Winter Preparedness

Preparation for Winter Weather
Winter Power Outage Survival
Family Emergency Kit
Vehicle Survival Kit

Preparation for Winter Weather

Most individuals are aware of winter weather conditions. We know how to dress, drive, be active outdoors and generally get through the often frigid cold . Nonetheless, deaths and injuries occur every winter because people fail to take precautions. Careless, overconfidence, ignorance and innocence's can lead to damage, injury or death from winter weather conditions. Advance preparation is the best thing people can do to avoid problems that may occur during the winter months.

Winter Weather Information

A wide range of weather conditions can occur during a winter storm, including snow, sleet, and ice accumulations, strong winds leading to blowing and drifting snow, and dangerously cold temperatures.

Winter Storms can affect a large area, even portions of multiple states, and can last for many days. Regions affected by a winter storm can be crippled for several days, with the effects felt for weeks. Travel becomes dangerous and even impossible

Extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm or is left in its wake. The combination of cold temperatures and wind produces a wind chill, which is a cooling effect on exposed skin. Prolonged exposure to the cold can be dangerous and life-threatening, causing hypothermia or frostbite.

Know the Terms

  • Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.
  • Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
  • Winter Storm Watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information. A Winter Storm Watch is issued when severe winter conditions are possible within the next few days. A Blizzard Watch may also be issued if blizzard conditions are expected.
  • Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area. A Winter Storm Warning is issued when severe winter conditions, featuring a combination of winter weather types, are occurring or are imminent. Blizzard, Heavy Snow, Ice Storm, Lake Effect Snow, and Sleet warnings may also be issued if only one weather type is expected to occur.
  • Blizzard Warning: Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
  • Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected.
  • Wind Chill watches and warnings may be issued when life-threatening wind chill values are expected. A strong wind combined with temperature slightly below freezing can have the same chilling effect as a temperature nearly 50 degrees lower in a calm atmosphere. The combined cooling power of the wind and temperature on exposed flesh is called the wind chill factor.
  • An advisory is issued when conditions warrant increased public awareness or moderately hamper travel but are not severe enough to merit a warning.

Before a Winter Storm Strikes

  • Monitor National Weather Service forecasts, statements, watches, and warnings for the latest information on a developing winter storm. National Weather Service websites and NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards provide a direct link to this information.
  • Winterize your vehicle. Keep antifreeze fresh. Assure you have a strong car battery. Use snow tires.
  • Keep a winter survival kit in your car.
  • Winterize your home by installing storm windows, adequate insulation and caulking, and weather-stripping doors and windows.
  • Stock extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
  • Consider a safe alternate heat source, and keep a ready supply of fuel.

During a Winter Storm

  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, local radio, or television, or monitor National Weather Service websites for the latest weather reports and emergency information.
  • If you plan to be outside, dress in layered clothing and avoid over-exertion.
  • Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
  • If your vehicle becomes stranded, stay with it until help arrives. Do not try to walk for help during a winter storm, as conditions may suddenly worsen with little advance warning.
  • Most Minnesota home-heating systems depend on electrical power to operate the furnace, air circulation and thermostat controls. A winter power failure and resulting heat loss can damage homes and create difficult living conditions. Know what to do if your home suffers a power and heat failure.

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Winter Power Outage Survival

Keep on Hand:

  • Emergency supply of foods that require no preparation.
  • Flashlights and a battery-powered radio with fresh batteries.
  • Anti-freeze to protect plumbing.
  • A fully-charged fire extinguisher.
  • UL-approved emergency heating equipment, such as a camp stove, kerosene heater, or firewood and adequate fuel to operate a fireplace or woodstove. Don’t store fuel in the house.
  • Candles or lanterns to provide light.

When the Power Goes Off:

  • Notify your local energy supplier.
  • Turn off all electrical appliances.
  • Turn on a battery powered radio for information.
  • Don't panic. When doors and windows are kept closed, houses remain bearably warm for several hours.
  • Conserve fuel by warming only one room and keeping temperatures low but bearable. Wear heavy clothing.
  • Switch to emergency heating equipment before the house gets too cold.
  • Check plumbing to ensure that water pipes are not freezing up.
  • If there is a risk that pipes will freeze, follow these procedures:
  • Turn off the main electrical switch.
  • Turn off the water main where it enters the house and cover the valve, inlet pipe, and pump or meter with a blanket or other insulating material.
  • Open the drain on the water heater and all taps inside the house, and flush toilets several times. Plunge toilet bowls, sink and bath drains, and then add anti-freeze.
  • Check appliance manuals and follow draining or frost-protection instructions for dishwashers, washing machines, etc.
  • Blow out horizontal water lines that won't drain when valves are open. (Use a tire pump.)

When Power Returns:

  • Turn off emergency heating equipment.
  • Turn on the main water valve, closing taps on the lowest level of the house first.
  • Let the water heater fill up
  • before turning it on.
  • Warm the house to a temperature slightly above normal for a few hours to dry it out.
  • Flush the toilets, and drain sinks and tubs to dispose of anti-freeze.
  • Check food supplies for spoilage — food kept in the freezer will remain frozen for 24 to 48 hours after a power failure if the freezer door remains closed.
  • Turn on the main electrical switch.

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Family Emergency Kit

The family emergency kit needs to include enough supplies to stay at home for at least three days. Here are the basic to include in the Family Emergency Kit:

  • 3 Gallons of water per person per day
  • 3 day supply of food (water and food should be replaced every 6 months for freshness.)
  • Basic kitchen accessories are needed for cooking, eating and storage
  • Battery powered radio NOAA weather radio or am/fm potable radio and extra fresh batteries are needed for current emergency information
  • Several flashlights (batteries)
  • Blankets or sleeping bags for each person
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Paper, pencils
  • Fire extinguisher
  • A whistle
  • An extra set of keys
  • Identification cards for everyone in household
  • Personal hygiene items
  • One complete change of cloths and footwear for everyone
  • Prescription medications
  • Extra over the counter medications and first-aid kit
  • Any special needs for special needs person or seniors
  • Any special needs for infants
  • Books, games and toys for children for entertainment

If possible have everyone in the family, including children work together on putting your family emergency kit, and ask for input from everyone on what it should include. Every family member needs to know where the kit is stored.

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Vehicle Survival Kit

Winter weather can kill an unprepared person who is exposed to the elements within minutes. If your vehicle becomes stranded in the snow in the country… stay in your vehicle. Be aware of the weather before you travel. Simple planning can save you trouble and even save your life. Prepare your vehicle winter check fluids, regular oil changes and keep your gas tank at least one-half full.

  • Survival Kit for Vehicles:
  • Use an empty three-pound coffee can or any similar container with a plastic cover to store the following items. This can be used to melt snow for drinking water if needed.
  • Small candles and matches
  • Small, sharp knife and plastic spoons
  • Red bandanna or cloth
  • Pencil and paper
  • Large plastic garbage bags and Safety pins ( can be used to insulate feet)
  • Whistle
  • Snacks
  • Cell phone adapter to plug in to lighter
  • Plastic flashlight and spare batteries. (reverse batteries to avoid accidental switching and burnout) Warm batteries before using.
  • Suggested food Items:
  • Raisins in small packets
  • Semi-sweet chocolate in pieces for sharing
  • Miniature candy bars
  • Wrapped hard candies
  • Food bars
  • Canned soup, meat and poultry. ( Get cans with pull tab to open with out can opener)
  • Bulky and heavy Items
  • Booster cables
  • Basic Tools
  • Sand, cat litter or other grit in a plastic milk carton
  • Shovel
  • Tow cables or chain
  • Sleeping bag or blankets
  • Road Flares and reflectors
  • Heavy snow boots

Emergency Phone Calls

In any part of Minnesota you can call 911 from your cell to summon help. When you talk to authorities:

  • Provide information on your location, condition of any people in the vehicle and the problems your having
  • Follow instructions you are told stay where you are and wait for rescuers
  • Don’t hang up until you know who you have spoken to and what will happen next
  • If you must leave your vehicle leave your name, phone number on a piece of paper inside the front windshield for someone to see.

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