CRITICAL DOCUMENTS AND VALUABLES When disaster strikes, your - - PDF document

BE SMART. PROTECT YOUR

CRITICAL

DOCUMENTS AND

VALUABLES

When disaster strikes, your immediate concern will be your safety and the safety of those you care about. Once the immediate danger passes, however, having your financial and medical records and important contact information will be crucial to help you start the recovery process quickly. Taking time now to safeguard these critical documents will give you peace of mind, ensure you have access to essential medical and prescription information, and help you avoid additional stress during the difficult days following a disaster. In addition, take the time now to think about the priceless personal items you would want to protect from damage

• r take with you if you had to suddenly evacuate your home.

The first step is to take an inventory of your household documents, contacts, and valuables. The checklist below will get you started. Then download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) at www.ready.gov/financialpreparedness for more complete checklists and guidance on collecting and safeguarding this important information. Put a checkmark next to any item that you may need to collect and safeguard. Be sure to include emergency contact phone numbers or other contact information with your documentation for questions that may arise following a disaster.

HOUSEHOLD

IDENTIFICATION

Think about the documents you would need to identify yourself and your household members, including children and pets, your relationships, or status. These may include:

Vital records (birth, marriage, divorce certificate, adoption, child custody papers) Passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, green card, military service identification, other Pet ownership papers, identification tags

2

America’s PrepareAthon! www.ready.gov/prepare

FINANCIAL

AND LEGAL

DOCUMENTATION

If your home or income is impacted by a disaster, you will need documentation to request assistance from insurance providers and from government disaster assistance programs.

Housing: lease or rental agreement, mortgage, home equity line of credit, deed Vehicle: loan documents, VIN, registration, title Other Financial Obligations: utility bills, credit cards, student loans, alimony, child support, elder care, automatic payments such as gym memberships Financial Accounts: checking, savings, debit cards, retirement, investment Insurance Policies: homeowners, renters, auto, life, flood, appraisals, photos, and lists of valuable items Sources of Income: pay stubs, government benefits, alimony, child support Tax Statements: Federal/State income tax returns, property tax, vehicle tax Estate Planning: will, trust, power of attorney

MEDICAL

INFORMATION

Health/dental insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, VA health benefits List of medications, immunizations, allergies, prescriptions, medical equipment and devices, pharmacy information Living will, medical power of attorney Caregiver agency contract or service agreement Disabilities documentation Contact information for doctors/specialists, dentists, pediatricians, veterinarians

EMERGENCY OR HOTLINE

CONTACT INFORMATION

FOR HOUSEHOLD

Employers/supervisors Schools Houses of worship Social service providers Home Owners Associations Home Repair Services: utilities, plumber, roofer, carpenter, electrician

3

VALUABLES

AND PRICELESS

PERSONAL ITEMS

Priceless personal mementos, family photos, and keepsakes Possessions with monetary value, including jewelry, art, and collectibles

PROTECT

YOUR DOCUMENTS

AND VALUABLES

Once you have gathered your financial, legal, and contact information, it is essential to safeguard this information.

Consider storing paper copies of important documents at home in a fireproof and waterproof box or safe, in a bank safe deposit box, or with a trusted friend or relative. If you are using a safe deposit box, you may want to ask your bank or check State laws to confirm who can and cannot access the safe deposit box if the lessee dies or is incapacitated. Store electronic copies of important documents in a password-protected format on a removable flash or external hard drive in your fireproof and waterproof box or safe, or consider using a secure cloud-based service. Visit www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/st04-019 to learn how to use electronic encryption to protect sensitive information. Think about where you store valuable belongings and ways to better protect these items. If you have valuable items stored in a basement, you may want to move them to a higher location and put them in waterproof containers to avoid water damage. Or you may want to keep small items in a flood/fireproof home safe. You may also want to secure items that are displayed on shelves

• r walls if your home may be subject to high winds or earthquakes.

Thank you for doing your part to prepare! Spread the word and encourage others to join the movement at www.ready.gov/prepare.

Winter Storm

Frequency of Winter Storms - MASSACHUSETTS

4-8 significant storm events/year, 1996-2013

SIGNS OF FROSTBITE

• Occurs when the skin and body tissue just

beneath it freezes

– Loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, earlobes, face, and the tip of the nose

WHAT TO DO

• If symptoms of frostbite are detected

– Cover exposed skin, but do not rub the affected area in an attempt to warm it up. – Seek medical help immediately.

SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA

• Dangerously low body temperature

– Uncontrollable shivering – Memory loss, disorientation – Incoherence, slurred speech – Drowsiness – Apparent exhaustion

WHAT TO DO

• If symptoms of hypothermia are detected

– Get the victim to a warm location. – Remove wet clothing. – Warm the center of the body first by wrapping the person in – blankets or putting on dry clothing. – Give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the person is conscious. – Take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°F, seek – medical attention immediately.

WIND CHILL

Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion table

Celsius (°C) Fahrenheit (°F)

• 50 °C
• 58.0 °F
• 40 °C
• 40.0 °F
• 30 °C
• 22.0 °F
• 20 °C
• 4.0 °F
• 10 °C

14.0 °F

• 9 °C

15.8 °F

• 8 °C

17.6 °F

• 7 °C

19.4 °F

• 6 °C

21.2 °F

• 5 °C

23.0 °F

• 4 °C

24.8 °F

• 3 °C

26.6 °F

• 2 °C

28.4 °F

• 1 °C

30.2 °F 0 °C 32.0 °F

Building an Emergency Supply Kit for your Car

First Aid Kit Extra Car Battery Blankets Jumper Cables Sleeping Bag Extra - Warm Clothes Never Go Anywhere Alone Tire Chains if you don’t have snow tires Skis Rock Salt Snacks Flare Gun Full Tank of Gas Radio Winch or Pulley Bag of Sand or Cat Littler Carbon Monoxide Detector Ice Scraper Snow Brush Thermostat Gun Snow Shoes Boots Wood Cell Phone Charger (and your Cell Phone) Water Flashlight Flares Hunting Rifle Shovel Gloves Mittens Tow Rope

WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

• Check current and forecast weather

conditions.

• Inform a friend or relative of your

proposed route and expected time

• f arrival.
• Make sure your emergency kit is in

the car.

• Have a full tank of gas.

WHAT TO DO IF STRANDED

STAY

• If rescue is likely (meaning you can see something or someone within

eyesight or you know exactly where you are and where to go for help)

• Wind chills are dangerously low -to avoid exposure
• If a safe location is neither nearby nor visible.
• If you do not have appropriate clothing to go outside.
• If you do not have the ability to call for help.

GO

• If the distance to call for help is accessible.
• If you have visibility and outside conditions are safe.
• If you have appropriate clothing.
• If the wind chill is not dangerously low

WHAT TO DO IF YOU STAY

STAY

Stay with your car unless safety is no more than 100 yards away, but continue to move arms and legs.

• Stay visible by putting bright cloth on the antenna,

turning on the inside overhead light (when engine is running), and raising the hood when snow stops falling.

• Run the engine and heater only 10 minutes every hour.
• Keep a downwind window open.
• Make sure the tailpipe is not blocked

What Happens To Your Body In Extreme Temperatures

Winter Weather Advisories

An Advisory is issued if...

Condition are expected to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous.

A Watch is issued if…

Heavy snow and ice may affect your area but the location and timing are still uncertain. Issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a potential severe storm.

A Warning is issued when…

Four or more inches of snow or sleet are expected in the next 12 hours, or 6

• r more inches are expected in the

next 24 hours, or ¼ inch of ice is

• expected. A warning may also be

issued if the storm is expected during rush hours.

Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these other terms to help identify a winter storm hazard:

• Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a

coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

• Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also

causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

• Blizzard Warning - Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour
• r greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing

visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

• Frost/Freeze Warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

Pets

• Remember to stay mindful of your pets and

what they can tolerate in the winter

If you work outdoors

• Work Slowly
• Pay attention to the wind chill
• Don’t over exert if you are not use to strenuous

physical activity

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

Winterize your home.

– Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows. – Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls. – Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.

Check your heating systems.

– Make sure your heating system is clean, working properly and ventilated to the outside. – Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys. – If you can, have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available. – Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.

• Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas.

Check batteries regularly.

• Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, nausea, and disorientation.

Don’t forget to prepare your car

– Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level; check tire tread or, if necessary, replace tires with all-weather or snow tires.

If you’re called to help in a emergency

• Make sure your family is safe and able to take care of

themselves

• Make sure your pets are taken care of

– Consider alternative situations. What if you can’t get home when you expect to

• Have your Go Kit ready to go
• Know where you are going
• Tell someone where you’re going to volunteer, how

you’re getting there and when you’re coming back

• Bring more than enough prescription medications
• Bring some light supplies of food and water.

HOW TO

PREPARE

FOR A WINTER STORM

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 1

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

Winter storms can bring freezing rain, ice, snow, high winds, or a combination of these conditions. They can cause power outages that last for days, make roads and walkways very dangerous, and can affect community

• services. Planning and preparing can help you manage the impact of a winter storm and keep you and your family
• safe. A sustained power outage can have a significant impact on people who require electricity to power medical

equipment, so make sure that you have a plan to take care of yourself and your family during an outage.

KNOW YOUR RISK

WHAT: A winter storm

• ccurs when there is

significant precipitation and the temperature is low enough that precipitation forms as sleet or snow, or when rain turns to ice. A winter storm can range from freezing rain and ice, to moderate snowfall over a few hours, to a blizzard that lasts for several days,

• r be a combination of

several winter weather

• conditions. Many winter

storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures. WHEN: Winter storms can

• ccur from early autumn to

late spring depending on the region of the country. WHERE: Winter storms and colder than normal temperatures can happen in every region of the country. IMPACT: Extreme winter weather can immobilize an entire region. Ice and heavy snowfall can knock

• ut heat, power, and

communications services, sometimes for several

• days. Driving and walking

can become extremely hazardous due to icy conditions, snowfall accumulation, low visibility,

• r extreme cold. People

may need to stay at home

• r work without utilities or
• ther services, until

driving is safe. Pipes and water mains can break.

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 2

s

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

Frequency of Winter Storm Events By County: 1996-2013

“Winter Storms” include all events identified by NOAA as blizzard, heavy snow, ice storm, lake-effect snow, winter storm, or winter weather.

Frequency of Abnormally Cold Days Per Y ear By County: 1996-2013

“Cold/extreme cold/wind chill”event are determined by local and regional meteorologists and standards differ.

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 3

Protect Yourself Before, During, and After a Winter Storm

This page provides an overview of protective actions to take before, during, and after a winter storm. Additional information is provided in the following pages for each phase.

1 | BEFORE: PREPARE

Prepare now in case a winter storm hits and you are home for several days without power and heat.

• Prepare by gathering emergency supplies, making

a family plan, and discussing emergency notifications and expectations with your workplace and/or schools.

• Install battery-powered or

battery back-up carbon monoxide detectors.

• If you have access to an

OUTSIDE generator, have an electric cord long enough to keep the generator at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent.

• Make specific plans for

how you will avoid driving.

• Be alert to changing weather

conditions using local alerts, radio, and other news sources for information and instructions.

2 | DURING: SURVIVE

Stay indoors and avoid driving as much as possible.

• If the power goes out, close off unused rooms

to consolidate and retain heat.

• Wear layered clothing and use blankets
• r sleeping bags to stay warm.
• Bring pets inside.
• NEVER use generators,
• utdoor heating or cooking

equipment, such as a grill, camp stove, or a gasoline

• r propane heater, indoors.
• NEVER heat a home

with a stove.

• If driving is absolutely

necessary, keep disaster supplies in your vehicle, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped, and use extra precaution on the roads.

• Limit your time outdoors.

If you are outside, protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing several layers of warm, loose-fitting, light-weight clothing.

3 | AFTER: RECOVER

Driving conditions will still be dangerous; only drive if necessary.

• If the power is out for more than a few days, your community

may set up warming shelters.

• If you do not have adequate supplies to stay warm in your

home and you can get there safely, you may want to go to a shelter.

• If you go outside, dress in warm clothing, stay dry, and avoid

prolonged exposure to cold and wind to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia.

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 4

Protect Yourself Before, During, and After a Winter Storm

WINTER STORMS CAN BE DECEPTIVE KILLERS

The National Weather Service (NWS) refers to winter storms as “deceptive killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storms. The majority of deaths caused by winter storms are from vehicle accidents due to ice and snow. In addition, people can die from carbon monoxide poisoning when using portable generators indoors, including in attached garages, or too close to the

• house. Generators should be used only outdoors

and should be located at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, or vents. Individuals also suffer cold injuries, such as frostbite or hypothermia, from being outside too long and by not being well protected from wind and cold.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

Winter storms and extreme cold are events with advance notice. The NWS of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issues advisories, watches, and warnings for significant accumulations of snow, freezing rain, sleet, or extreme cold. Emergency information will be provided through radio and TV broadcasts and via Wireless Emergency Alerts texted to cell phones. In addition to commercial radios, NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the NWS for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your local emergency

• services. Download Be Smart. Know Your Alerts

and Warnings for a summary of notifications at: www.ready.gov/prepare. Free smart phone apps, such as those available from FEMA and the American Red Cross, provide information about finding shelters, providing first aid, and seeking assistance for recovery. (Search for the FEMA App or Red Cross Apps on your iPhone, android, or other mobile device.)

DEVELOP A COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

Your family may not be together when a winter storm hits, so it is important to know how you will contact

• ne another in an emergency, and how you will get

back together when it is safe to travel again. A storm may overwhelm landline and cellular phone systems. You may need to use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends. Keep important numbers written down in your wallet in case you cannot access the contact list in your phone. For more information, including a sample household communications plan, visit www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.

Protect Yourself Before, During, and After a Winter Storm

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 5

KNOW THE TERMS

Know the terms used to describe changing winter weather conditions and what actions to take. These terms can be used to determine the timeline and severity of an approaching storm. ADVISORY The NWS issues a winter weather advisory when conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. If caution is used, these situations should not be life-threatening. WATCH The NWS issues a winter storm watch when severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, may affect your area but the location and timing are still

• uncertain. A winter storm watch is issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a potential

severe storm. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, TV, or other news sources for more information. Monitor alerts, check your emergency supplies, and gather any items you may need if you lose power. WARNING The NWS issues a winter storm warning when 4 or more inches of snow or sleet are expected in the next 12 hours, or 6 or more inches in 24 hours, or ¼ inch or more of ice accumulation is expected. The NWS may also issue a warning if the storm is expected to hit during high-traffic times, like rush hour. Stay indoors, and keep warm and dry. Minimize driving. The NWS also issues advisories and warnings for other winter weather, including blizzards, freezes, wind chill, lake effect snow, and dense fog. Be alert to weather reports and tune in for specific guidance when these conditions develop.

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL

As the wind increases, your body is cooled at a faster rate causing the skin temperature to drop. This is why it “sometimes feels” colder than the actual temperature. Windchill is the temperature it “feels like” when you are outside. The NWS provides a Windchill Chart to show the difference between air temperature and the perceived temperature and the amount of time until frostbite occurs. For more information, visit: www.nws.noaa.gov/om/windchill.

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 6

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4 4 4

1 | Protect Yourself Before a Winter Storm

Plan now to be able to stay where you are when a storm hits. If you are not at home when the storm starts, you may need to stay where you are until the roads are safe. This means having basic supplies of food and water in several locations, including your workplace, vehicle, and, if possible, other places where you and members of your household regularly spend time (e.g., house of worship, community center, and school).

ASSEMBLING EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

You may be without power and heat for several days. Have a family discussion; think through what three days without power, water, or heat would feel like. Gather the basic supplies your family would need if grocery stores and other services are unavailable; if power, water, and gas is interrupted; or if you cannot leave your home. Be sure to review your emergency supplies every fall. Basic emergency supplies should include the following, most of which you probably already have in your home. WATER – Ensure you have at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days. (Store a longer than 3-day supply of water, if possible). An average person needs to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of fluid daily. Individual needs vary depending on age, gender, health, level of activity, food choices, and climate. You may also need stored water for food preparation. FOOD – Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food for members of your household, including pets. Consider special dietary needs (e.g., infant formula). Include a non-electric can opener for canned food FLASHLIGHT, RADIO, and CELL PHONE CHARGER – You will need to be able to charge these items without electricity. Your flashlight and radio should be either hand-cranked or battery-powered, and stored with extra batteries. Your cell phone charger should be hand-crank, solar, or able to be charged from a car outlet. MEDICAL – Include first aid kit, prescription and non-prescription/over-the-counter medications, and medical supplies. SANITATION – Pack supplies for sanitation, such as hand sanitizer, towelettes, paper products, diapers, and plastic bags, for use when water resources are limited. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY – Include battery backup power for power-dependent mobility devices,

• xygen, and other assistive technology needs.

EXTRA CLOTHING, BLANKETS, and SLEEPING BAGS – Dress in layers to keep warm if you lose power. Ensure you have enough clothing, hats, mittens, and blankets or sleeping bags for everyone in the house. ITEMS FOR SNOW AND ICE – Stock up on rock salt to melt ice on walkways or sand or kitty litter to improve traction and snow shovels or other snow removal equipment. WOOD – Store a supply of dry, seasoned wood if you have a working fireplace or wood-burning stove with a safe flue or vent. It is important to consider the unique needs of your family, including access and functional needs, and the needs of children and pets. You may need to include: extra water; special food, such as infant formula or pet food; and supplies

• r equipment, such as diapers, glasses, or medical equipment.

Download Emergency Supply Checklist at www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. BEFORE WINTER APPROACHES, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THESE ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY SUPPLIES:

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 7

1 | Protect Yourself Before a Winter Storm

PROTECT YOUR HOME

Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone in your home knows how to use them. If your smoke alarms get power from your home’s electrical system (hardwired), make sure the backup battery is replaced at least once a year so that your alarms will work during a power outage. Insulate water pipes with insulation or newspaper and plastic and allow faucets to drip

• r trickle during cold weather to avoid freezing. Learn how to shut off water valves if a

pipe bursts. Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of your roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow or ice. Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic. Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or neighboring structure during, or following, a storm. Keep pathways and driveways clear between storms to avoid buildup of snow piles and icing. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors or electric detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and potentially deadly gas.

BUILDING AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

FOR YOUR CAR

WHY?

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 8

1 | Protect Yourself Before a Winter Storm

WINTERIZE YOUR VEHICLE

Winter driving conditions can be extremely

• dangerous. During the

fall, before winter weather sets in, make sure you

• r a mechanic completes

a winter weather check on your vehicle. ANTIFREEZE LEVELS – Ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing. BATTERY AND IGNITION SYSTEM – Keep in top condition and clean battery terminals. BRAKES – Check for wear and fluid levels. EXHAUST SYSTEM – Check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning. FUEL AND AIR FILTERS – Replace and keep water

• ut of the system by using
• additives. Maintain a full

tank of gas to keep the fuel line from freezing. HEATER AND DEFROSTER– Ensure they work properly. LIGHTS AND FLASHING HAZARD LIGHTS – Check for serviceability. OIL – Check for level and

• weight. Heavier oils congeal

more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well. THERMOSTAT – Confirm it works properly. WINDSHIELD WIPER EQUIPMENT – Repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level. INSTALL GOOD WINTER TIRES – Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require vehicles to be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs to drive

• n their roads.

2 | Protect Yourself During a Winter Storm

STAY OFF THE ROAD

Federal Highway Administration reports indicate that the risk of vehicular accidents rises sharply in winter weather

• conditions. In an average

year, there are more than half a million vehicle crashes when the roads are snowy, slushy, or icy, resulting in nearly 2,000 fatalities and 150,000 injuries.1 Driving is very dangerous during and immediately after a winter storm and you should make plans to stay off the road when advisories and watches are issued.

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY

If driving is absolutely necessary, ensure you have emergency supplies

• f food and water, warm

clothing, and a full tank

• f gas in case you are

stuck in traffic or have an accident and have to wait several hours for

• assistance. Try to travel

during the day and do not travel alone. Stay on main

• roads. Let someone know

your destination, route, and expected arrival time.

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm | America’s PrepareAthon! | www.ready.gov/prepare 9

SNOW SHOVELING: OVEREXERTION AND INJURY

Snow shoveling can be hazardous. More than 10,000 people visit emergency rooms each year due to overexertion and injury from snow shoveling, including strains, cuts, and fractures from slipping and falling. Nearly 100 people die every year from heart attacks brought on by shoveling snow.2 Use caution, take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads.

WHAT TO DO IF STRANDED

STAY

• If stuck on the road to avoid exposure

and/or rescue is likely.

• If a safe location is neither nearby

nor visible.

• If you do not have appropriate clothing

to go outside.

• If you do not have the ability to call for help.

GO

• If the distance to call for help is accessible.
• If you have visibility and outside

conditions are safe.

• If you have appropriate clothing.
• Once the storm has passed, if you are not

already home, follow instructions from your local transportation department and emergency management agency to determine which route will be safest for you to get home. Drive with extra caution.

CAUTION: CARBON MONOXIDE KILLS

Each year, an average of 430 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, and there are more than 20,000 visits to the emergency room with more than 4,000 hospitalizations.3 Carbon monoxide-related deaths are highest during colder months. These deaths are likely due to increased use of gas-powered furnaces and alternative heating, cooking, and power sources used inappropriately indoors during power outages. To that end, NEVER use a generator, grill, camp stove, or charcoal burning device inside or in any partially enclosed area; keep these devices at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents. If the alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an

• pen window or door. Call for help from the fresh

air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

1 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, “How Do Weather Events Impact Roads?” Last modified: February 25, 2014. Accessed July 28, 2014. www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm 2 American Journal of Emergency Medicine, January 2011. www.nationwidechildrens.org/cirp-snow-shoveling 3 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Frequently Asked Questions.” Updated July 23, 2013. Accessed June 25, 2014. www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Carbon-Monoxide-Information-Center.

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2 | Protect Yourself During a Winter Storm

COLD WEATHER DANGERS

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that, if you detect symptoms of frostbite, you seek medical care IMMEDIATELY. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine whether the person also shows signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires emergency medical assistance. .

DRESS

SIGNS OF FROSTBITE Loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities, Occurs when the skin and body tissue just such as fingers, toes, earlobes, face, and the tip of the nose beneath it freezes WHAT TO DO Cover exposed skin, but do not rub the affected area in If symptoms of frostbite are detected an attempt to warm it up. Seek medical help immediately. SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA Uncontrollable shivering Dangerously low body temperature Memory loss, disorientation Incoherence, slurred speech Drowsiness Apparent exhaustion WHAT TO DO Get the victim to a warm location. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected Remove wet clothing. Warm the center of the body first by wrapping the person in blankets or putting on dry clothing. Give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the person is conscious. Take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately.

• If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose

fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Cover all of your body. Wear a hat and a scarf,

covering your mouth to protect your face and to help prevent loss of body heat.

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3 | Protect Yourself After a Winter Storm

IF YOUR HOME LOSES POWER OR HEAT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD

If your home loses power or heat for more than a few hours or if you do not have adequate supplies to stay warm in your home overnight, you may want to go to a designated public shelter if you can get there safely. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (e.g., SHELTER 20472). Bring any personal items that you would need to spend the night (such as toiletries, medicines). Take precautions when traveling to the shelter. Dress warmly in layers, wear boots, mittens, and a hat.

LEARN FROM EVERY STORM

• Restock your emergency supplies to be ready in

case another storm hits.

• Assess how well your supplies and family plan
• worked. What could you have done better?
• Take a few minutes to improve your family plan and

supplies before the next winter storm hits.

• Talk to your neighbors and colleagues about their

experiences and share tips with each other.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The following resources and websites can help you further prepare for, respond to, and recover from a winter storm. RESOURCES

• CDC Winter Prevention Guide http://emergency.

cdc.gov//disasters/winter/guide.asp

• Winter Driving Tips

www.nhtsa.gov/links/WinterDrivingTips/

• Winter Storms…The Deceptive Killers.

www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/resources/ Winter_ Storms2008.pdf

• Winter weather watches, advisories, and warnings

can be found at www.weather.gov RELATED WEBSITES America’s PrepareAthon! www.ready.gov/prepare Ready Campaign, www.ready.gov/winter-weather American Red Cross, www.redcross.org Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), www.fema.gov National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), www.noaa.org U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), http://emergency.cdc.gov/winter/index.asp U.S. Fire Administration Winter Fire Safety (USFA), www.usfa.fema.gov/winter

For more information on America’s PrepareAthon!, log on to www.ready.gov/prepare, email us at prepareAthon@fema.dhs.gov, or join the conversation online at #PrepareAthon.