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<h1><strong>Winter Storms and Extreme Cold</strong></h1><p>Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize
an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can
be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result
in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power
lines and hypothermia.</p><h1><strong>Know Your Winter Storm and Extreme
Cold Terms</strong></h1><p>Familiarize yourself with these terms
to help identify a winter storm hazard:</p><p><strong>Winter Storm Watch</strong></p><p>Alerts the public to the possibility
of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing
rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to
48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm. Tune in to NOAA Weather
Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information. </p><p><strong>Winter Storm Warning</strong></p><p>Issued when hazardous winter weather
in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent
or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours
before the event is expected to begin. </p><p><strong>Winter Storm Outlook</strong></p><p>Issued prior to a Winter Storm Watch.
The Outlook is given when forecasters believe winter storm conditions
are possible and are usually issued 3 to 5 days in advance of a winter
storm. </p><p><strong>Winter Weather Advisories</strong></p><p>Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing
rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences
and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.</p><p><strong>Frost/Freeze Warning</strong> <br />
Below freezing temperatures are expected.</p><p><strong>Sleet</strong></p><p>Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets
before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface
and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow
and cause a hazard to motorists. </p><p><strong>Freezing Rain</strong></p><p>Rain that falls onto a surface with a
temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such
as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small
accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard. <br />
<br /> </p><p><strong>Wind Chill Warning</strong></p><p>Issued when wind chill temperatures are
expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure. </p><p><strong>Wind Chill Advisory</strong></p><p>Issued when wind chill temperatures are
expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure,
and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to hazardous exposure. </p><p><strong>Blizzard Warning</strong></p><p>Issued for sustained or gusty winds of
35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at
or below ¼ mile; these conditions should persist for at least three
hours. </p><p><strong>Snow Flurries</strong></p><p>Light snow falling for short durations.
No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected. </p><p><strong>Snow Showers</strong></p><p>Snow falling at varying intensities for
brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible. </p><p><strong>Snow Squalls</strong></p><p>Brief, intense snow showers accompanied
by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant. Snow squalls
are best known in the Great Lakes region. </p><p><strong>Blowing Snow</strong></p><p>Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility
and causes significant drifting. Blowing snow may be snow that is falling
and/or loose snow on the ground picked up by the wind.</p><h1><strong>Extreme
Cold</strong></h1><h2><strong><em>Prepare your home and family</em></strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Prepare for possible isolation
in your home</strong> by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources
may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood
for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.</li><li><strong>Winterize your home</strong>
to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics,
caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm
windows or covering windows with plastic.</li><li><strong>Winterize your house, barn,
shed or any other structure that may provide shelter</strong> for your family,
neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks
and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure
during a storm.</li><li><strong>Insulate pipes</strong> with
insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little
during cold weather to avoid freezing.</li><li><strong>Keep fire extinguishers
on hand</strong>, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them.
House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate
heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.</li><li><strong>Learn how to shut off water
valves</strong> (in case a pipe bursts).</li><li><strong>Know ahead of time what
you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.</strong></li><li><strong>Hire a contractor to check
the structural ability of the roof</strong> to sustain unusually heavy weight
from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do
not work. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>Prepare your car</em></strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Check or have a mechanic
check the following items on your car:</strong> <ul><li><strong>Antifreeze levels</strong> -
ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.</li><li><strong>Battery and ignition system</strong>
- should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.</li><li><strong>Brakes</strong> - check for
wear and fluid levels.</li><li><strong>Exhaust system</strong> - check
for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair or replace as necessary. <em>Carbon
monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.</em></li><li><strong>Fuel
and air filters</strong> - replace and keep water out of the system by using
additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.</li><li><strong>Heater and defroster</strong>
- ensure they work properly.</li><li><strong>Lights and flashing hazard
lights</strong> - check for serviceability.</li><li><strong>Oil</strong> - check for level
and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not
lubricate as well.</li><li><strong>Thermostat</strong> - ensure
it works properly.</li><li><strong>Windshield wiper equipment</strong>
- repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Install good winter tires.</strong>
Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually
adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require
that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains
or snow tires with studs.</li><li><strong>Maintain at least a half
tank of gas</strong> during the winter season.</li></ul>
<br /><ul><li><strong>Place a winter emergency
kit in each car</strong> that includes: <ul><li>a shovel </li><li>windshield scraper and small
broom </li><li>flashlight </li><li>battery powered radio </li><li>extra batteries </li><li>water </li><li>snack food </li><li>matches </li><li>extra hats, socks and mittens </li><li>First aid kit with pocket
knife </li><li>Necessary medications </li><li>blanket(s) </li><li>tow chain or rope </li><li>road salt and sand </li><li>booster cables </li><li>emergency flares </li><li>fluorescent distress flag </li></ul></li></ul><h2><strong><em>Dress for the Weather</em></strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Wear several layers</strong>
of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of
heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water
repellent.</li><li><strong>Wear mittens</strong>, which
are warmer than gloves.</li><li><strong>Wear a hat.</strong></li><li><strong>Cover your mouth</strong> with
a scarf to protect your lungs. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>Add the following supplies to
your disaster supplies kit:</em></strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Rock salt</strong> to melt ice
on walkways </li><li><strong>Sand</strong> to improve traction </li><li><strong>Snow shovels</strong> and other
snow removal equipment. </li></ul><h1><strong>Winter Storm</strong></h1><h1><strong>During a Winter Storm</strong></h1><ul><li><a name="0.1_01000001"></a><strong>Listen to
your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio</strong> for weather reports
and emergency information.</li><li><strong>Eat regularly and drink
ample fluids</strong>, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.</li><li><strong>Conserve fuel, if necessary</strong>,
by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off
heat to some rooms.</li><li><strong>If the pipes freeze,</strong>
remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags.
Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting
where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most
likely to penetrate).</li><li><strong>Maintain ventilation when
using kerosene heaters</strong> to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel
kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable
objects. </li></ul><h2><a name="0.1_01000002"></a><strong><em>If you are outdoors</em></strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Avoid overexertion when
shoveling snow.</strong> Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major
cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before
going outside.</li><li><strong>Cover your mouth.</strong> Protect
your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors.
Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.</li><li><strong>Keep dry.</strong> Change wet
clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses
all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.</li><li><strong>Watch for signs of frostbite.</strong>
These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities
such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms
are detected, get medical help immediately.</li><li><strong>Watch for signs of hypothermia.</strong>
These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation,
incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.</li><li><strong>If symptoms of hypothermia
are detected:</strong> <ul><li>get the victim to a warm location </li><li>remove wet clothing </li><li>put the person in dry clothing
and wrap their entire body in a blanket </li><li>warm the center of the body
first </li><li>give warm, non-alcoholic or
non-caffeinated beverages if the victim is conscious </li><li>get medical help as soon as
possible. </li></ul></li></ul><h2><a name="0.1_01000003"></a><strong><em>If you are driving</em></strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Drive only if it is absolutely
necessary. If you must drive, consider the following:</strong><ul><li>Travel in the day, don’t
travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule.</li><li>Stay on main roads; avoid
back road shortcuts.</li></ul></li><li><strong>If a blizzard traps you
in the car:</strong><ul><li><strong>Pull off the highway.</strong>
Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna
or window.</li><li><strong>Remain in your vehicle
where rescuers are most likely to find you.</strong> Do not set out on foot
unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.
Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may
seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.</li><li><strong>Run the engine and heater
about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.</strong> When the engine is running,
open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear
snow from the exhaust pipe. <em>This will protect you from possible carbon
monoxide poisoning.</em></li><li><strong>Exercise to maintain body
heat, but avoid overexertion.</strong> In extreme cold, use road maps, seat
covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use
your coat for a blanket.</li><li><strong>Take turns sleeping</strong>.
One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.</li><li><strong>Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.</strong></li><li><strong>Be careful not to waste
battery power.</strong> Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights,
heat, and radio - with supply.</li><li><strong>Turn on the inside light
at night</strong> so work crews or rescuers can see you.</li><li><strong>If stranded in a remote
area,</strong> stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP
or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of
rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.</li><li><strong>Leave the car and proceed
on foot - if necessary</strong> - once the blizzard passes. </li></ul></li></ul><h1><strong>Recovering from Disaster</strong></h1><p>Recovering from a disaster is usually
a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical
well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes
the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general
advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting
your home, your community, and your life back to normal.</p><h1><strong><em>Ensure your safety</em></strong></h1><p>Your first concern after a disaster is
your family’s health and safety. You need to consider possible safety
issues and monitor family health and well-being.</p><h2><strong><em>Aiding the Injured</em></strong></h2><p>Check for injuries. Do not attempt to
move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of
death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first
stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.</p><ul><li>If the victim is not breathing,
carefully position the victim for artificial respiration, clear the
airway, and commence mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. </li><li>Maintain body temperature
with blankets. Be sure the victim does not become overheated. </li><li>Never try to feed liquids
to an unconscious person. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>Health</em></strong></h2><ul><li>Be aware of exhaustion. Don’t
try to do too much at once. Set priorities and pace yourself. Get enough
rest. </li><li>Drink plenty of clean water..
Eat well.. Wear sturdy work boots and gloves. </li><li>Wash your hands thoroughly
with soap and clean water often when working in debris. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>Safety Issues</em></strong></h2><ul><li>Be aware of new safety issues
created by the disaster. Watch gas leaks, damaged electrical wiring,
and slippery floors. </li><li>Inform local authorities about
health and safety issues, including downed power lines and dead animals. </li></ul><h1><strong>Returning Home</strong></h1><p>Returning home can be both physically
and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution.</p><ul><li>Keep a battery-powered radio
with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports.</li><li>Use a battery-powered flash
light to inspect a damaged home. <br />
Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the
battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.</li><li>Stay off the streets. If you
must go out, watch for downed electrical wires, and weakened bridges,
roads, and sidewalks. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>Before You Enter Your Home</em></strong></h2><p>Walk carefully around the outside and
check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you
have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified
building inspector or structural engineer before entering.</p><p><strong>Do not enter if:</strong></p><ul><li>You smell gas. </li><li>Your home was damaged by fire
and the authorities have not declared it safe. </li></ul><h2><strong><em>Going Inside Your Home</em></strong></h2><p>When you go inside your home, there are
certain things you should and should not do. Enter the home carefully
and check for damage. Be aware of slippery floors. The following items
are other things to check inside your home:</p><ul><li><strong>Natural gas.</strong> If you
smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave
immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can.
Call the gas company from a neighbor’s residence. If you shut off
the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn
it back on. Do not smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles, or torches
for lighting inside a damaged home until you are sure there is no leaking
gas or other flammable materials present.</li><li><strong>Sparks, broken or frayed
wires.</strong> Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing
in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity
at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe,
leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until
you are sure they’re safe to use. You may want to have an electrician
inspect your wiring.</li><li><strong>Roof, foundation, and chimney
cracks.</strong> If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.</li><li><strong>Water and sewage systems.</strong>
If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with local
authorities before using any water; the water could be contaminated.
Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking.
Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.</li><li><strong>Food and other
supplies.</strong> If power has been out for more than a few hours, throw
out all food in refrigerator or freezer. </li><li><strong>Call your insurance agent.</strong>
Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs. </li></ul><h1><strong>Seeking Disaster Assistance</strong></h1><h1>Call your local Emergency Management
Agency. In Limestone County, that phone number is (256) 232-2631.
You will need to report your damage to the EMA. They can also
assist you in taking care of your immediate needs, such as shelter,
food, and clothing.</h1><p>Throughout the recovery period, it is
important to monitor local radio or television reports and other media
sources for information. </p></div></div>
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Winter Storms
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