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Winter Weather Signals Holiday Safety Reminder
Written by
Bonnie J. Gillespie
, Staff Writer and Photographer, RedCross.org
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 — Though winter officially begins today, bone-chilling weather and snowy conditions hampered much of the eastern U.S. over the weekend and into Monday (Dec. 21). Cold air streaming down from Canada sent temperatures tumbling to record-low numbers, dipping into the teens in states as far south as Alabama.
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Winter Travel Survival Kit
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Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Blankets or sleeping bags
Booster cables
Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
First aid kit and manual
Bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter.
Compass and road maps
Shovel
Tire repair kit and pump
Flares
Extra clothing to keep dry
Sack of sand or cat litter (for tire traction)
Tow rope
Knife
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Between 3 to 6 inches of snow accumulated in parts of New England yesterday, and the Great Lakes region and parts of the West are already experiencing early signs of a white Christmas. Though freshly-blanketed landscapes may paint a nostalgic holiday scene, winter conditions simultaneously present potential hazards, especially when traveling.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, about 70 percent of automobile accidents resulting in death are ice-or-snow related, and another 25 percent of winter deaths can be attributed to people being caught out in a storm. With millions of Americans hitting the road for holiday travel in the coming weeks, American Red Cross disaster preparedness experts are urging families and individuals to precautions against the deceptive dangers of wintry weather.
Prepare a Winter Storm Plan
- Have extra blankets on hand.
- Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.
- Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your home and car.
- Have your car winterized before winter storm season.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing:
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Canned food and can opener.
- Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days).
- Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.
Additionally, if travel is necessary during potentially dangerous winter weather, it's best to inform someone of the travel route, destination and expected arrival time. Travelers should also remember to keep their gas tanks near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. If stuck in the slick conditions, the following actions should be taken:
- Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
- Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
- Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
- As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
- Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
Another severe threat posed by winter storms is hypothermia, a serious condition that predominantly affects males and people over 60. People generally suffer from hypothermia after being over-exposed to extremely cold weather, dangerous wind chills, ice and snowstorms, freezing rain or sleet — another reason why stranded passengers should remain in their vehicles until help arrives. To protect themselves against the icy temperatures, all residents are urged to remember the following life-saving tips:
- Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.
- Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
- Dress in warm layers so you can remove items if you get too warm.
- Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
- Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
- Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
- Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.
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