Tips for Handling Any Snowstorm-Related Situation

If you are indoors:

• Listen to your radio or watch television for weather reports and emergency information. 
• Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol. 
• Conserve fuel by keeping your home cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms. 
• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold. 
• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid the build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

If the power goes out: 

• If there are power lines down in your neighborhood, call 9-1-1 and your utility company. Do not go near downed power lines. 
• Listen to your battery-powered radio or TV for news to find out when power might be restored. 
• Dress warm and in layers. 
• Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer as much as possible so your food stays cold. 
• To avoid a power surges when electricity returns, turn off computers, TVs, stereos and other unnecessary electronic equipment at the power source. Leave a light on so you’ll know when power is restored.
• Do not connect your home’s power system to a generator unless it has been properly installed and disconnects you from the power grid when it’s operating. If you do not disconnect from the power grid, you can be sending electricity back down the lines, which can be deadly for utility workers. 
• If you have a regular wood stove or fireplace, you can use it for heat. Do not use kerosene heaters, BBQs or any type of outdoor heater inside. 
• Check on elderly neighbors or those who may have medical conditions or use medical machinery that operates using electricity.

If you are outdoors: 

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow, as this can bring on a heart attack, a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside. 
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary. 
• Keep dry. Change clothing frequently to prevent loss of body heat. 
• Watch for signs of frostbite, including loss of feeling and white or pale appearances in extremities such as fingers, toes ear lobes and the tip of the nose. Get medical help immediately if these symptoms are detected.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia, including uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. 
• If signs of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, put the person in dry clothing and wrap him or her in a blanket, give warm non-alcoholic or non-caffeinated beverages if the person is conscious and get medical help as soon as possible. 
• Drive only if it’s absolutely necessary. If you must drive, travel during the day, don’t travel alone, stay on main roads and keep others informed of your schedule.

If you are trapped in your car: 

• Pull off the highway, turn your hazard lights on and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window. 
• Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you can take shelter.
• Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Protect yourself from possible carbon monoxide poisoning by opening a downwind window slightly and periodically clearing snow from the exhaust pipe. 
• Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket. 
• Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews. 
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. 
• Turn on the inside light at night so rescue workers can see you. 
• Don’t waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs, such as lights, heat and the radio.