Winter Weather Safety, graphic

 

 

Personal Safety During the Winter, graphic

Winter is a great time of the year. Skiing, snowball fights, snowboarding, and visiting loved ones are only some of the activities we enjoy during this season.

The winter season can also bring hazardous conditions. Every year injuries and fatalities occur as a result. Automobile accidents, avalanches, exposure to cold weather, wind storms and carbon monoxide poisoning are only a few of the dangers common during this season. Whatever activities you participate in this winter, take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable season!


Out shopping during the holiday season? Take along a list to help you choose the basic emergency supplies for yourself and your loved ones: Supplies for your 72-hour Comfort Kit. (PDF) 

 


Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition in which a person’s body temperature has dropped significantly below normal. The very young and elderly are the most susceptible to developing hypothermia when exposed to cold temperatures. People walking in the snow

Hypothermia is particularly dangerous because a person may not know it is happening.


Warnings signs of hypothermia:

 

Adults:

  • uncontrolled shivering, exhaustion
  • confusion, fumbling hands
  • memory loss, slurred speech
  • drowsiness

Infants:

  • bright red, cold skin
  • very low energy
 

 

Clothing for cold weather
 

 
Safety During Power Outages

Carbon Monoxide Danger

Keeping warm during a power outage can be a challenge. Prepare before a power outage occurs. Make sure you have a safe alternate source of heat for your home.

 

Remember - NEVER use a charcoal grill, gas grill, generator or camp stove indoors or in a garage. Carbon monoxide can build up and cause illness and even death.

 

Resources:

 

 
Food safety during power outages

Food Safety

Power outages are a frequent occurrence in Washington during this time of the year. Being prepared and knowing the basics about food and water safety is essential to your health and comfort as well as that of your loved ones. 


Resources:

 

 
Safety Around Downed Power Lines

Downed power line over road

 

Wind and winter storms can cause trees to fall on to power lines creating a dangerous situation. Be safe...

 

  • Stay at least 30 feet away from a downed power line - you cannot tell by looking at it if it is an energized line.
  • Never attempt to move a downed power line.
  • Never walk under a downed power line.
  • Avoid trees and branches that are in contact with the power line.
  • If you are in a car when a power line falls on it, stay in the car and call 9-1-1.

 

Resources:

 


Winter Travel

Winter conditions call for different driving tactics. The Washington State Department of Transportation suggests: Ice and Snow, Take it Slow - slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely. It is not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to save time.

 

 
Winter Driving Tips

Ice and Snow, Take it Slow:

Slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking. 

 

  • Drive with your headlights on.
  • Keep your windows free of fog and grime.
  • Drive for conditions. Do not get overconfident with four-wheel drive. It will not help you stop any faster. Chains on car for safety
  • Winter road conditions often result in longer stopping distances. Drivers should allow additional room between their vehicle and other vehicles. 
  • If you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your vehicle, put on your flashers, call for help, and wait until help arrives.
  • Landslides may occur due to heavy rainfall - be alert to these conditions and know what to do: Landslide Safety.

Resources:

 

Winterize your car

Also, take the time to make sure your vehicle is in good working order; it may save your life and the lives of those traveling with you. 

 

  • Check the ignition, fuel, exhaust, and cooling systems.
  • Check fluid levels - oil, antifreeze, windshield washer, etc.
  • Check belts, brakes, tire pressure and tread (purchase snow tires if needed).
  • Replace non-working lights, keep them clean.
  • Replace worn wiper blades.

 
 

 
Survival Kits for your car

Personal Safety KitA personal survival kit is essential when out on the road whether it is a short trip or a long one. Keep items in airtight plastic bags inside a container and add other items you deem necessary.

  • Blankets: Mylar or other warm blankets.
  • Food: Choose whole grain cereals, nuts, energy bars and food with high liquid content; avoid food that makes you thirsty. Remember a manual can opener if you pack canned food.
  • Water: 1 gallon per person, for a 24-hour period.  Write the date on all food items and water, replace every 6 months.
  • More items for your kit: Personal Survival Kit.

Vehicle Safety Kit

Before heading out on any trip - make sure to have these types of items in your vehicle safety kit in case you break down.

  • ABC-type fire extinguisher
  • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • Cat litter or sand for traction on ice and snow
  • Tire Chains
  • Compass
  • More items for your kit: Vehicle Safety Kit

 

 

 

In Focus Logo

Coming in January:

Start the new year off with preparedness action!

 


  

Prepare in a Year
Don't forget...Choose one hour each month to complete the designated activity and write it on your planning calendar.
 Month #1 Activity:
  Develop an Action Plan		  Month #2 Activity:
  Out-of-Area Contact Card
 Month #3 Activity:
  Storing Water		  Month #4 Activity:
  72-hour Comfort Kit
 Month #5 Activity:
  Important Documents		  Month #6 Activity:
  Extended Events
 Month #7 Activity:
  Under the Bed Items		  Month #8 Activity:
  Utility Safety
 Month #9 Activity:
  Drop, Cover, Hold		  Month #10 Activity:
  Fire Safety
 Month #11 Activity:
  Shelter-in-Place		  Month #12 Activity:
  Home Hazard Hunt
   

Additional Preparedness Resources:

[Back to Top]

InFocus Logo  In-Focus Resources        

 

Prepare In a Year

Getting Ready - Home Preparedness

 

National Preparedness Month 2011

  • NOAA Weather Radio
  • Drop, Cover & Hold Drill
  • Tsunami Siren Drill
  • See Something Campaign

Storm Preparedness

  • Windstorms
  • Power Outages and Power Line Safety
  • Generator Safety
  • Carbon Monoxide Safety
  • Utility Safety
  • 72-Hour Comfort Kit
  • Take Winter by Storm Campaign

Kidz SiteFor Kidz - learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, lahars, tsunamis, and severe weather. Then have fun and play some games!

EMD Kidz!

Teachers - you can find curriculum and activities to use in the classroom that go along with our Kidz web site - For Teachers

[Back to Top]

 

Download Microsoft Word Reader Microsoft Word Reader
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader Adobe Acrobat Reader
Download Microsoft Excel Reader Microsoft Excel Reader
Download Flash: image

© Copyright 2013 Washington Military Department - Emergency Management Division