Timely preparation, can avert heavy personal, business and government expenditures. Experts agree that the following measures can be effective in dealing with the challenges of severe winter weather:
- Store drinking water, first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, radio, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily, even in the dark.
- Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit in each.
- Know how the public is warned (siren, radio, TV, etc.) and the warning terms for each kind of disaster in your community; e.g.:
- "winter storm watch" --- Be alert, a storm is likely
- "winter storm warning" --- Take action, the storm is in or entering the area
- "blizzard warning" --- Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill--seek refuge immediately!
- "winter weather advisory" --- Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists
- "frost/freeze warning" --- Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees
- "flash flood or flood watch" --- Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice
- "flash flood warning" --- A flash flood is imminent--act quickly to save yourself because you may have only seconds
- "flood warning" --- Flooding has been reported or is imminent--take necessary precautions at once
- Know safe routes from home, work and school to high ground.
- Know how to contact other household members through a common out-of-state contact in the event you and have to evacuate and become separated.
- Know how to turn off gas, electric power and water before evacuating.
- Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.