Winter Storm Information

 

General Preparedness

Stay Healthy in Extreme Cold

Extreme cold temperatures pose a substantial danger during the winter months. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia, or even death. Persons most susceptible to extreme cold are infants and the elderly.

Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor could cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and even hypothermia.

Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure of the skin that can permanently damage fingers, toes, the nose, and ear lobes.  Symptoms are loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance to the skin. If these symptoms are apparent, seek medical help immediately.  If medical help is not immediately available, slowly rewarm the affected areas.  If the victim is also showing signs of hypothermia, always warm the body core before the extremities.

Hypothermia (Low Body Temperature) is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95ºF. Symptoms include slow or slurred speech, incoherence, memory loss, disorientation, uncontrollable shivering, drowsiness, repeated stumbling, and apparent exhaustion. If these symptoms are detected, take the person's temperature. If below 95ºF, immediately seek medical help. If medical aid is not available, begin warming the person slowly. Always warm the body core/trunk first. If needed, use your own body heat to warm the victim. Get the person into dry clothing, and wrap them in a warm blanket covering the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee, or any hot beverage or food; warm broth is better. Do not warm extremities (arms and legs) first. This drives the cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.

Winter Deaths: Everyone is potentially at risk with the actual threat depending upon individual situations.  Recent winter death statistics in the United States indicate the following:

• Related to ice and snow: About 70% occur in automobiles; 25% are people caught out in the storm; and the majority are males over 40 years old.
• Related to exposure to cold: 50% are people over 60 years old; over 75% are males; and about
  20% occur in the home.

Recommended Winter Attire

• Wear loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers (the trapped air between the layers insulates).  Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.
• Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded.
• Wear a hat (half of body heat is lost through the top of the head).
• Cover the mouth with scarves to protect lungs from cold air.
• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. Gloves allow your fingers to cool much faster than mittens do.
• Try to stay dry. Do not stay outside for extended periods!

Be aware!

Cold weather puts a strain on your heart, even without exercise. Be careful when shoveling snow, pushing a car, or performing other tasks. Regardless of your age or physical condition, avoid overexertion in the winter.

 

Home Preparedness

Water Pipes

Frozen water pipes are a common occurrence in cold weather that can cause extensive damages. If pipes in the walls aren't properly insulated, they can freeze and rupture. (An eighth-of-an-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water a day, soaking floors, rugs, and furniture.)   To prevent the mess and aggravation frozen pipes cause, protect your home or apartment by following the simple steps:

• Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing--typically those near outer walls, in crawl spaces, or in the attic. Insulation made especially for this purpose is available.
• Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved).
• Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.
• Disconnect garden hoses and, shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

Broken Water Pipes - The City of Longview can only repair water lines outside your home water meter.

If you experience a water line break at your home, you will need to:

• Shut off the hand-valve on the house side of the water meter.
• If you have an indoor shut off valve (usually in the garage) shut that valve off as well.
• Call a plumber.

• Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.
• Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
• If you experience trouble shutting off your water service, please contact the City’s Water Division at 442-5700.

Winter Storm Home Heating Tips

• NEVER use charcoal barbecues, propane heaters or unvented gas heaters or gasoline-powered machinery such as generators indoors or in garages or carports!  Also, DO NOT use these devices too close to windows or air intake systems as toxic carbon monoxide could be released.  This gas is odorless and invisible and can kill a person within minutes.
• When using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid buildup of toxic fumes. 
• If you have a fireplace or wood stove, stock an ample supply of wood.  Store it in a location that is easy to get to during a storm.  Always place a screen in front of a fireplace.  Do not leave unattended, especially at night.
• Hang blankets over windows at night (let the sun shine in during the day). Stuff cracks around doors with rugs, newspapers, towels, or other such materials.
• Conserve fuel if necessary by keeping your house cooler than normal. Temporarily "close off" heat to some rooms.

 

Vehicle Preparedness

Ask yourself, "is this trip really necessary?" If you decide the trip cannot be delayed, check on weather conditions along your travel route. Listen to weather forecasts on TV, local radio stations, or NOAA Weather Radio. Call 1.800.695.7623 to get current road conditions for Washington’s Interstate and freeway systems.

Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must:

• Have emergency supplies in the trunk (see list below).
• Keep you car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• Always wear your seatbelt!
• If you must travel, provide your itinerary to a friend, relative, or coworkers. Include information on where you are going, the routes you will travel, and when you expect to arrive. When you reach your destination, make a call to report that you have arrived.
• Start your trip with a full tank of gas. While traveling, refuel often. Frequent stops should help to relieve tense muscles.
• Do not leave without a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT in your vehicle. Contact the American Red Cross if you have questions about what should be included in a kit. 
• If your vehicle breaks down, pull as far off the road as possible. Your greatest personal danger at this point is that of being hit by passing cars. Don't panic. Use common sense!

Driving tips:

• Be prepared to turn back and seek shelter if conditions become threatening.
  1. In fog, drive with your headlights set on dim, or use fog lights. If the fog is too dense, pull off the  roadway at a safe location.  Do not drive at five or ten miles per hour.
  2. In rain, fog, snow, or sleet, do not overdrive your headlights.  Stay within the limits of your vision.
  3. Keep your windows clear of snow and ice. Do not start until your windshield is defrosted.
  4. Drive slower and increase your following distance. Your speed should be adjusted for the conditions and match the flow of traffic.
  5. Roadway conditions may vary depending on the sun, shade, or roadway surface.  Watch for slick spots especially under bridges, on overpasses and in shaded spots.  Be prepared to react physically and mentally to deteriorating conditions.
  6. If the pavement is snow or ice covered, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when you come to an intersection. If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction then straighten your vehicle.
  7. When a snow plow is coming toward you, allow plenty of room for the truck to pass. When the center line is being cleared and salted, the plow tip may be on or over the line.  Snow plows are big, heavy pieces of equipment. So play it safe, give them room to pass.
  8. When you approach a snow plow from behind, pass with care and only when you can see the road ahead of the truck. You should not try to pass in blowing snow, there may be a vehicle in that cloud of snow. Allow more distance between you and the plow, they may be spreading salt.
  9. Be alert when you approach a cloud of snow which covers the road, especially on passing lanes of interstates or freeways.  A snow plow may be at work clearing the lane or preparing to turn around.
  10. Be careful after a minor rear end accident. If you are bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable exiting your vehicle, motion the other driver and drive to the nearest police station or other safe location.

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 into 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.
• Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports on current conditions!
• Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.
• Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit
  • blankets/sleeping bags
  • high-calorie
  • nonperishable food
  • flashlight with extra batteries
  • first aid kit
  • knife
  • extra clothing to keep dry
  • large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
  • smaller can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
  • sack of sand (or cat litter)
  • shovel
  • windshield scraper and brush
  • tool kit
  • tow rope
  • booster cables
  • water container
  • compass
  • road maps.
• Keep your gas tank near full to prevent ice in the tank and fuel lines which could leave you stranded.
• Try not to travel alone.
• Let someone know your primary and alternate routes and anticipated timetable.

 

Prepare Now Before the Winter Storm Strikes... At Home and at Work

The primary concerns during a winter storm are the potential loss of heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.

Have available:

• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable (AM-FM) radio to receive emergency       information. These may be your links to the outside world.
• Extra food and water. High energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.
• Extra supply of medicine and baby items.
• Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm.
• Emergency heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters. Learn to use them properly to prevent a fire. Have proper ventilation.
• Fire extinguisher and smoke detector. Test units regularly to ensure they are working properly.
• Be sure you have properly operating smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Have extra blankets on hand.
• Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves, or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.

In a farm setting:

• Move animals to sheltered areas.
• Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas.
• Have a water supply available. Most animal deaths in winter storms occur from dehydration.

 

Practice Preparedness

Designate one household member as the winter storm preparedness leader. Have him or her discuss what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Have another household member state what he or she would do if caught outside or in a vehicle during a winter storm.

Take an American Red Cross first aid course to learn how to treat exposure to the cold, frostbite, and hypothermia.

 

Weather Terms -- Listen & Learn

The National Weather Service uses the terms below to convey the weather threat to the public. It is important that everyone understands these terms and knows what protective actions need to be taken.

• Wind Chill: A calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined.  A strong wind combination with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.
• Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
• Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. An accumulation of sleet can make roads slick and hazardous.

Watches, Warnings and Advisories

• Winter Storm Watch: Indicates severe winter weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible within the next day or two. Prepare now!
• Winter Storm Warning: Indicates severe winter weather conditions are occurring, imminent, or highly likely. Stay indoors!
• Heavy Snow Warning: Snowfall of four to six inches or more.
• Ice Storm Warning: Heavy accumulations of ice will create extremely dangerous travel and damage trees and power lines.
• Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds will combine to produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life threatening wind chill.
• Wind Chill Warning: Life threatening wind chills of 35 to 50 below zero or colder.
• Winter Weather Advisory: Indicates winter weather conditions will cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous...especially to motorists. Use caution!
• Snow Advisory: Snowfall of three to five inches.
• Wind Chill Advisory: Dangerous wind chills of 20 to 50 below zero.
• Freezing Rain/Sleet Advisory: Light accumulations of ice will cause hazardous travel.
• Blowing/Drifting Snow Advisory: Poor visibility and hazardous driving conditions.

Problems Associated with Severe Weather

• Extreme Cold - Extreme cold temperatures, while more rare in southwest Washington, pose a substantial danger during the winter months. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia, or even death.  Persons most susceptible to extreme cold are infants and the elderly.
• Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure of the skin that can permanently damage fingers, toes, the nose, and ear lobes. Symptoms are numbness and a white or pale appearance to the skin. When symptoms are apparent, seek medical help immediately. If medical help is not immediately available, slowly rewarm the affected areas.  If the victim is also showing signs of hypothermia, always warm the body core before the extremities.
• Hypothermia (Low Body Temperature) is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95o F.  Symptoms include slow or slurred speech, incoherence, memory loss, disorientation, uncontrollable shivering, drowsiness, repeated stumbling, and apparent exhaustion. If these symptoms are detected, take the person's temperature.  If below 95 degrees F, immediately seek medical attention. If medical help is not available, begin warming the person slowly.  Always warm the body core first. Get the person into dry clothing, and wrap them in a warm blanket covering the head and neck.  As a last resort, use your own body heat to warm the victim. Do not give the victim alcohol, drugs, coffee, or any hot beverage.  Warm broth is better.  Do not warm extremities (arms and legs) first. This drives the cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.
• Heart Strain - Cold weather can put a strain on your heart, even without over exertion. Be careful when shoveling snow, pushing a car, or performing other outdoor tasks. Regardless of your age or physical condition, avoid overexertion in the winter when possible.
• Wind Chill - Most of the time, cold is judged in terms of a thermometer reading. With people and other living things though, both temperature and wind speed are needed to produce a "wind chill factor".  The wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the combined effects of the wind and cold. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. The wind chill shows how cold the wind makes exposed flesh feel and is a good way to determine the potential of frostbite or hypothermia.

Remember...wind chill temperatures apply only to people and other living things. If the temperature is
35 degrees F and the wind chill is 10o F, objects such as pipes or cars will only cool to 35 o F. The wind
chill factor does not apply to nonliving objects.

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