Winter storms are dangerous! Nationwide, there are an average of 79 fatalities directly attributable to Winter weather – more deaths than from tornadoes or hurricanes.

Precautions

There are several precautions you can take to remain safe in the Winter. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Vent furnaces and fireplaces properly to avoid the possibility of fire or suffocation from dangerous flue gases.
2. Have your fireplace checked and cleaned by a professional before each winter season. Keep fires small and always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. Never burn trash or paper in a fireplace. Remove ashes in a metal container and store them outside. Never leave children unattended in the presence of a fire.
3. Keep all combustible items away from heating devices, especially space heaters. Use the proper fuel for liquid-fuel heaters, be sure to vent them properly, and fill their tanks only in well vented areas. Carbon monoxide is a serious problem. Buy a carbon monoxide detector for your home if you use gas or space heaters.
4. Check smoke detectors regularly and keep them clear of dust and debris. Have a fire escape plan, know two ways out of every room. Designate a meeting place outside your home in case of fire. Share the plan with all family members and children.
5. Allow extra time for travel in Winter when road conditions may be slippery and hazardous. Always drive defensively. Have your local mechanic prepare your automobile for winter weather. Leave plenty of gas in the tank in case you get stranded.
6. Develop a family plan that includes information on how you would reunite family members if separated by severe weather conditions. Maintain supplies in your home and in your automobile so that you can remain self-sufficient if you are isolated by winter storms.

Be aware of the latest weather conditions and forecasts. Knowing what to do in bad weather and emergencies can help prevent life-threatening and costly accidents.

Winter Advisory Terms

Be familiar with advisory terms:

1. A WATCH means severe weather, such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two. When a watch is issued, get ready. At home, check supplies of food and fuel. For the car, check fluid levels and keep the gas tank full.
2. A WARNING means severe winter weather conditions are occurring, imminent or highly likely. Stay indoors and avoid travel. Warnings may be issued for the following specific hazards:
   • Heavy snow warning - 6 inches in northern and central Illinois and 4 inches in Southern Illinois.
   • Ice storm warning - heavy accumulations of ice will create extremely dangerous travel and damage to trees and power lines.
   • Blizzard warning - snow and winds of 35 mph or greater will combine to produce severe blowing and drifting of snow, reduced visibility, and life-threatening wind chill.
   • Wind chill warning - life-threatening wind chill of 50 below zero or colder in northern and central Illinois, 35 below zero or colder in Southern Illinois.
3. An ADVISORY means weather conditions could cause significant inconvenience and may become hazardous especially to motorists. Travel with caution. Advisories are issued for the following specific events:
   • Snow advisory - snowfall of 2 to 5 inches.
   • Freezing rain or sleet advisory - light accumulations of ice.
   • Blowing or drifting snow advisory - poor visibility and drifting snow on roads.
   • Wind chill advisory - dangerous wind chills of 30-35 below zero in northern and central Illinois and 20-35 below zero in Southern Illinois.

Wind Chill Chart

Wind chill is a how cold it feels because of the combined effects of cold temperature and strong wind. Wind chill can be determined on the following chart if you know the actual temperature and wind speed. Where the temperature and wind speed meet (across and down) is the wind chill.

Older people are particularly susceptible to cold weather. Dress warmly and limit your exposure to the cold weather. Dress in loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Wool clothing will help you stay warm. Wearing several light layers will trap more body heat. Also, keeping your clothing dry will prevent loss of body heat. Avoid alcoholic beverages because it causes the body to lose its heat more rapidly as it dilates surface blood vessels.

Hypothermia

Symptoms of hypothermia (below normal body temperature) include:

• Confusion.
• Difficulty speaking.
• Shivering.
• Puffy face.
• Drowsiness.
• Forgetfulness.
• Slow, shallow breathing.

If you notice these symptoms take the person’s temperature. If it’s 95 degrees or lower, immediately seek medical help. Hypothermia usually develops over a period of time, from days to several weeks. Even mildly cool indoor temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees can trigger hypothermia. Older people should set their thermostats above 65 degrees to avoid hypothermia.

Other preventative measures include eating regularly, dressing warmly even indoors, and staying as active as possible. Keep warm in bed by wearing enough clothing and using blankets.

Use this link to learn more about hypothermia.

Disaster Kit Supplies

Be sure to have a disaster kit stored in your home and make sure that the following are included:

• First aid kit.
• Essential medications.
• Battery powered radio.
• Flashlight.
• Extra batteries.
• Canned food.
• Non-electric can opener.
• Bottled water.

Winter joggers and walkers should plot their course against the wind on the way out and with the wind at your back on the way home. This lowers the amount of wind which catches your body’s perspiration in your front at the end of the exercise period when you have perspired most.

Don’t be another Winter weather statistic! Make sure that you and your family are prepared throughout the Winter season.

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