Every year dozens of people die and thousands more are injured due to winter weather related weather hazards. Others inadvertently suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning or start a home fire by misusing alternative heat sources when riding out a bad winter storm. These accidents can be prevented with a little preparation and a good plan.

With a good plan and practicing winter weather safety you can help stay safe at home, at work or even on the road in dangerous winter weather.

It’s important to be aware of any potentially threatening weather in your area during the winter months. The National Weather Service uses the following terms for all winter weather hazards. Here’s what they mean and what you should do. Be sure to listen to your local officials reports of weather conditions in your area.

OUTLOOK: Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to5 days. Stay tuned to local media for updates.
WATCH: Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. Get prepared now.
WARNING: Life threatening severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Get ready now.
ADVISORY: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. These situations should not be life threatening.

When a storm strikes in the winter an entire community can be paralyzed and you can become stranded at home or at work. The greatest threats to your family are loss of heat, power and a shortage of supplies. Before the winter season, update your family emergency kit to include winter-related needs.

A winter weather survival kit should include:

• Five day supply of non-perishable food and water

• Can opener

• Flashlights

• Portable emergency radio (hand-crank, solar-powered or battery-operated)

• Batteries

• Any prescription medication needed by family members

• First aid kit

• List of phone numbers for relatives

• Neighbors and utility company phone numbers and information

• If you have pets, include five days’ worth of canned pet food and water.

• Emergency heat source (space heater, fireplace supplies)

• Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm

• Matches in a waterproof container

During a storm the loss of power and the cold temperature along can cause potentially life-threatening conditions to your family. The following can help you stay warm and safe:

• Stay inside:

While the storm is still raging stay warm and protected inside. You can dig out when the weather lifts. If you must go outside, wear layers of warm, light clothing including a hat and gloves or mittens.

• Be safe with alternative heat:

Alternative heat sources can provide much needed warmth when the power goes out, but be sure to use extreme caution.

• Place your generator carefully:

If you have a generator, be sure to place it in a well-ventilated area. Do not place it in an adjacent garage or in the basement as dangerous carbon monoxide fumes could enter your home.

If kids are very active, remove layers of clothing to avoid over-heating and subsequent chill when they slow down.

• Don’t forget to eat and drink:

Although you may not have a cooking source, it’s still very important to stay well-nourished and hydrated. Choose high-energy foods that don’t require cooking such as granola bars or dried fried and nuts.

• Prevent water pipe breaks:

If the temperature is extremely cold, water pipes can freeze and burst due to the pressure. To help prevent this from happening, open the cabinet doors if pipes are enclosed under a sink to help keep them warm. Also, close garage doors if you have exposed water pipes inside the garage. Running the water at a trickle can also help prevent potential freezing.

After the storm is over:

After the storm is over, it’s time to clear away the snow and prevent potential flooding and icing. Here are a few ways to help stay safe:

• Clear paths

• Clear drains

• Shovel safe

• Stay home

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