of toxic fumes indoors.  Refuel stoves and heaters outside only

v     To protect pipes, let hot and cold water trickle from all faucets, indoors or out, and make sure family members know how to shut off water in the event a pipe bursts.

Travel Precautions:

v     Before long distance travel, have a mechanic check your car out completely.  Keep your gas tank at lease half full to avoid a freeze.

v     Install good winter tires and keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.

v     Plan trips carefully by listening to radio or highway patrol for latest road conditions.

v     Always travel during daylight.  If possible, take at least one person with you.

v     Always notify a friend or relative of your destination, route and expected arrival time so that help can be sent if necessary.

v     Stay with your car if you find yourself stranded and

o       Hang a brightly colored cloth to the antenna and raise the hood.

o       Occasionally run the engine to keep warm, about every 10 minutes every hour, but be sure the exhaust pipes are cleared.

o       Turn on the dome light when engine is running so you can be seen.

o       Move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating to keep warm.

Maintain a winter car kit that should include:

§         Flashlights with extra batteries

§         First aid kit and prescription medications

§         Blankets and sleeping bags

§         Extra newspapers for insulation

§         Plastic bags (for sanitation)

§         Matches

§         Extra mittens, socks and a wool hat or cap

§         Rain gear and extra clothes

§         Small bag of sand for traction under wheels

§         Small shovel

§         Small tools  (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)

§         Cards, games and puzzles if you have children

§         Brightly colored cloth for use as a flag

§         Canned food and hand can opener

§         Bottled water

Wind Chill Chart:

WIND (MPH)                                                 TEMPERATURES