|
WINTER STORMS AND EXTREME COLD
Facts About Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
- Heavy snowfalls can immobilize an entire region
- Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines, and hypothermia.
Know the Terms
- Freezing rain-rain that freezes when it hits the ground
- Sleet-rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground
- Winter storm warning-a winter storm is occurring or will soon occur
- Winter storm watch-a winter storm is possible in your area
- Blizzard warning-sustained winds and considerable amounts of snow for a period of three hours or longer
- Frost/Freeze warning-below freezing temperatures expected
Before a Winter Storm
- Add to your disaster supplies kit:
- Rock salt to melt ice
- Sand to improve traction
- Snow shovels
- Prepare to rely on alternate heating sources
- Winterize your car
Dress for the Weather
- Wear several layers of loose fitting clothing
- Wear mittens, rather than gloves
- Wear a hat
- Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs
During a Winter Storm
- Listen to radio or TV for information
- Eat regularly and drink ample fluids
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow
- Watch for signs of frostbite
- Watch for signs of hypothermia
- Conserve fuel
- Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters
- Drive only if absolutely necessary
If a Blizzard traps you in the car
- Pull off the highway
- Turn on hazard lights
- Remain in your vehicle
- Run the engine and heater ten minutes an hour
- Exercise to maintain body heat
- Take turns sleeping
- Drink fluids
- Conserve battery power
- Turn on the inside light at night
- If stranded in a remote area, mark large block letters in the snow (S0S or HELP)
- Once the blizzard passes, proceed on foot if necessary
EXTREME HEAT
Facts About Extreme Heat
- Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed or has over-exercised
- Particularly susceptible are older adults, young children, the sick, and overweight
Know the Terms
- Heat wave-prolonged period of excessive heat
- Heat index-a number in degrees (F) adding relative humidity to the air
- temperature
- Heat cramps-muscular pains and spasms; first signal of trouble with heat
- Heat exhaustion-result of loss of body fluid
- Heat stroke-life threatening condition; temperature control stops working
- Sun stroke-another term for heat stroke
Before Extreme Heat
- Install window air conditioners
- Check air-conditioning ducts
- Install temporary window reflectors
- Weather-strip doors and sills
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun
- Keep storm windows up all year
During Extreme Heat
- Stay indoors, on the lowest floor, out of the sun
- Eat light meals and drink plenty of water
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages
- Dress in loose-fitting, light-colored clothing Protect face and head by
- wearing a wide-brimmed hat
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors
- Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day
- Know the signs of heat-induced illness and how to treat it
Facts About Tornadoes
- Nature's most violent storms
- Every state is at some risk
- Tornadoes may strike quickly with little or no warning
- They generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm
Know the Terms
- Tornado watch:
- Tornadoes are possible
- Remain alert for approaching storms
- Tornado warning:
- A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar
- Take shelter
Before a Tornado
- Consider building a safe room
- Be alert to changing weather conditions
- listen to radio or TV for information
- Look for approaching storms
- Look for danger signs:
- Dark, greenish sky
- Large hail
- Large, dark low-lying cloud
- Loud roar
During a Tornado
- Go to a shelter
- Immediately get out of a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home If outside, lie flat in a ditch or depression
- and cover your head
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge
- Never try to outrun a tornado
- Watch out for flying debris
Facts About Hurricanes
- All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes
- Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland
- Winds can exceed 155 miles per hour
- Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rains
- Floods and flash flooding are often deadly and destructive results
- Excessive rain can trigger landslides or mud slides
Know the Terms
- Tropical depression-an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms
- Tropical storm-an organized system of strong thunderstorms
- Hurricane-an intense tropical weather system
- Storm surge-a dome of water pushed onshore by a hurricane
- Storm tide-a combination of storm surge and normal tide
- Hurricane watch-conditions are possible in a specified area
- Hurricane warning-conditions are expected in a specified area
- Short term watches and warnings-detailed information about specific threats
Before a Hurricane
- Secure your property; install straps to secure your roof to the structure
- Trim trees and shrubs around your home
- Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts
- Secure boats
- Consider building a safe room
During a Hurricane
- Listen to radio or 1V for information
- Secure your home, close storm shutters, secure outdoor objects
- Moor boats if time permits
- Ensure a water supply for sanitary purposes
- You should evacuate if you:
- Are directed to by local authorities
- Live in a mobile home, temporary structure, or high-rise building
- Live on the coast, floodplain, or inland waterway
- Feel you are in danger
If you are unable to evacuate:
- Turn off utilities and propane tanks
- Avoid using the phone
- Close all interior doors
- Lie on the floor under a table or sturdy object
- Stay indoors, away from windows
- Keep curtains and blinds closed
- Seek shelter in a safe room
- Absent a safe room, go to:
- Small interior, first floor room
- Closet or hallway
LIGHTNING AND THUNDERSTORMS
Facts About Lightning and Thunderstorms
- Lightning often strikes outside of rainfall
- Heat lightning is from a far away storm
- Most deaths and injuries occur outside in summer months
- Your chance of being struck by lightning: 1 in 600,000
- Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately
- Storms may occur singly, in clusters, or in lines
- Storms can be most severe when affecting one location for an extended time
- Storms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period
- Warm, humid conditions are favorable for storm development
- Ten percent of storms are severe-high winds and hail
- Unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property
Know the Terms
- Severe thunderstorm watch-thunderstorms are likely; listen to radio or TV for information
- Severe thunderstorm warning-severe weather has been reported; imminent danger to life and property
Before Thunderstorms and Lightning
To prepare for a thunderstorm:
- Remove dead or rotting trees
- Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule
- Postpone outdoor activities
- Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile
- Remember rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection
- Secure outdoor objects
- Shutter windows and secure outside doors
- Avoid showering or bathing
- Avoid using corded telephones
- Unplug appliances
- Listen to a battery-operated radio for information
During a Thunderstorms and Lightning
If you are outside:
- Avoid natural lightning rods: hilltops, open fields, beaches, or a boat on the water
- Avoid isolated sheds or small structures in open areas
- Avoid anything metal
- Seek shelter in a low area
If you are on open water:
- Get to land and find shelter immediately
If you feel your hair stand on end:
- Squat low to the ground; place hands over ears, head between knees
- Make yourself the smallest target possible
After a Thunderstorm
To assist a victim of lightning:
- Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible
- Check:
|
|