Before Severe Weather Arrives

Here are some suggestions of what to do so you’re ready for the worst weather conditions.

• Store drinking water, a first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, radio, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily, even in the dark.

• Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit in each. (See "Safe Winter Driving," Emergency Response Fact Sheet #9023.)

• Get a NOAA Weather Radio to monitor severe weather.

• Know how the public is warned in your area (siren, radio, TV, etc.) and the warning terms for each kind of disaster in your community:

• "Winter Storm Watch"—Be alert, a storm is likely.
• "Winter Storm Warning"—Take action, the storm is in or entering the area.
• "Blizzard Warning"—Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill—seek refuge immediately!
• "Winter Weather Advisory"—Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists.
• "Frost/Freeze Warning"—Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees.
• "Flash Flood or Flood Watch"—Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
• "Flash Flood Warning"—A flash flood is imminent. Act quickly to save yourself because you may have only seconds.
• "Flood Warning"—Flooding has been reported or is imminent. Take necessary precautions at once.

• Know safe routes from home, work and school to high ground.

• Know how to contact other household members through a common out-of-state contact in the event you have to evacuate and become separated.

• Know how to turn off gas, electric power and water before evacuating.

• Know ahead of time what you will do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.

• Keep plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, sandbags, and hand tools on hand and accessible.

• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock, or equipment. Install storm shutters, doors and windows; clear rain gutters; and repair roof leaks. Check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

• If you think you might want to volunteer in case of a disaster, now is the time to let voluntary organizations or the emergency services office know—beforehand.

During any Storm or Emergency

• Monitor your NOAA Weather Radio or keep a local radio and/or TV station on for information and emergency instructions.

• Have an emergency survival kit ready to go if you're told to evacuate.

• If you go outside for any reason, dress for the season and expected conditions:

For cold weather, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent.

Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in snow or flooding conditions.

• If advised to evacuate, tell others where you are going, turn off utilities if told to, then leave immediately, following routes designated by local officials.

During a Flood

• Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.

• Do not try to walk across running water more than six inches deep; even six inches of rapidly running water can sweep you off your feet.

• Do not drive into flooded areas. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.

During a Winter Storm

• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your house cooler than normal. Temporarily shut off heat to less-used rooms.

• If using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Keep heaters at least three feet from flammable objects. Refuel kerosene heaters outside.

• Avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, do so during daylight. Don't travel alone. Stay on main roads, and keep others informed of your schedule.

If a Blizzard Traps You in Your Car

• Pull off the road, set hazard lights to flashing, and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window. Remain in your vehicle; rescuers are most likely to find you there.

• Conserve fuel, but run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm, cracking a downwind window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Exercise to maintain body heat but don't overexert. Huddle with other passengers and use your coat for a blanket.

• In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, floor mats, newspapers or extra clothing for covering, anything to provide extra insulation and warmth.

• Turn on the inside dome light so rescue teams can see you at night, but be careful not to run the battery down. In remote areas, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract the attention of rescue planes.

• Do not set out on foot unless you see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.

• Once the blizzard is over, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot. Follow the road if possible. If you need to walk across open country, use distant points as landmarks to help keep your sense of direction.

Return to Emergency Response Fact Sheets table of contents

Source: "Winter Preparedness Safety Tips," Federal Emergency Management Agency. Reviewed by John W. Donovan, Extension educator.

For more information on emergency preparedness, contact your county UMaine Extension office.

© 1998
Published and distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Land Grant University of the state of Maine and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Cooperative Extension and other agencies of the U.S.D.A. provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.