The American Red Cross-Knoxville Area Chapter encourages
you and your family to read and use these tips to help
keep you safe when winter weather strikes. For more information
on staying safe year-round, call your American Red Cross
at (865) 584-2999.
Prepare
a Winter Storm Plan
- Have extra blankets on hand.
- Ensure that each member of your household has a warm
coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.
Assemble
a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and
extra batteries.
- Canned food and can opener.
- Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person
per day to last at least 3 days).
- Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and
a hat.
- Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your car, too.
- Have your car winterized before winter storm season.
Stay
Tuned for Storm Warnings
- Listen to NOAA
Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for
updated storm information.
Know
What Winter Storm WATCHES and WARNINGS Mean
- A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible
in your area.
- A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed
for your area.
- A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven
snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter
immediately!
When
a Winter Storm WATCH is Issued...
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, and TV
stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for
further updates.
- Be alert to changing weather conditions.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
When
a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued...
- Stay indoors during the storm.
- If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight
clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat.
Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body
heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
- Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines
the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on
exposed skin.
- As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a
person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down
the body temperature.
- Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
- After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely
careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent
breaks. Avoid overexertion.
- Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...
- Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit
in the trunk.
- Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use
and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Let someone know your destination, your route,
and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets
stuck along the way, help can be sent along your
predetermined route.
If
You Do Get Stuck...
- Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the
antenna for rescuers to see.
- Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes
every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't
back up in the car.
- Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running
so that you can be seen.
- As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep
blood circulating and to stay warm.
- Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly
open to let in air.
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