Tuscarawas County Homeland Security & Emergency Management Agency

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Jennifer James

Director

2295 Reiser Ave SE
New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663

Phone: 330-308-6670
Fax: 330-308-6675

Office hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Monday through Friday

Winter Storms
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
  • Have extra blankets on hand
  • Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots
Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
Know What Winter Storm WATCHES and WARNINGS Mean
  • A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area
  • A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area
  • 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
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates
  • Be alert to changing weather conditions
  • Avoid unnecessary travel
When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued
  • Stay indoors during the storm
  • 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
  • Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin
  • As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks
  • After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful- It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks- Avoid overexertion!
  • Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must…
  • Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk
  • Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing
  • Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive
If You Do Get Stuck
  • 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
Winter Storms PDF