With its cold and often stormy weather, winter presents many safety challenges–both indoors and out. Being prepared and following simple safety tips can help you stay safe and warm this season.

Preparing Your Family

• Assemble a disaster supply kit. Store drinking water, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, first aid kit, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily, even in the dark. Also include winter specific items such as rock salt, sand and other snow removal equipment.
• Prepare for the possibility that you will need to stay in your home for several days after a winter storm. Make sure that you have sufficient heating fuel as well as emergency heating equipment in case electricity is cut off. 
• House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them.
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends and neighbors or employees.
• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes and always refuel outside. Keep all heaters at least three feet from flammable objects.
• Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent. Wear a hat, mittens and sturdy, waterproof boots. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.

Preparing Your Home

• Insulate walls and attic.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.

Have safe emergency heating equipment available.

• Fireplace with ample supply of wood
• Small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel
• Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters (See Kerosene Heaters.)

Install and check smoke detectors.

Keep pipes from freezing.

• Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.
• Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
• Know how to shut off water valves.

Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes out.

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
• First aid kit
• One-week supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off)
• Nonelectric can opener
• One-week supply of essential prescription medications.
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags
• Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)

Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a severe winter storm.
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Kerosene Heaters
Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community. Use only the correct fuel for your unit and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Refuel outdoors only, and only when cool. Keep your kerosene heater at least 3 feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.

IF YOU ARE CAUGHT IN A WINTER STORM:
Stay Inside. When using an alternate heat source (fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc.), be sure to:

use fire safeguards; and
properly ventilate the room.


If you have no heat:

Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge when the electricity is restored;
Use flashlights to see. Do not use candles. They greatly increase the chance of having a fire in your home.
Close off unneeded rooms;
Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors; and
Cover windows at night.

Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy to produce its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
 

Preparing Your Car

• Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair. Winterize your car by checking your car battery, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashers, exhaust, heater, brakes, defroster and tires. Ensure that your car has adequate antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil and check regularly throughout the season.
• Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes a shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, extra hats and mittens, blanket, tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares and fluorescent distress flag.
• If traveling by car during a winter weather advisory or winter storm watch, do so in daylight, don't travel alone, keep others informed of your schedule and route, and stay on main roads. Avoid driving during a winter storm warning or blizzard warning.

If You Do Get Stuck

• Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
• Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

Winter Weather Terms

Know the terms used by weather forecasters so that you clearly understand the risk to your family and your community, including:

• Winter weather advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists;
• Winter storm watch - Be alert, a storm is possible;
• Winter storm warning - Take action, the storm is occurring or will soon occur in the area;
• Blizzard warning - Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill - seek refuge immediately;
• Frost/freeze warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated weather information.