NWS Dallas/Fort Worth Public/Media Guide - Winter Weather Safety Frame

<body bgcolor="#ffffff" leftmargin="0" topmargin="0"> <table width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="0"> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td width="10"> </td> <td align="left"><span class="white">National Weather Service</span></td> <td align="right"><span class="white">Dallas/Fort Worth</span></td> <td width="10"> </td> </tr> </table> <div align="center"><table width="90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"> <tr><td><div align="center"><br><h3>Winter Weather Safety</h3></div> While major winter storms are rare in North Texas, they do happen. A major winter storm can be lethal. Preparing for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms.<br><br> <b>As with any emergency, develop an emergency communication plan.</b><br> 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.<br><br> <b>Make sure that all family members know how to respond.</b><br> Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.<br><br> <b><span class="green">Be prepared BEFORE a winter storm strikes by...</span></b> <ol> <li><b>Servicing snow removal equipment</b> and have <b>rock salt</b> to melt ice on walkways and <b>kitty litter</b> to generate temporary traction.</li> <li><b>Winterizing your home...</b> <ul> <li>Insulate walls and attic.</li> <li>Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.</li> <li>Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. </li> <li>Have safe emergency heating equipment available... <ul> <li>Fireplace with ample supply of wood</li> <li>Small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel</li> <li>Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters</li> <li>Install/check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.</li> </ul></li> <li>Keep pipes from freezing... <ul> <li>Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.</li> <li>Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.</li> <li>Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.</li> <li>Know how to shut off water valves.</li> <li>Have disaster supplies available, in case the power goes out.</li> </ul></li> </ul></li> <li><b>Stocking up on the needed supplies...</b> <ul> <li>Flashlights and extra batteries</li> <li>Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.</li> <li>First aid kit</li> <li>One-week supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off)</li> <li>Nonelectric can opener</li> <li>One-week supply of essential prescription medications.</li> <li>Extra blankets and sleeping bags</li> <li>Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)</li> </ul></li> </ol> <b><span class="green">Be prepare DURING a winter storm...</span></b> <ol> <li><b>If indoors...</b> <ul> <li>Stay indoors and dress warmly.</li> <li>Conserve fuel. Lower the thermostat to 65&#176F during the day and 55&#176F at night. Close off unused rooms.</li> <li>If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags.</li> 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>Listen to the radio or television to get the latest information.</li> </ul> <li><b>If outdoors...</b> <ul> <li>If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation.</li> <li>Dress warmly. Wear loose-fitting, layered, light-weight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellant. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they touch each other.</li> <li>Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. Also take frequent breaks.</li> <li>Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.</li> <li>Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.</li> <li>Keep dry. 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>Watch for <a href="#frost">signs of frostbite and hypothermia.</a></li> </ul></li> </ol> <b><span class="green">Travelling During Winter...</span></b><br><br> The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving. Winterize your automobile BEFORE a winter storm strikes by...<br><br> <ol> <li><b>Have a mechanic check the following items on your car.</b> <ul> <li>Battery</li> <li>Antifreeze</li> <li>Wipers and windshield washer fluid</li> <li>Ignition system</li> <li>Lights</li> <li>Flashing hazard lights</li> <li>Exhaust system</li> <li>Heater</li> <li>Brakes</li> <li>Defroster</li> <li>Oil level</li> </ul></li> <li><b>Install good winter tires.</b> 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>Keep a <b>windshield scraper and small broom</b> for ice and snow removal.</li> <li>Maintain at least a <b>half tank of gas</b> during the winter season.</li> <li><b>Plan long trips carefully.</b> Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person.</li> <li><b>Dress warmly.</b> Wear layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.</li> <li><b>Carry food and water.</b> Store a supply of high energy "munchies" and several bottles of water.</li> <li><b>Keep a winter supply kit in you vehicle. The kit should consist of...</b> <ul> <li>Flashlights with extra batteries</li> <li>First aid kit with pocket knife</li> <li>Necessary medications</li> <li>Several blankets</li> <li>Sleeping bags</li> <li>Extra newspapers for insulation</li> <li>Plastic bags (for sanitation)</li> <li>Matches</li> <li>Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap</li> <li>Rain gear and extra clothes</li> <li>Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels</li> <li>Small shovel</li> <li>Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)</li> <li>Booster cables</li> <li>Set of tire chains or traction mats</li> <li>Cards, games, and puzzles</li> <li>Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag</li> <li>Canned fruit and nuts</li> <li>Non-electric can opener</li> <li>Bottled water</li> </ul></li> </ol> <b>If trapped in a vehicle DURING a winter storm...</b> <ol> <li><b>Stay in the car.</b> Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.</li> <li><b>Display a trouble sign.</b> Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood.</li> <li><b>Occasionally run engine to keep warm.</b> Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running.</li> <li><b>Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning.</b> Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas, that is produce your automobile's engine. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation. Carbon monoxide symptoms may include... <ul> <li>nausea,</li> <li>headaches,</li> <li>dizziness,</li> <li>increased pulse and respiration and confusion,</li> <li>severe poisoning can result in brain or heart damage and even death.</li> </ul></li> If you feel you may have been exposed to CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately by opening the doors and windows, turn off the engine. <li><b>Watch for <a href="#frost">signs of frostbite and hypothermia.</a></b></li> <li><b>Do minor exercises</b> to keep up circulation.</li> <li><b>Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally.</b> Try not to stay in one position for too long. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.</li> <li>For warmth, <b>huddle together.</b></li> <li><b>Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.</b></li> <li><b>Avoid overexertion.</b> Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.</li> </ol> <div align="center"><b><a name="frost">Frostbite</a> and Hypothermia First Aid</b></div><br> <dl><dt><b>Frostbite</b></dt> <dd>Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite.</dd></dl> <dl><dt><b>Hypothermia</b></dt> <dd>Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 90&#176F. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.</dd></dl> If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.<br><br> <b><span class="red">Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it</span></b> (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.<br><br></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center">NWS Dallas/Fort Worth: <a href="../fwd/">Home</a> | <a href="../fwd/forecast.htm">Forecasts</a> | <a href="../fwd/currentwx.html">Current Weather</a> | <a href="http://weather.noaa.gov/radar/national.html">Radar</a> | <a href="http://204.185.136.10/awc/aviation_weather_center.html">Aviation</a> | <a href="../fwd/skywarn.html">Preparedness</a><br> <a href="../fwd/lakes.htm">Hydrology & River Info</a> | <a href="../fwd/radio.html">NOAA Weather Radio</a> | <a href="../fwd/ntexclima.html">Climat Data</a> </td> </tr> </table> <br><br> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1" width="100%" border="0" bgcolor="#000000"> <tr align="center"> <td width="2%"> </td> <td align="left" width="30%"><b><span class="white">Winter Weather Safety</span></b></td> <td width="5%"><a onmouseover="act('fb')" onmouseout="inact('fb')" href="winterf.htm"><img src="../images/fboff.gif" alt="Winter Weather Introduction" width="23" height="23" border="0" name="fb"></a></td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="5%"><a onmouseover="act('b')" onmouseout="inact('b')" href="freezef.htm"><img src="../images/boff.gif" alt="Freeze Warning" width="23" height="23" border="0" name="b"></a></td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="6%"><a onmouseover="act('co')" onmouseout="inact('co')" href="../contents.htm"><img src="../images/cooff.gif" alt="Table of Contents" width="23" height="23" border="0" name="co"></a></td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="5%"><img src="../images/g.gif" width="23" height="23" border="0"></td> <td width="1%"> </td> <td width="5%"><a onmouseover="act('ff')" onmouseout="inact('ff')" href="../npw/npwf.htm"><img src="../images/ffoff.gif" alt="Non-Precipitation Weather" width="23" height="23" border="0" name="ff"></a></td> <td align="right" width="30%"><b><span class="white">Winter Weather Products</span></b></td> <td width="2%"> </td> </tr> </table> </div> </body>