Winter Weather

If you need to go outside, observe the latest weather report or emergency information.
  • Wear layered clothing, outer garments should be water repellent.
  • Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of your head.
  • Mittens are warmer than gloves, cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite; loss of feeling and white or pale appearance of extremities. If detected get medical help immediately.
  • Watch for signs of hypothermia; uncontrolled shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing and warm the body center mass first. If the victim is conscious, give warm, nonalcoholic beverages. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Winter Driving

About 70% of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in automobiles.
  • Consider public transportation if you must travel.
  • If you travel by car, travel in the day.
  • Don't travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule.
  • Stay on main roads and avoid back-road shortcuts.
  • Carry a "winter kit" in your car to include: shovel, battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries for both. Water, snack food, hat, mittens, blanket, tow chain or rope, tire chains, bag of sand or road salt, distress flag, booster cables, road map, and emergency flares are also recommended.
  • If a blizzard traps you in you car you need to pull off the road, turn on hazard lights, and display your distress flag.
    • Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you.
    • Do not set out on foot for shelter, as distances to these shelters may be distorted by blowing snow and may be too far to walk because of deep snow.
    • Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour with windows slightly open to for ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
    • Take turns sleeping and drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
    • Be careful not to waste battery power, balance use with supply.
    • Once a blizzard passes searchers will be out. Make sure you are visible to ground and air rescue personnel.