Winter Storm Tips

• Have your car winterized before winter storm season.
• Be sure you have a family safety kit.
• Have extra blackness and extra medication on hand
• Check your portable radio or television and make sure batteries are charged and it's in working order.

During a Watch

• A winter storm watch means that severe winter weather conditions may affect your area.
• This could mean freezing rain, sleet or heavy snow. If a winter storm watch is issued, get ready.
• Keep posted on developing weather conditions.
• Avoid unnecessary travel before or during the storm.
• Be extremely careful if you use a portable heater.

During a Warning

• A winter storm warning means severe winter weather is about to occur. If a winter storm warning is issued for your area, go to safety!
• Stay indoors
• If you must go outside wear several layers of clothes. Several layers will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat.
• Be careful walking on snowy icy sidewalks.
• If you go outside to shovel snow remember to be extremely careful.

Avoid Traveling in A Storm, But If You Must...

• Keep your gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Let someone know when you expect to arrive.   If you car gets stuck along the way, someone can send help.
• Have emergency supplies in the trunk, including blankets.

If you do get stuck:

• Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna and raise it high for rescuers to see.
• Leave the overhead light on 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 slightly open to let in air (window away from the blowing wind)
• Use your heater on sparingly.

A heavy snow warning means at least 4 inches in 12 hours or 6 inches in 24 hours is expected. 

A blizzard warning means a significant amount of falling and blowing snow and winds of at least 35 mph are expected.

An ice storm warning means significant, possibly damaging ice accumulation is expected.  

Freezing rain means precipitation is expected to freeze when it hits exposed surfaces, creating hazardous travel conditions.