Transcript Winter Operations Winter Weather Conditions Winter Weather Advisory

Winter Operations
Winter Weather Conditions
Winter Weather Advisory – Winter weather conditions are expected
to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially
to motorists
Winter Storm Watch – Be alert, a storm is possible
Winter Storm Warning – Take action, the storm is occurring or will
soon occur in 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
Frost / Freeze Warning – Below freezing temperatures are expected
Preparation
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Be familiar with winter storm warning messages
Have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to
generate temporary traction
Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources
may be cut off
Winterize your home
Have safe emergency heating equipment available
Install and check smoke detectors
Keep pipes from freezing
Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes off
Develop an emergency communication plan
During the Storm
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Stay indoors and dress warmly
Conserve fuel
Lower the thermostat to 65 degrees during the day and 55
degrees at night. Close off unused rooms
If outdoors wear loose fitting, layered, light weight clothing.
Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill.
If you go out to shovel snow, take frequent breaks
Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air
Avoid overexertion, cold weather puts an added strain on your
heart. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration
Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
Remember wind chill
Signs of Frostbite & Hypothermia
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Frostbite – is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can
permanently damage its victim. A loss of feeling and a white pale
appearance in fingers, toes, nose, and ear lobes are symptoms of
frostbite.
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Hypothermia – is a condition brought on when the body temperature
drops to less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms include
uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent
stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion
Treatment of Frostbite or Hypothermia
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Never give a victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea)
or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster
and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a
depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold
body temperatures.
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Begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical
assistance. Warm the person’s trunk first. Use your own body heat
to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation
of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart
failure.
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Put person in dry clothing and wrap their body in a blanket.
Re-warming the extremity
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Subsequently, a nice rule of thumb is as follows:
Water should be warmed to approximately 104
degrees Fahrenheit. This is the water that should be
used to rapidly re-warm. This temperature is about
that of a hot tub. After warming the water, if you
place your hand in the water and immediately have
to take it out, it is clearly above 104 degrees. At 104
degrees, one can leave their hand in the water for
an extended period of time without feeling pain.
Before the storm
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Check the battery
Antifreeze
Wipers and windshield washer fluid
Ignition symptom
Thermostat
Lights
Flashing hazard lights
Exhaust system
Heater
Brakes
Defroster
Oil Level ( may replace with winter grade oil)
Install winter tires
Keep a windshield scraper for snow and ice removal
If you are trapped in your car
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Pull off the road, set hazard lights to flashing and hang a distress
flag from the radio aerial or window. Remain in your vehicle.
Conserve fuel, but run the engine and heater about ten minutes
each hour to keep warm, crack the downwind window slightly to
prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Exercise to maintain body heat but don’t overexert. Huddle with
other passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
Use road maps, seat covers, floor mats, newspapers or extra
clothing for covering.
In remote areas spread a large cloth over the snow to attract
rescue planes.
Do not set out on foot unless you see a building close by where
you know you can take shelter.