Prepare Now:

• Know the difference between a watch (the incident may happen) and a warning (conditions are such that the incident is going to occur, or is already occurring).
• Have appropriate cold weather clothing.
• Have rock salt and sand for traction in ice.
• Equip vehicle with all-season or snow tires and keep gas tank full.
• Keep emergency auto kit readily accessible.
• Maintain sufficient heating fuel.
• Make sure heating systems and fireplaces function properly.
• Buy emergency heating equipment designed for indoor use.
• Winterize your home.
• Stock extra food and enough water for several days for all the people in your family.
• Develop a Family Disaster Plan, and know Winter Preparedness safety.

Act Now:

• Stay indoors until the storm ends.
• Listen to radio/TV, emergency broadcast system, for emergency information and instructions.
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills to cook or heat indoors (carbon monoxide hazard).
• If you must go outside:
  • Wear warm, loose fitting, layered, lightweight dry clothing.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Although travel is not advised during a winter storm, if you MUST travel, or if you are caught in a winter storm unexpectedly, be sure to:

• Wear warm, loose clothing
• Stay on main roads.
• If you are unable to travel any further, if necessary, pull off the road and stay with your vehicle, use your hazard signals and place a bright distress flag on the antenna or some other highly visible place to aid search and rescue and/or road crews in locating you.
• Watch for signs of frostbite.
• At night, keep the dome light on so the work crews can see your vehicle.
• If trapped in a blizzard, clear tailpipe and run the engine and heater for 10 minutes each hour. While the engine is running, open the window slightly, but maintain your body heat by wearing a coat or using a map, seat cover, floor mat or any other available cover-up for insulation.