Why should I worry about winter
weather?
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Changes in elevation can be subtle or dramatic,
but often a slight increase in elevation can mean big changes
in travel and trail conditions. The weather may be tranquil in
the valley areas, while motorists are being stranded in areas
like Clines Corners, Tijeras Canyon, the Continental Divide,
Raton Pass, or near Ruidoso. On the less traveled highways, there
are numerous and often remote spots where motorists may become
stranded.
Who suffers most?
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Everyone is potentially at risk during
winter storms, but statistics show that males and the elderly
suffer death and injury most frequently, whether it is accidents
related to ice and snow or exposure to the cold.
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Sudden weather changes also threaten the
unprepared hiker, hunter, or cross country skier. You might find
yourself in mild and sunny weather at the start of your outdoor
adventure then face falling temperatures, wind chill, and cold
rain or snow as a storm front moves in quickly.
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Tragically, alcohol is related to many
winter weather deaths and injuries each year in New Mexico due
to prolonged exposure to the cold.
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Prolonged outbreaks of cold weather, especially
following heavy snows and ice storms, can create risks at home
if utility service is lost or conditions prevent travel for medical
care and food. Alternative heat sources may become deadly without
fire safeguards or proper ventilation.
What rules or winter weather
skills will help keep me safe?
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Be prepared. Take
action before the first winter storm to winterize automobiles
and prepare emergency
survival kits. At home, stock up on food, fuels, first-aid
an medical items and other supplies such as batteries for flashlights
and radios. Don't forget to check fire extinguishers and smoke
detectors.
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Keep up with the latest forecasts and statements
from the National Weather Service. Always check the latest
forecast before going into mountain areas and don't leave
that radio or portable TV behind which could provide weather
forecast updates.
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If possible, avoid travel
during winter storms.. If you must travel immediately before
or during a storm,
try not to travel alone. Let someone know your travel schedule
and routes. If stranded while traveling, it is best to stay
with your vehicle. You can be more at risk trying to walk through
the storm for help. In some instances, New Mexicans have died
trying to go less than 1/2 mile for help. Make your vehicle
as
visible as possible for easier rescue. You can periodically
run the motor for short periods each hour, but remember to allow
fresh air and ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. When
hiking, hunting, skiing, or if your job takes you into mountainous
areas, know the weather forecast! Take along extra clothes, food
or supplies that could save your life. If stranded overnight,
learn survival techniques for shelter and fire making.
Remember, be prepared in advanced and ready
to handle sudden changes during any wintertime travel or outdoor
activity.
Around the Home
- Keep ahead of advancing winter weather by listening to NOAA Weather
Radio.
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A powerful winter storm will take down power lines knocking out
electricity. Check battery powered equipment before the storm arrives.
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Check your food and stock an extra supply. Include food that
requires no cooking in case of power failure. If there are infants
or people who need special medication at home, make sure you have
a supply of the proper food and medicine. Make sure pets and animals
have shelter and a water supply.
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If appropriate, check your supply of propane. Fuel carriers may
not be able to reach you due to closed roads.
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Be careful when using fireplace, stoves, or space heaters. Proper
ventilation is essential to avoid a deadly build-up of carbon monoxide.
Don't use charcoal inside as it gives off large amounts of carbon
monoxide. Keep flammable material away from space heaters and do
not overload electric circuits.
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Dress for the conditions when outdoors. Wear several layers of
light-weight, warn clothing: layers can be removed to prevent perspiring
and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, waterproof
and hooded. For the hands, mittens, snub at the wrists, offer better
protection than fingered gloves.
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Don't kill yourself shoveling snow. It is extremely hard work
for anyone in less than prime physical condition. It can bring
on a heart attack, a major cause of death during and after winter
storms.
Automobiles
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Your automobile can be your best friend or worst enemy during
winter storms. Get your car winterized before winter arrives. The
following items should be checked; ignition system, cooling system,
fuel system, battery, lights, tires, heater, brakes, wipers, defroster,
oil, exhaust. Keep water out of your fuel tank by keeping it full.
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If you travel often during winter, carry a winter storm kit in
you car. It should include; flashlight, windshield scraper, paper
towels, extra clothes, matches/candles, booster cables, compass,
maps, sand, chains, blankets, high calorie non-perishable food.
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Winter travel by car is serious business. If the storm exceeds
or tests your driving ability, seek available shelter immediately.
- Plan your travel. Try not to travel alone and drive in convoy
when possible.
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Drive carefully and defensively. Pump your breaks when trying
to stop on snow or ice covered roads.
Winter Safety for Schools
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Children can be especially susceptible to the dangers associated
with winter weather. Their youthful enthusiasm often takes over
when common sense should prevail.
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School administrators and principals need to be sensitive to
the dangers winter weather can pose to children and be prepared.
Winter weather procedures and practices need to be established
before the onset of winter cold. The following items should be
considered when formulating a winter weather safety plan:
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All schools should have ready access
to current weather information. If the school is in a county
covered by NOAA Weather
Radio, that would be the best source. Commercial media can also
be monitored. Arrangements can also be made with local law enforcement
agencies to have critical winter weather forecasts relayed to
the school.
- All schools need to have a functional plan in regard to closures
due to snow, ice, or extreme cold.
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During the winter months, guidelines need to be established regarding
outside recess. Temperatures and wind chills need to be monitored
and criteria set as to when outside recess will be allowed.
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School bus drivers should receive extra training on driving during
winter weather. Snow and ice can often accumulate quickly and unexpectedly
on roads creating dangerous driving conditions.
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With many households having two working parents today, it may
be necessary for some children to be brought to school early. Schools
should make provisions to allow children inside school buildings
as early as possible during cold weather.
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