If a Winter Storm Watch 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 in the next 12 to 36 hours. You should prepare for the worst now:

• At Home Or Work Make Sure You Have:
  • a working flashlight
  • battery powered NOAA weather radio, radio, or TV
  • extra food, water, medicine, and baby items
  • first aid supplies
  • heating fuel (propane, kerosene, fuel oil, etc...)
  • emergency heating source
  • 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)

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. Cover all exposed parts of the body.
  • 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. Open the windows a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.
  • Make yourself visible to rescuers:
    • Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine
    • Tie a colored cloth to your antenna or door
    • 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:
    • Close off unneeded rooms
    • Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors
    • Cover windows at night
  • Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy and heat. Fluids prevent dehydration.
  • Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing.