Hancock County Emergency Management

Severe Weather

WINTER WEATHER

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:

A BLIZZARD WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING.

FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND POOR VISIBILITIES ARE LIKELY.

THIS WILL LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS...MAKING TRAVEL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. DO NOT TRAVEL.

IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...HAVE A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT WITH YOU.

IF YOU GET STRANDED...STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE.

Winter Safety Tips for the Home

Every home should have a disaster supplies kit: a battery-operated radio, flashlight, matches,

extra batteries and an extra set of house and car keys. Have an ample supply of wood for the

fireplace and plenty of nonperishable foods that can be eaten without heating. Keep bottled water

and juices on hand in case your power and water supplies are interrupted.

Other items to consider including in the kit are extra prescription medication and items for babies or

family members with special needs. Consider storing an ample supply of necessary items to sustain

every member in the home for at least three days, in case you’re snowed or iced in and cannot leave the home.

Things to Know:

Winter Storm Watch: Heavy snow and ice are very possible over the next couple of days.

Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter weather has come to the area—Heavy snow and/or ice will

begin soon

Blizzard: Strong winds over 35mph along with snow that reduces the visibility.

Sleet: Rain that falls and turns into ice before it hits the ground

Freezing Rain: Rain that falls and turns to ice once it hits the surface.

Before a Winter Storm:

• Keep extra blankets, warm clothes, and a lighter or matches around the house. Know where they are

located in case you have to find them in a power outage.

• Keep extra wood around or know how to properly work your gas fireplace.

• If you rent, make sure you are familiar with the heating system and it is safe to use.

• Stock up on extra food and water before the storm because the power may go out, or you might be

snowed in for a few days.

• Fuel your car before the storm.

• Put extra blankets, clothes, ice scraper, extra food, extra water, and a shovel in your car.

During a Winter Storm:

• Don’t attempt to go out and get something. Once a winter storm starts conditions worsen quickly.

• Keep updated on situation via internet, TV, or radio.

• Make sure heat source is safe. Many fires are started each year via unsafe heating.

• Keep items 3 feet away from heaters.

• If you are stranded in your car, do NOT attempt to get out and go find help unless its within 100 yards.

• Run the car 10 minutes each hour to keep warm, but make sure the tailpipe is not blocked or you may

suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Display a trouble sign, usually a bright piece of clothing will do.

• Use flood mats for extra insulation.

• Keep circulation of blood within your body by moving around.

• If you are with someone, share body heat