November's the time to think about winter safety

Nevada Herald

"Since we are approaching the winter season, this is the perfect time for our citizens to begin getting prepared for winter snow, blizzards, and freezing weather," said Dennis Kimrey, Vernon County Emergency Management director.

The winter awareness campaign encourages citizens to prepare for the winter season and reminds them how to protect themselves during a severe winter storm, Kimrey said. A winter storm may range from moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding, wind driven snow or freezing rain that lasts for several days. Remember the January 2002 ice storm? Many communities were impacted for days and weeks. Some rural residents were without electricity for weeks.

Preparing for winter weather

The two most important terms are "Winter Storm Watch" and "Winter Storm Warning."

A Winter Storm Watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area. A Winter Storm Warning indicates severe winter weather is in the area or expected.

Thinking ahead

Before the winter storm, buy a tone alert weather radio and extra batteries for your regular radio. Listen to your weather radio, local AM/FM radio or television station for the latest weather updates. Have appropriate cold weather clothing available.

* Secure an alternate fuel source such as firewood or a generator.

* Make sure your fireplace functions properly.

* If you have a generator, make sure you have fuel and your generator functions properly.

* If you have a kerosene heater, refuel your heater outside and remember to keep the heater at least 3 feet away from flammable objects.

* Insulate attics and windows.

* Avoid the rush, purchase snow shovels for your home and your car.

Winterize the family car

Keep a winter car kit in the trunk of the car. The car kit includes a blanket, a spare radio with batteries, snacks or energy-type food, jumper cables, a shovel (if you get stuck in the snow), sand or shingles to give your tires traction.

* Fill your vehicle's gas tank before the snow starts falling.

* Have rock salt to melt ice, and sand or kitty litter to give you traction as you walk on ice.

During and after the winter storm, read your newspaper, watch the television or listen to the radio. Your local emergency management agency provides the media with emergency sheltering or alternate travel information.

Here's some other tips:

* Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.

* Wear mittens rather than gloves.

* Wear a warm, woolen cap on your head.

* Conserve fuel by reducing your home thermostat and close unused rooms.

* Do not overexert yourself when shoveling snow.

* Do not use charcoal or gas grills to cook or heat indoors.

Check on your elderly neighbors.

* Watch children playing outside for signs of frostbite or hypothermia. Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory loss, stumbling, drowsiness and exhaustion.

In your vehicle

* If you have to drive during a winter storm, stay on the main roads.

* If you must stop your car, remain in your vehicle and turn on your lights to draw attention.

* If trapped in a blizzard, clear your tail pipe and run your engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour. Open your window slightly.

* During the night hours, keep the dome light on in your car so that rescue workers can see your car.

* If your car has four-wheel drive, remember speed and ice are a dangerous combination.

* Make sure you can get to your car safety kit (flares, shovel, sand for traction, battery cable, blankets, and snacks) inside your car, and use a bright distress flag or your hazard lights to draw attention to your location.