Extreme Winter Storms

[AZ Prepper]

Facts about Extreme Winter Storms

1. Blocked roads and downed power lines can cause isolation and severe traffic problems.

2. Types of Winter Storm Weather

a. Freezing Rain - rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways as well as everything else.

b. Sleet - rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.

c. Blizzard - falling or blowing snow accompanied by winds 35 miles per hour or more with less than 500 feet of visibility.

3. Types of Winter Storm Warnings

a. Winter Weather Advisory - cold, ice, and snow are expected.

b. Winter Storm Watch - severe winter weather, such as heavy snow or ice, is possible within the next day or two.

c. Winter Storm Warning - severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin.

d. Blizzard Warning - Heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.

e. Frost/Freeze Warning - below freezing temperatures are expected.

What to do to PREPARE FOR the Winter Season

1. Always listen to the latest Weather Service warnings and bulletins on the radio and television.

2. Prepare for possible isolation.

a. If you use diesel oil as heating fuel or use propane to heat your home, always have a full tank. When winter storms set in, it is not always easy or possible for fuel trucks to get to your home.

b. Have emergency heating fuel and equipment enough to heat at least one room of your home for at least several weeks. If your furnace uses gas or electricity, these utilities may be cut off.

c. If you have a fireplace, keep a good supply of dry, seasoned firewood or coal.

d. Have a complete home storage program in case you get snowed in.

3. Winterize your home.

a. Insulate walls, sub-floors, and attics properly. Outside walls should have an insulation value of at least R-11. For attics the recommended minimum value is R-32.

b. Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows and cracks.

c. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.

4. If you must to travel . . .

a. Check road conditions and alternate routes before traveling.

b. Be sure your vehicle is operating properly and has sufficient gas, antifreeze, snow-tires, and tires chains.

c. Winterize your vehicles: change the antifreeze, put new all season or snow tires on the vehicles, and check your windshield wiper blades.

d. Inform others of your schedule or traveling plans.

What to do DURING an Extreme Winter Storm

1. If you go outdoors, dress appropriately.

a. Wear several layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent to guard against wind and water. Even though the temperature is warm, the wind chill factor may be several degrees lower.

b. Mittens allow your fingers to be close together and keep hands warmer than gloves.

c. Wear a hat. Most body heat is lost through the top of the head.

d. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from the cold air.

e. If you have to go outdoors and feel fatigued, seek warm shelter immediately.

f. Be especially careful when shoveling walks and driveways in the winter time. Cold temperatures and overexertion can lead to heart attacks.

2. Watch for signs of frostbite: a loss of feeling and a white, pale, waxy or flushed appearance in fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose.

3. Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and exhaustion.

4. Driving Tips:

a. Never travel alone.

b. If your vehicle gets stuck or if you get trapped in your vehicle during a blizzard:

• Stay in your vehicle until the blizzard is over unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Blowing snow can distort distances.
• Keep fresh air in your vehicle by keeping a downwind window partially open (1 inch) to allow circulation of air. Wet, freezing wind can very easily seal you in your vehicle and suffocate you.
• Run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm. If possible, keep snow clear from the exhaust pipe.
• Exercise a little, clap your hands, move your arms and legs, etc.
• In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and padding, newspapers, or floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat as a blanket. Shared body heat is more effective than individual. Use shared bodily warmth.
• Try not to sleep. You may freeze to death. If you have to, take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to watch for rescuers.
• Be careful not to use up battery power. Balance electrical energy with needs. Do not use the radio unless necessary. At night, however, leave the dome light or a light stick on inside so rescuers can find your vehicle.
• Turn on your hazard flashers or light flares.
• If stranded in a remote area, spread a large colored cloth over the snow or tie one to the antenna of the vehicle to attract attention of airborne rescue units.

c. Carry a “winter vehicle kit.” This should include but not limited to the following:

• shovel - hot chocolate, soup, coffee packets
• windshield scraper - metal cup for heating above items
• battery-powered radio - extra blanket or sleeping bag
• extra batteries - tow chain or rope
• flashlight and/or light sticks - jumper cables
• metallic space blanket - road maps
• emergency flares - hat and gloves
• water for drinking and for vehicle - blanket or sleeping bag
• high energy snack food such as hard tack candy or granola bars
• non toxic emergency heat source such as Sterno fuel and matches

5. If using a kerosene heater, maintain proper ventilation. Refuel the heater outside at least three feet away from flammable objects. It is best to use kerosene heaters and stove only inside a fireplace if you insist on using them indoors. Propane or butane are actually safer options.

6. If you should loose power or heating, be sure to open a faucet in the house so that the water can drip. This will help keep your pipes from freezing.

7. Do not do things that can make you colder such as: eating snow, drinking cold water, smoking, drinking alcohol, physical exercise that will make you sweat, or sitting, sleeping or laying on cold objects like: snow, metal, cement, or rocks.

8. Add extra vitamin-C and iron to your diet.

Temperature at Wind Speeds of 10, 20 & 30 mph: Wind Chill Factor

• 40 degrees (wind speed 10 mph = 28 degrees) (wind speed 20 mph = 18 degrees) (wind speed 30 mph = 13 degrees)
• 30 degrees (wind speed 10 mph = 16 degrees) (wind speed 20 mph = 4 degrees) (wind speed 30 mph = -2 degrees)
• 20 degrees (wind speed 10 mph = 4 degrees) (wind speed 20 mph = -10 degrees) (wind speed 30 mph = -18 degrees)
• 10 degrees (wind speed 10 mph = -9 degrees) (wind speed 20 mph = -25 degrees) (wind speed 30 mph = -38 degrees)
• 0 degrees (wind speed 10 mph = -21 degrees) (wind speed 20 mph = -39 degrees) (wind speed 30 mph = -48 degrees)
• -10 degrees (wind speed 10 mph = -33 degrees) (wind speed 20 mph = -53 degrees) (wind speed 30 mph = -63 degrees)

This information was taken by permission from the author of, "Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response" by Kenneth Moravec. This booklet (very highly recommended) can be purchased for a very low cost by contacting the author at: Kenneth Moravec - MoravecKennethB@aol.com - (801) 492-9029