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Tuscarawas County
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Prepare a
Winter Storm Plan
1. Have extra blankets on hand.
2. Ensure that each member of
your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant
boots.
Assemble a
Disaster Supplies Kit Containing:
1. First aid kit and essential
medications.
2. Battery-powered NOAA
Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
3. Canned food and can opener.
4. Bottled water (at least one
gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days).
5. Extra warm clothing,
including boots, mittens, and a hat.
6. Assemble a Disaster Supplies
Kit for your car, too.
7. Have your car winterized
before winter storm season.
Stay Tuned
for Storm Warnings
1.
Listen to NOAA
Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm
information.
Know
What Winter Storm WATCHES
and WARNINGS
Mean
1. A winter storm WATCH means
a winter storm is possible in your area.
2. A winter storm WARNING means
a winter storm is headed for your area.
3. A blizzard WARNING means
strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are
expected. Seek shelter immediately!
When a
Winter Storm WATCH is Issued
1. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio,
local radio, and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for
further updates.
2. Be alert to changing weather
conditions.
Avoid unnecessary travel.
When a
Winter Storm WARNING is Issued
1. Stay indoors during the
storm.
2. If you must go outside,
several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single
heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat.
Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
3. Understand the hazards of
wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures
on exposed skin.
4. As the wind increases, heat
is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down
the body temperature.
5. Walk carefully on snowy, icy,
sidewalks.
6. After the storm, if you
shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take
frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
7. Avoid traveling by car in a
storm, but if you must...
8. Carry a Disaster
Supplies Kit in the trunk.
9. Keep your car's gas tank full
for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
10. Let someone know your
destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets
stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
If You Do
Get Stuck
1. Stay with your car. Do not
try to walk to safety.
2. Tie a brightly colored cloth
(preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
3. 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.
4. Leave the overhead light on
when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
5. As you sit, keep moving your
arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
6. Keep one window away from the
blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
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