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Winter Storms
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Display Visual
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A Winter Storm . . .
Can range from a moderate
snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow
that lasts for several days.
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Explain that a winter storm can range from a moderate snow over a few hours
to blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow that lasts for several
days. Many winter storms are accompanied by low temperatures and heavy or
blowing snow, which can severely reduce visibility.
Tell
the group that some winter storms may be large enough to affect several
States, while others may affect only a single community.
Stress that winter storms are defined differently in various parts of the
country. Urge the participants to check with their local emergency
management office, the National Weather Service (NWS) office, or local
chapter of The American Red Cross for terms and definitions specific to
their area.
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Winter Storms
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Display Visual
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Winter Storm Risk
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Automobile/other transportation accidents
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Exhaustion and heart attacks
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Hypothermia/Asphyxiation
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House fires
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Tell
the group that winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most
deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Use the visual to discuss the
risks to human life caused by winter storms.
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Automobile or other transportation accidents:
This is the leading cause of death during winter storms.
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Exhaustion and heart attacks: Caused by overexertion, these are the two most likely
causes of winter storm-related deaths.
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Hypothermia and asphyxiation: Elderly people account for the largest percentage of
hypothermia victims. Many older Americans literally freeze to death in
their own homes after being exposed to dangerously cold indoor temperatures,
or they are asphyxiated because of improper use of fuels such as charcoal
briquettes, which produce carbon monoxide.
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House fires: These occur more frequently in the winter because of the lack of
proper safety precautions when using alternate heating sources (unattended
fires, disposal of ashes too soon, improperly placed space heaters, etc.)
Fire during winter storms presents a great danger because water supplies may
freeze, and it may be difficult for firefighting equipment to get to the
fire.
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Winter Storms
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Instructor’s Note
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Hypothermia will be covered in more detail in a few minutes. |
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Ask Question
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What are some of the elements of winter storms? |
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Allow the group time to respond. Then, use the visual to elaborate on the
elements of winter storms.
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Display Visual
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Elements of Winter Storms
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Heavy snow
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Ice
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Winter flooding
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Cold
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Explain that the elements of winter storms include:
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Heavy snow.
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Ice.
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Winter flooding.
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Cold.
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Winter Storms
(Continued)
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Heavy Snow
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Tell
the group that heavy snow can:
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Immobilize regions and paralyze cities.
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Strand commuters.
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Close airports.
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Disrupt emergency and medical services.
Point out that accumulations of snow can cause roofs to collapse and knock
down trees and power lines. Homes and farms may be isolated for days, and
unprotected livestock may be lost. The cost of removing snow and repairing
damage, and the resulting loss of business can have severe economic impacts
on cities and towns.
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Explain that in the mountains, heavy snow can lead to masses of tumbling
snow called avalanches. More than 80 percent of midwinter avalanches are
triggered by a rapid accumulation of snow, and 90 percent of those occur
within 24 hours of snowfall.
Caution the group that an avalanche may reach a mass of a million tons and
travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour (mph).
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Winter Storms
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Display Visual
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Types of Snow
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Blizzard
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Blowing snow
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Snow squalls
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Snow showers
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Define the different kinds of snowfall:
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Blizzards
are accompanied by winds of 35 mph of more with snow and blowing snow,
reducing visibility to less than one-quarter mile for at least 3 hours.
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Blowing snow is wind-driven snow that reduces visibility. Blowing snow may be
falling snow and/or snow on the ground that is picked up by the wind.
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Snow squalls are brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds.
Accumulation may be significant.
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Snow showers are snow falling at varying intensities for short duration with
little or no accumulation.
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Winter Storms
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Ice
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Explain that heavy accumulations of ice can disrupt communications and power
for days while utility companies repair extensive damage. Even small
accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorists and
pedestrians. Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because they
freeze before other surfaces.
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Display Visual
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Types of Ice
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Sleet
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Freezing rain
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Ice storm
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Define the different kinds of ice:
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Sleet:
Raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground are called
sleet. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to
objects. Sleet, however, can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to
motorists.
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Freezing rain: Rain that falls onto surfaces with temperatures below
freezing—causing it to freeze to those surfaces is called freezing rain.
Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.
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Ice storm:
Ice storms occur when freezing rain falls and freezes immediately on
impact. Communications and power can be disrupted for days.
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Winter Storms
(Continued)
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Winter Flooding
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Explain that winter storms can generate flooding, resulting in significant
damage and loss of life.
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Display Visual
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Winter Flooding Includes . . .
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Coastal storms
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Ice jams
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Snow melt
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Point out that winter flooding includes:
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Coastal floods: Winds generated from intense winter storms can cause widespread
tidal flooding and severe beach erosion along coastal areas.
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Ice jams:
Long cold spells can cause rivers and lakes to freeze. A rise in the water
level or a thaw breaks the ice into large chunks that become jammed at
manmade and natural obstructions. An ice jam can act as a dam, resulting in
severe flooding.
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Snowmelt:
A sudden thaw of a heavy snow pack that often leads to flooding.
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Winter Storms
(Continued)
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Cold
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Point out that exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and
become life threatening. Infants and the elderly are the most susceptible.
Tell
the group that what constitutes extreme cold varies in different parts of
the country:
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In the south, near-freezing temperatures are considered extreme cold. Vegetation
may be damaged and pipes may freeze and burst.
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In the north, extreme temperatures are well below zero.
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Display Visual
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Effects of Cold
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Wind chill
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Frostbite
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Hypothermia
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Tell
the group that, when talking about cold, they should consider:
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Wind chill:
Wind chill is not the actual temperature, but rather how wind and cold feel
on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body
at a faster rate, driving down the body’s temperature.
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Winter Storms
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Frostbite:
Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold and resulting in a
loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as
fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. Frostbite victims require
immediate medical treatment. If you must wait for help, slowly rewarm the
affected areas. If signs of hypothermia appear, however, warm the body core
before the extremities.
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Hypothermia: Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 95
degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia can kill. For those who survive, there are
likely to be lasting kidney, liver, and pancreas problems. If you suspect
hypothermia, take the victim’s temperature. If it is below 95 degrees
Fahrenheit, seek medical care immediately! If medical care is not
available, warm the person slowly, starting with the body core. Warming the
arms and legs first drives cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart
failure. Dress the person in dry clothing and wrap him or her in a warm
blanket, covering the head and neck. Do not provide alcohol, drugs, coffee,
or any hot beverage or food. Warm broth is the first food to offer.
Warning signs of hypothermia include:
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Uncontrollable shivering. |
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Memory loss. |
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Disorientation. |
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Incoherence. |
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Slurred speech. |
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Drowsiness. |
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Apparent exhaustion. |
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Remind the group that the National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction
Center issues watches and warnings of hazardous weather, including winter
storms.
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Winter Storms
(Continued)
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Ask Question
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What is the difference between a Winter Storm Watch and a Winter Storm
Warning? |
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Allow the group time to respond. If not mentioned by the group, explain
that:
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A watch is issued when winter storm conditions are possible
within the next 36-48 hours. Citizens should prepare for hazardous weather
at this time.
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A warning is issued when life-threatening severe winter
conditions have begun or will begin with 24 hours. Citizens should put
their preparations into action at this time.
Tell
the group that a blizzard warning means sustained winds or frequent
gusts of 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable falling or blowing
snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to last
for a period of 3 hours or longer.
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Ask Question
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How can you prepare for winter storms? |
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Allow the group time to respond. Then, display the visual.
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Winter Storms
(Continued)
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Display Visual
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Winter Storm
Preparedness
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Understand the risk.
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Prepare your home.
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Service snow-removal equipment.
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Fill your car’s gas tank.
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Pay attention to warnings.
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Emphasize key steps in winter storm preparedness:
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Understand the risk. Take time to learn about the winter storm risk in your
area.
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Prepare your home with insulation, caulking, and weatherstripping. Learn
how to keep pipes from freezing and how to thaw frozen pipes. Store
sufficient fuel (or emergency heating equipment). Install and test smoke
alarms on all levels of your home.
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Service snow removal equipment before the winter storm season. Maintain the
equipment in good working order, and ensure that you have an adequate supply
of gas.
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Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from
freezing.
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Pay attention to warnings. Use a NOAA weather radio with a tone-alert feature or
listen to local radio or television for EAS broadcasts.
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Winter Storms
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Ask Question
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What should you do during a winter storm? |
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Allow the group time to respond. Summarize the discussion using the
information from the visual below.
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Display Visual
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During a Winter Storm . . .
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Stay indoors and dress warmly.
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Eat and drink regularly.
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Conserve fuel.
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If outside, protect yourself from hazards.
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Be
sure to make the following points:
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Stay indoors and dress warmly. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm
clothing. When necessary, remove layers to avoid perspiration and
subsequent chill.
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Eat and drink regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its
own heat. Drink liquids such as warm broth or juices to prevent
dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant,
accelerates the symptoms of hypothermia. Alcohol is a depressant and
hastens the effects of cold on the body. Alcohol also slows circulation and
can make you less aware of the effects of cold. Both caffeine and alcohol
can cause dehydration.
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Conserve fuel. Great demand may be placed on electric, gas, and other fuel
distribution systems (fuel oil, propane, etc.). Suppliers may not be able
to replenish depleted supplies during severe weather. Lower the thermostat
to 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 degrees at night. Close off
unused rooms, stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors, and cover windows
at night.
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Winter Storms
(Continued)
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§
If outside, protect yourself from hazards.
Dress warmly, keep dry, and watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Avoid overexertion. Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks, and use public
transportation, if possible.
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Suggest that the participants also take measures to protect themselves if
they must drive during a winter storm:
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Winterize your car before the winter storm season.
Have a mechanic check your car’s systems and install good winter tires with
adequate tread. Keep snow and ice removal equipment in the car.
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Keep a cellphone or two-way radio with you when traveling in winter
weather. Make
sure that the batteries are charged.
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Keep a disaster supplies kit in the trunk of each car used by household members.
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Plan long trips carefully and notify someone of your destination,
route, and expected time of arrival.
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If you get stuck, stay with the vehicle, display a trouble sign, and occasionally
run the engine to keep warm, keeping the exhaust pipe clear of snow and a
downwind window open slightly for ventilation. Use available material, such
as newspapers, maps, and removable car mats for added insulation. Avoid
overexertion, drink fluids, and watch for signs of frostbite and
hypothermia.
Caution the participants to check the forecast when venturing outside.
Major winter storms are often followed by even colder temperatures.
Ask
the participants if anyone has additional questions, comments, or concerns
about winter storms.
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