1. Prepare a winter storm plan:

• Have extra blankets for each member of your household.

• 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 -

  - First aid kit and essential medications

  - Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries

  - Canned food and a non-electric can opener

  - Bottled water.

• Have your car winterized before winter storm season.

• Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your car.

• Take an American Red Cross first aid course to learn how to treat exposure to the cold, frostbite, and hyperthermia.

2. Stay tuned for storm warnings:

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio and TV stations for updated storm information

• 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 dangerious wind chill are expected. seek shelter immediately!

 3. When a winter storm WATCH is issued...

• Listen to NOAA Weather radio, local radios and TV stations, or cable TV such as the Weather Channel for further updates.

• Be alert to changing weather conditions.

• Avoid unnecessary travel.

4. 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 rate, driving down the body temperature.

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks or roadways.

• After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks, Avoid over exertion. If you are using a snow blower, follow the manufactures recommendations for clearing the blades of obstructions, never use your hands to clear obstructions and always ensure the snow blower is turned off!

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

• Have emergency supplies in the trunk

  - Blankets for each occupant of the car.

  - Extra set of clothing for each occupant of the car.

  - A shovel, sand, tire chains, jumper cables

  - First aid kit

  - Flashlight with extra batteries.

  - Brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna is stuck.

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

• Let someone know your destination, your route, who will be traveling with you, and when you are to be expected to arrive. If you car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

6. If you get stuck...

• Stay with your car. do not try to walk to safety.

• tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna for rescuers to see (Preferably a red cloth).

• Start the car and use the heater for about 10-minutes every hours. Keep the exhaust pipe clear at all times so fumes won't back up into the car.

• Leave the overhead dome 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.