AT HOME OR WORK MAKE SURE YOU HAVE:

• a working flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
• battery powered NOAA weather radio, radio, or TV with a spare battery
• 3 days of high high energy food
• 3 gallons of water (1 gallon per person per day)
• medicines, medical supplies and equipment
• baby and personal sanitiation items
• first aid supplies
• emergency heating source with fuel (Propane, kerosene, fuel oil, etc. ...)
• fire extinguisher and smoke detector.

IN CARS AND TRUCKS:

• fully check and winterize your vehicle
• keep your gas tank near full
• try not to travel alone
• let a friend or relative know your timetable for travel
• carry a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT which contains:
  • blankets/sleeping bags
  • flashlight with extra batteries
  • knife
  • high calorie, non-perishable food
  • a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
  • sand or cat litter
  • shovel
  • windshield scraper
  • tool kit
  • tow rope
  • jumper cables
  • water container
  • compass
  • road maps

ON THE FARM:

• move animals to sheltered areas
• haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas
• have a water supply available (most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration)

REMEMBER

If a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather conditions (such as snow greater than 6 inches in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less 1/4 mile) are expected within the next 12 hours or are already occuring.

IF CAUGHT OUTSIDE:

• Find a dry shelter.
  1) Cover all exposed parts of the body.
  2) If shelter is not available: Prepare a lean-to, wind break, or snow-cave for protection from the wind.
• Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.
• Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

IF STRANDED IN A CAR OR TRUCK:

• Stay in your car or truck!
• Run the motor about ten minutes each hour.
  1)Open the windows a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  2)Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.
• Make yourself visible to rescuers:
  1) Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine
  2) Tie a colored cloth to your antenna or door
  3) Raise the hood after the snow stops falling
• Exercise to keep blood circulating and to keep warm

AT HOME OR IN A BUILDING:

• Stay inside!
• If there is no heat:
  1)Close off unneeded rooms
  2) Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors
  3) Cover windows at night
• Eat and drink.
  1) Food provides the body with energy and heat.
  2)Fluids prevent dehydration.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing