Winter storms can knock out heat and power and make travel nearly impossible for hours or days at a time. Prepare before the storm arrives.
A Winter Storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area within the next 36-48 hours.
A Winter Storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed way within the next 24 hours. Get ready!
A Blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding, wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chills are expected shortly. Seek shelter immediately!

PREPARING FOR A WINTER STORM:
1) Have extra blankets and warm clothing on hand.
2) Make sure every family memeber has a warm coat, gloves, hat, and water-resistant boots.
3) Keep a Disaster Supplies Kit on hand containing a first aid kit with essential medications and a battery-powered flashlight with extra batteries. Keep a supply of canned food that you can eat without cooking. Don't forget the can opener! Bottled water is important. Make sure you have a stash of at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days.


**When a Winter Storm WATCH is Issued...
Get ready. Know where all your essential supplies are located. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and NEWSCHANNEL 5 for continuing winter weather updates.
Be alert to changing weather conditions.

**When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued...
Stay indoors during the storm. Avoid unnecessary travel.
If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf to protect your lungs.
Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.

**IF YOU MUST TRAVEL DURING A WINTER STORM:
Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk. That kit should include non-perishable food such as breakfast bars and crackers, bottled water and a blanket or sleeping bag. Take your cell phone and fresh batteries in case you get into trouble. A flashlight could also be helpful to flag down help. Keep a bag of kitty litter or bird seed in the trunk to provide traction if you get stuck. A tow rope can come in handy if you get stuck in a snow drift. A snow shovel can also help you dig out. Keep your 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.
IF YOU 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 build up inside 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.

**When The Storm is Over:
Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. Access may be limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be blocked.
Help a neighbor who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles. Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.
Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.