Before and During Winter Storm Emergencies

DURING a Winter Storm Warning

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. A winter storm can:
Last a few hours or several days and knock out heat, power and communication services and place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk.

Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, stay inside.

Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.

Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and begin treatment right away.

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.
• Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, and firm or waxy skin.
• Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
• Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
• Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.

Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.

BEFORE Winter

Know your area’s risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time.

Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.

Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.

Learn the signs of and basic treatments for frostbite and hypothermia. For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/ staysafe/index.html

Strong Wind Storms

While the Kenai Peninsula Borough may not experience hurricanes or tornados it does experience strong winds that rival hurricane wind speeds. During the winter months when it is snowing, the risk is not only to structures but to people as well.  Winter winds can pile drifts up, blocking roadways, driveways and potentially overloading roofs.

• Bring loose, lightweight objects inside to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans)
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe or unable to be brought in side (e.g., propane tanks, trampolines, portable shelters)
• Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building
• Keep flashlight and battery operated radio handy for potential power outages
• Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power