Winter

SAFETY TIPS FOR WINTER WEATHER:

    Winter storms in the form of freezing rain or sleet, ice, heavy snow or blizzards can be a serious hazard for many people in Northeast Ohio.  The first line of protection is to BE AWARE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS in the area.

FORECASTS AND WARNINGS:   

    By observing storm warnings, adequate preparation can be made to lessen the impact of hazardous weather conditions.  To take full advantage of weather forecasts, learn and understand terms commonly used.

FREEZING RAIN and FREEZING DRIZZLE:

    Indicates rain that freezes as it strikes the ground and other surfaces forming a coating of ice.

SLEET:

    Indicates small particles of ice, usually mixed with rain.  If enough sleet accumulates on the ground it will make travel hazardous.

SNOW:

    When used without a qualifying word, such as occasional or intermittent, indicates that a fall of snow is of a steady nature and will probably continue for several hours without let-up.

SNOW FLURRIES:

    Indicates periods of snow falling for short duration's at intermittent periods.  Accumulations are generally small.

WINTER STORM WATCH:

    Indicates severe winter weather conditions may affect your area (freezing rain, sleet or heavy snow may occur either separately or in a combination thereof).

WINTER STORM WARNING:

    Indicates that severe winter weather conditions are imminent.

HIGH WIND WARNING:

    Indicates sustained winds of at least 40 miles per hour, or gusts of at least 50 miles per hour or greater, are expected to last at least one hour.

HEAVY SNOW WARNING:

    Indicates snowfalls of at least 4 inches in twelve hours or 6 inches in 24 hours.

BLIZZARD WARNINGS:

    Issued when sustained wind speeds of at least 35 miles per hour are accompanied by considerable falling and/or blowing snow.  Visibility is dangerously reduced.

TRAVELER'S ADVISORIES:

    Issued to indicate that falling, blowing or drifting snow, freezing rain or drizzle, sleet or strong winds may make driving difficult.

WIND CHILL:

    The effect of wind in combination with actual temperature, which increases the rate of heat loss to the human body.

ISOLATION:

    A winter storm could isolate you in your home for several days.  Be prepared to be without electricity and conventional forms of heating and cooking.  Keep adequate supplies of heating fuel on hand and use it sparingly.  Your regular supplies may be curtailed by storm conditions.  If necessary, conserve fuel by keeping the house cooler than usual or by closing off some rooms temporarily.  Since most furnaces are controlled by electric thermostats, have available some kind of emergency heating equipment and fuel so you can keep at least one room of your home warm enough to be livable, should you experience a power outage.  Common examples are camp stoves, kerosene heaters or a supply of wood if you have a fireplace.

KEEP IN MIND THAT THERE IS DANGER OF A HOUSE FIRE IF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT IS NOT USED PROPERLY!

• Keep on hand the simple tools and equipment needed to fight a fire, should the help of your local fire department not be available.

• Keep on hand flashlights with fresh batteries, or a supply of candles or lanterns to provide light in power-failure situations.

• Keep an emergency supply of food on hand.  Included should be a food that does not require refrigeration or cooking.  Also stock an emergency supply of water, and don't forget a non-electric can opener.

• Keep a battery powered radio in working order by making sure batteries (and extra batteries) are fresh so that you can listen to weather forecasts, information and other emergency broadcasts by local authorities.

Travel

Travel only if necessary.  If you must travel, use public transportation, if possible.  However, if you are forced to use your automobile for a trip of any distance, take these precautions.

• Make sure your car is in good condition, properly serviced and equipped with chains or snow tires.
• Maintain a full tank of gas.
• Have emergency WINTER STORM supplies in the car, such as a container of sand, shovel, windshield scrapper, flares, booster cables, tow-line or rope, and a flashlight.  It is also good to have with you a warm blanket, heavy gloves or mittens, overshoes, extra woolen socks and winter headgear to cover your head and face.  A bottle of water for drinking and a jar of peanuts is also good to keep with you, the peanuts are all protein and will keep you from starving if stranded for any length of time.
• Take another person with you if possible.  (If you must travel alone, make sure someone knows your route)
• Travel by daylight and use major highways if you can.  Keep the car radio turned on for weather information and other emergency advice.
• Drive with all possible caution.  Don't try to save time by traveling faster than road conditions permit.
• Don't be DARING or FOOLHARDY.  When storm conditions rapidly worsen , seek refuge immediately.

KEEP CALM

Keep calm if you break down during a storm or if your car stalls or you become lost.  Think the problem through, decide what is the safest thing to do, and then do it slowly and carefully.  If a storm traps you on the road, pull off the highway, stay calm and remain in your car, where rescuers can locate you.  Set your directional lights to flashing, raise the hood of your car, or hang a cloth from the radio antenna or a car window.  Then stay in your car and wait for help to arrive.  Don't try to walk through a blizzard to safety.  Getting lost could mean certain death.

Don't waste gas by running the heater continuously.  Beware of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Open a window for ventilation and periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.

OVER-EXERTION

Stay indoors during storms and cold snaps unless you're in peak physical condition.  If you must venture outside, avoid over-exertion. Cold weather puts extra strain on the heart.  If you add unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing cars, you may risk a heart attack or stroke.

Dress for the weather.  Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.  Thin layers of loose fitting clothing trap body heat while permitting air to circulate.  Layers can be removed to prevent perspiring and subsequent chill.  Outer clothing should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.  Mittens, snug at the wrist are better than fingered gloves.  Remember that trapped, insulating air, warmed by body heat, is the best protection against cold.

Send mail to cheral.white@lakecountyohio.gov with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 05/01/08