PREPARING FOR A WINTER STORM
At home:
• Keep handy a battery-powered flashlight, NOAA weather radio and portable radio, extra
food (canned or dried food is best), can opener, and bottled water (at least 3 gallons per
person).
• Make sure each member of household has a warm coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant
boots.
• Ensure that extra blankets and heavy clothes are available.
• Keep on hand items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• Be aware of potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards if you plan to use an emergency
heating source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater.
In a vehicle:
• Ensure the vehicle is winterized by late fall. Keep the gas tank close to full.
• Have the following emergency supplies in your auto: shovel, blankets, windshield scraper,
container of sand, battery booster cables, tow chain or rope, flashlight, battery-operated
radio, first-aid kit and high energy snacks (e.g. nuts, raisins).
• If travel is necessary, let someone know your destination and arrival time. Take along a
cell-phone in case you must call for help.
Outside:
• Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep
snow. Sweating could lead to chill and hypothermia.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing in layers. Wear wool hat and mittens.
• Keep your clothes dry. Change wet socks and clothing quickly to prevent loss of body
heat.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from
a person’s body more rapidly.
DURING A WINTER STORM
At home:
• To save heat, close off unneeded rooms, cover windows at night and stuff towels or rags
in cracks under doors.
• Maintain adequate food and water intake. Food provides the body with energy for
producing its own heat.
If stranded in a vehicle:
• Attach a bright cloth to your antenna to attract attention and then remain in the vehicle.
• Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat. However, open the window slightly
for fresh air and make sure that the exhaust pipe isn't blocked.
• Get attention by turning on the dome light and emergency flashers when running the
engine.
• Exercise by moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep
warm.
If stranded outside:
• Try to stay dry and cover all exposed parts of the body.
• Prepare a windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and
to attract attention.
• Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
ANYTIME
Listen for All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio or local radio, television and cable stations for
the latest updates on hazardous winter weather.
• To ensure a continuous flow of weather information, make sure the NOAA Weather
Radio, or another radio or television has a battery backup.
• For All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio information, including a station near you, see the
NOAA Weather Radio page on the Internet at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr or contact
your National Weather Service office.
By following these simple procedures...you will be able to endure Michigan's harsh winter
weather.
At home:
• Keep handy a battery-powered flashlight, NOAA weather radio and portable radio, extra
food (canned or dried food is best), can opener, and bottled water (at least 3 gallons per
person).
• Make sure each member of household has a warm coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant
boots.
• Ensure that extra blankets and heavy clothes are available.
• Keep on hand items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• Be aware of potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards if you plan to use an emergency
heating source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater.
In a vehicle:
• Ensure the vehicle is winterized by late fall. Keep the gas tank close to full.
• Have the following emergency supplies in your auto: shovel, blankets, windshield scraper,
container of sand, battery booster cables, tow chain or rope, flashlight, battery-operated
radio, first-aid kit and high energy snacks (e.g. nuts, raisins).
• If travel is necessary, let someone know your destination and arrival time. Take along a
cell-phone in case you must call for help.
Outside:
• Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep
snow. Sweating could lead to chill and hypothermia.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing in layers. Wear wool hat and mittens.
• Keep your clothes dry. Change wet socks and clothing quickly to prevent loss of body
heat.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from
a person’s body more rapidly.
DURING A WINTER STORM
At home:
• To save heat, close off unneeded rooms, cover windows at night and stuff towels or rags
in cracks under doors.
• Maintain adequate food and water intake. Food provides the body with energy for
producing its own heat.
If stranded in a vehicle:
• Attach a bright cloth to your antenna to attract attention and then remain in the vehicle.
• Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat. However, open the window slightly
for fresh air and make sure that the exhaust pipe isn't blocked.
• Get attention by turning on the dome light and emergency flashers when running the
engine.
• Exercise by moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep
warm.
If stranded outside:
• Try to stay dry and cover all exposed parts of the body.
• Prepare a windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and
to attract attention.
• Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
ANYTIME
Listen for All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio or local radio, television and cable stations for
the latest updates on hazardous winter weather.
• To ensure a continuous flow of weather information, make sure the NOAA Weather
Radio, or another radio or television has a battery backup.
• For All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio information, including a station near you, see the
NOAA Weather Radio page on the Internet at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr or contact
your National Weather Service office.
By following these simple procedures...you will be able to endure Michigan's harsh winter
weather.
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