Before

Prepare:

• Be familiar with winter storm warning messages.
• Be sure to have enough heating fuel.
• Service snow removal equipment.
• Purchase rock salt to melt ice on walkways.
• If you have a fire place be sure to have good supply of wood.
• Develop a communication plan for family members if separated from another.
• All family members should have the name, address and telephone number of an out of state relative or friend.

Stock emergency supplies

• Be sure you have the following basic supplies on hand and in an accessible location.
• Flashlight and batteries (long-life alkaline batteries; store in a cool dry place).
• Portable radio and extra batteries (long-life batteries; store in a cool dry place).
• First aid kit and handbook.
• Enough drinkable Water for each family member for at least three days: allow 1 gallon per person per day.
• Emergency food for at least three days: allow 3 meals per person per day.
• Required medications.
• Blankets, warm clothes, gloves and hard shoes.
• Pipe or crescent wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies.

During

During the winterstorm

• Stay indoors and dress warmly.
• Listen to radio or television to get latest information.
• If going outdoors. Wear loose fitting, layered and light weight clothing.
• Stretch before you go out.
• Watch for any signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
• If you suspect frostbite or hypothermia, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate professional assistance.

Educate:

• What is Wind chill? Is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined.
• What is a winter storm WATCH? Indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area.
• What is a winter storm WARNING: Indicates that a severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way.
• What is a blizzard WARNING? Means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected in several hours.

Source: FEMA