Winter Weather Safety Tips
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As the temperatures drop with the onset of winter, Currituck County
advises all residents to use proper caution in regards to cold weather.
This includes a range of topics, such as recognizing a winter storm
forecast, dressing properly for outdoor safety, preparing homes,
automobiles and pets for cold weather, traveling in winter conditions
and understanding the dangers of winters storms and wind chill.
A large amount of information on winter weather safety is easily available, including the following:
Common Terms
- Winter Storm Outlook - Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.
- Winter Weather Advisory
- Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant
inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these
situations should not be life threatening.
- Winter Storm Watch -
Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours.
People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay
informed about weather conditions.
- Winter Storm Warning -
Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin
within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions
immediately.
- Frostbite is the freezing of a specific body part such as fingers, toes, nose or earlobes.
- Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition caused by the cooling of the body caused by failure of the body's warming systems. Click here for tips from the American Red Cross on recognizing signals and steps to take in cases of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Wind Chill is the
temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with
wind speed. As the speed of wind increases, the rate of heat loss from
your body can increase through exposed skin. Click here to see the Cold Stress Equation for Wind Chill from the U.S. Dept. of Labor.
Dressing Properly & Outdoor Safety
Recent cold weather has caused the formation of ice over smaller bodies
of water and in shallow areas of the sounds. Ice covered water can
appear to be solid enough to support your weight; however walking on
ice in our area is extremely dangerous.
Experts say that ice must reach a clear thickness of at least four
inches to support the weight of one person. Ice of that thickness takes
an extended period of constantly below freezing temperatures to form.
Currituck County has not experienced temperatures low enough to cause
that amount of freezing. Our area very rarely maintains temperatures to
allow sufficient ice formation to support a person. Ice formation in
our area is also inconsistent. Ice that appears to be thick in one
location is often paper thin only a short distance away. Because of the
danger to children who may be tempted to play on ice covered water,
parents are asked to warn their children of the hazards of playing or
walking on ice.
Similar dangers occur with pets. Owners should watch their pets to be
sure they do not venture out on to ice covered water. It is also
dangerous for children to play on ice covered banks near water where
they can slip and slide into the water.
Should you see a person fall though the ice, call 911 immediately. Do
not go onto the ice yourself to rescue a person or a pet since you
could become a victim. Try to reach the victim by using an outstretched
rope, rolled blanket, pole, tree limb, belt or something similar until
help arrives. If you do attempt to reach them with one of those items,
be sure you are braced to avoid being pulled into the icy water
Avoid walking on ice-covered walkways if possible. Many injuries can
result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways and
porches. Use rock salt or sand on walkways to reduce risk of slipping.
When walking on ice, take short steps and walk slowly.
Anyone spending time outdoors must dress in several layers of
lightweight clothing and wear mittens and a hat - one that covers the
ears. Footwear should be waterproof, insulated boots. A wind-resistant
outer layer will reduce body-heat loss. Remove extra layers of clothing
whenever you feel too warm because excess perspiration will increase
heat loss.
Work slowly when performing heavy outdoor chores, such as shoveling snow.
Do not ignore shivering - it's the first sign that your body is losing heat.
Preparing for Winter Weather Travel
The Federal Citizen Information Center has prepared an excellent Tip Sheet for readying vehicles for winter weather. Click here to access this information.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists
the following safety tips for winter travel and what to do if stranded:
Travel Caution
- Listen for radio or television reports of travel advisories issued by the National Weather Service.
- Do not travel in low visibility conditions.
- Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if at all possible.
- If you must travel by car, use tire chains and take a mobile phone with you.
- If
you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect
to arrive. Ask them to notify authorities if you are late.
- Check and restock the winter emergency supplies in your car before you leave.
- Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow; shattering may occur.
- Don't rely on a car to provide sufficient heat; the car may break down.
- Always carry additional warm clothing appropriate for the winter conditions.
What To Do If Stranded
Staying in your vehicle when stranded is often the safest choice if
winter storms create poor visibility or if roadways are ice covered.
These steps will increase your safety when stranded:
- Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers and raise the hood of the car (if it is not snowing).
- Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
- Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers.
- Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
- Run
the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one
window slightly to let in air. Make sure that snow is not blocking the
exhaust pipe-this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.
- Do not eat unmelted snow because it will lower your body temperature.
- Huddle with other people for warmth.
A
Vehicle Emergency Safety Kit
should contain: blankets, cell phone, windshield scraper, snow brush,
flashlight, extra winter clothes, shovel, tow chain, matches, traction
aid, emergency flares, jumper cables, snacks, water and road maps.
Homes: Pipe Freezing Prevention & Space Heaters
The Institute for Business and Home Safety has much information to help homeowners protect their property. Click here for information regarding the prevention of freezing pipes.
In addition, click here for safety information regarding the use of space heaters and other alternative heating sources.
Pets
During winter weather, bring pets indoors, house or garage to
provide warm shelter. Provide plenty of straw or other warm bedding,
along with plenty of fresh water.
Additional Resources
