Details Link Name: New Document Description: Subject/Title: Subtitle: Keywords: [ ] Remove Shell from Page The area to the left will appear if you attach files to this page. We recommend that you do not attach more than five (5) files to a given page. Attaching files will automatically generate a link on the Web page to download Adobe Acrobat. Cancel OK From the Desk of: The Dukes County Emergency Management Agency – Winter 2004 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Winter Preparedness Safety Tips Courtesy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Timely preparation, including structural and non-structural mitigation measures to avoid the impacts of severe winter weather, can avert heavy personal, business and government expenditures. Experts agree that the following measures can be effective in dealing with the challenges of severe winter weather: BEFORE SEVERE WEATHER ARRIVES § Store drinking water, 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. § Get a NOAA Weather Radio to monitor severe weather. § Know how the public is warned (siren, radio, TV, etc.) and the warning terms for each kind of disaster in your community; e.g.: § "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 § 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 and have to evacuate and become separated. § Know how to turn off gas, electric power and water before evacuating. § Know ahead of time what you should 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; repair roof leaks; and 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 your emergency survival kit ready to go if 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.