A major winter storm can be lethal.  Preparing for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms.

Winterize your home.

• Insulate walls and attic.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.

Have safe emergency heating equipment available.

• Fireplace with ample supply of wood
• Small, well-vented wood, coal or camp stove with fuel
• Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters (See Kerosene Heaters)

Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes out.

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• One week supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off)
• Non-electric can opener
• One week supply of essential prescription medications
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags
• Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)

Develop an emergency communication plan.

• In case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact".  After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.  make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
• Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a sever winter storm.
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police or fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

If Indoors

• Stay indoors and dress warmly.
• Conserve fuel - Lower the thermostat to 65 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night.  Close off unused 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 the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
• Listen to the radio or television to get the latest storm information.

If Outdoors

• Dress warmly - Wear loose-fitting, layered, light-weight clothing.  Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill.  Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.  Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they touch each other.
• Stretch before you go out - If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body.  Also, take frequent breaks.
• Cover your mouth - Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors.  Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.
• Avoid overexertion - Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart.  Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other  medical conditions worse.  Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

• Keep dry - Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.  Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

Wind Chill

"Wind chill" is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined.  A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.