Winter Weather Preparedness

• Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
• Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines. Small accumulations of ice can be a significant hazard. An inch or more of ice can paralyze a region for days to a week or more. Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees and topple utility poles and communication towers.
• Winter Weather Advisory: This product is issued by the National Weather Service when a low pressure system produces a combination of winter weather (snow, freezing rain, sleet, etc.) that present a hazard, but does not meet warning criteria. Weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. Caution should be used if traveling. This generally indicates in the Lower Peninsula: 4 to 5 inches are expected in a 12-hour period. In the Upper Peninsula: 4 to 7 inches of snow are anticipated in that same time period.
• Winter Storm Watch: This product is issued by the National Weather Service when there is a potential for heavy snow or significant ice accumulations, usually at least 24 to 36 hours in advance. Conditions are favorable for severe winter weather, with the possibility of heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, heavy snow and blowing snow—or a combination of events.
• Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions are imminent. This product is issued by the National Weather Service when a winter storm is producing or is forecast to produce heavy snow or significant ice accumulations. A winter storm warning for heavy snow generally indicates snowfalls of at least 8 inches.
• Blizzard Warning: Issued for winter storms with sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to 1/4 of a mile or less. These conditions are expected to prevail for a minimum of 3 hours.
• Wind Chill: Wind chill is the temperature it "feels like" when you are outside. The National Weather Service provides a chart to show the difference between air temperature and the perceived temperature and the amount of time until frostbite occurs. For more information, visit the National Weather Service website.
• Frost/Freeze Warning: Issued during the growing season when surface temperatures are expected to drop below freezing over a large area for an extended period of time.

Preparing Your Home

• Create an emergency winter preparedness kit for you home that includes the following items:
  • Water, at least three gallons of water per person
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person
  • Prescribed medications
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Pet supplies
  • A complete change of clothing and footwear for each person
  • Bedding
  • Important family documents
  • Extra clothes and blankets
• Keep on hand items for your pets. Animals feel the effects of wind chill. Be sure to have suitable shelter with food and water.
• Winterize your home by weather-stripping and insulating walls, attics and basements. It will not only allow your house to maintain heat, but extends the life of your fuel supply, which can save money on heating costs.
• Insulating pipes that run through you walls and attic can help prevent them from bursting during the winter season.
• Know where the water valves are located in your home in case you have to shut them off to prevent pipes from bursting.
• Clean gutters to prevent ice dams from forming. Roof ice dams can cause water build-up leading to interior damage.
• Clear storm drains along the curb to enable water to drain. If plugged, water has the potential to go into low-lying areas and flood basements.
• Have a backup heating source. A backup heating source will prevent pipes from freezing and keep your home warm in the event of an outage. Make sure that gas generators or fuel-based heating systems are vented outside to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
• Install battery-operated CO detectors near every sleeping area. CO poisoning is most prevalent when furnaces are turned on to fight cold winter temperatures or when people rely on portable generators for electricity during outages.

Preparing Your Vehicle

• Winterize your vehicle by late fall. This includes having the proper mix of antifreeze and water in the cooling system, topping off windshield washing solution and replacing worn windshield wipers.
• Check your tires to make sure you have an adequate amount of tread for the winter. Adequate tire tread will improve the safety of your vehicle on the road. Make sure to check tire pressure regularly throughout the winter season.
• It's good practice to have your radiator system, engine and heating system checked every fall before winter comes. Also check brakes, brake fluid, oil and car battery as well.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times during the winter to avoid fuel lines freezing up and getting ice buildup in your tank.
• Keep an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle stocked in the event you get stranded or stuck. Your car should always be equipped with a container of emergency supplies. Keep the following items in your kit:
  • Small battery powered or hand-crank radio
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Cellular phone and charger
  • Windshield scraper
  • Jumper cables
  • Shovel
  • Extra blankets and clothes
  • Flares
  • Non-perishable food and bottled water
  • First aid kit
  • Tire repair kit and pump
  • "Call Police" or other "Help" sign

On average, a major winter storm hits some part of Michigan at least once per month between October and April. In 2012, the last year that statistics were available, 20 people died in Michigan as a direct result of severe winter weather, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health. This is in addition to victims of traffic crashes due to slippery roads and those who suffered heart attacks while shoveling snow.

What is wind chill?

Wind chill is the perceived temperature resulting from the effect of the wind, in combination with cold air, which increases the rate of heat loss from the human body.

What is frostbite and what can you do to treat it?

Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by that tissue being frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. Frostbite varies in severity from frostnip to deep frostbite, depending on the length of exposure, temperature to which the skin is exposed, and wind speed. For frostbite place firm, steady pressure from a warm hand against the area. Also, blow on the surface holding the frostbit area against the body. Do not rub the area, apply snow, or plunge it into very hot or cold water. Victims of severe frostbite must receive prompt medical attention.

What is hypothermia and what are the warning signs?

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops to 95 degrees or lower. It can develop when body heat loss exceeds heat gain. Hypothermia is not exclusive to winter. It can occur during the wind and rain of spring and summer. Hypothermia is often mistaken for fatigue, irritability, or dehydration and may include some of these signs: abnormal decision making; improper response to cold; apathy; lethargy; decreased cooperation; slurred speech; disorientation; shivering; stumbling and stiffness progressing to inability to move.

How do you treat hypothermia?

Treating mild to moderate hypothermia (body temperature greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, conscious, shivering, able to walk):

• Prevent further heat loss. Get the person into a warm area, remove wet clothing, and cover them with blankets.
• Rewarm by warming the center of the body first including chest, neck, head and groin. Rehydrate with warm broth.
• Get medical attention.

Treating severe hypothermia (body temperature less than 90 degrees, unconscious, not shivering):

• Prevent further heat loss
• Get medical attention immediately

Before a Power Outage

• Check flashlights and battery-powered portable radios to ensure that they are working, and you have extra batteries. A radio is an important source for obtaining weather and emergency information during a storm.
• Have sufficient heating fuel, as regular sources may be cut off. Have emergency heating source and fuel — such as a gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace — so you can keep at least one room livable. Be sure the room is well ventilated.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide insulation.
• Know how to shut off water valves.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
• Fill your bathtub and spare containers with water if your water supply could be affected, such as a well-water pump system. Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water. Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet.
• Check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage if you have medication that requires refrigeration.
• Review the process for manually operating an electric garage door.

During a Power Outage

• Dress for the season, wearing several layers of loose fitting, light-weight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens are better than gloves.
• Wear a hat — most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in the extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove any wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages, if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
• Protect against possible voltage irregularities that can occur when power is restored, unplug all sensitive electronic equipment, including TVs, stereos, and computer.
• Use gasoline-powered generators with caution. Never run a generator inside a house. Place it outside with exhaust facing away from the home.

After a Power Outage

• Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them. Always stay 25 feet away from downed power lines.
• Check on neighbors, especially senior citizens and individuals with functional needs.
• Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences. Always assume a downed line is a live line. Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem.
• Never call 9-1-1 to ask about a power outage.

The United States Fire Administration estimates that 905 people die in winter home fires each year. Direct property losses due to winter home fires reach over $2 billion a year, with heating being the second-leading cause of all residential building fires following cooking. By following a few safety tips, citizens can put a freeze on winter fires.

Wood Stoves

Wood stoves are a common or secondary heating source for homes. Carefully follow the manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions. Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design and should be approved by a recognized testing lab such as Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) safety listing. The stove should have a clearance of three feet from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and function.

Electric Space Heaters

Only buy heaters with the UL safety listing. Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism and safety switch, enabling it to switch off if the heater falls over. Heaters are not dryers or tables; don't dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater. Space heaters need available room around them; keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater. Always unplug your electric space heater when it is not in use.

Kerosene Heaters

Buy only UL-approved heaters and check with your local fire department on the legality of using a kerosene heater in your community. Never fill your heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel; both flare up easily. Only use the fuel recommended by the heater's manufacturer. Never introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that type of fuel. Never overfill any portable heater.

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Fireplaces regularly build up creosote in their chimneys. Fireplaces need to be cleaned out frequently and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. Never burn trash, paper, or green wood in your fireplace. These materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult to control. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container outside the home.

Source: U.S. Fire Administration website

Portable Generator Safety

Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can be hazardous if not used properly. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution and fires.

There are simple steps you can take to prevent these hazards from occurring and resulting in the loss of life and/or property damage from improper use of portable generators.

To Avoid Carbon Monoxide Hazards

• Always use generators outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents.
• Never use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions for use.
• Install battery-operated or plug-in (with battery backup) carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home, following manufacturer's instructions.
• Test CO alarms often and replace batteries when needed.
• Never cook inside or heat your house with a gas, wood or charcoal grill.
• Pay attention to flu-like symptoms, especially if more than one person has them. Headache, dizziness, confusion, fatigue and nausea are all common symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure.
• Move outside to fresh air immediately if a CO leak is suspected. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.

To Avoid Generator Electrical Hazards

• Keep the generator dry. Operate on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure.
• Dry your hands before touching the generator.
• Plug appliances directly into generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord. Make sure entire extension cord is free of cuts or tears and the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.
• Never plug the generator into a wall outlet. This practice, known as back-feeding, can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer.
• If it's necessary to connect the generator to house wiring in order to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install appropriate equipment. Or, your utility company may be able to install an appropriate transfer switch.

To Avoid Fire Hazards

Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite. Always store fuel outside of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass containers. Store fuel away from any fuel-burning appliance.

Severe winter storms can have an impact not only on people, but can impact animal health. Pets are at risk during severe winter weather due to wind chill factors, hypothermia and frostbite. Make plans for your pets in the event you will need to evacuate.

Before a Winter Storm

• Create an emergency supply kit for your pet that includes:
  • Leash and collar
  • Transport carrier
  • Food and water (5-7 day supply)
  • Any medications
  • Vaccination history, rabies certificate
  • Waste disposal supplies
  • A blanket
  • Favorite toy
  • Your veterinarian's contact information
  • Special supplies for pets such as birds, pocket pets or reptiles (e.g., heat lamps)
• Make sure pets are current on all vaccinations.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your pets.
  • For public health reasons, many evacuation shelters will not be able to accept pets.
  • Identify pet-friendly locations in case you need to evacuate. petswelcome.com is a good source.
  • Check with boarding facilities, pet-friendly hotels, veterinary clinics or relatives or family friends outside the impacted area.
• Identification
  • All pets should have some sort of identification, like a collar with a tag and microchip.
  • Take a photo of the pet and keep it with the medical records.
  • Include any proof of ownership materials, such as registration, proof of purchase, adoption records and microchip information.

During a Winter Storm

• Bring your pets inside immediately.
• Avoid leaving pets behind.
  • If there is no other alternative, leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water.
  • Never leave your pet chained outside or in enclosed in a way they cannot escape danger.

After a Winter Storm

• Be aware that a pet's behavior may change before, during and even after a disaster.
• Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused and lost.
  • In the first few days after the disaster, leash your pets when they go outside.
  • Always maintain close contact.
  • Reintroduce food in small servings, gradually working up to full portions, especially if animals have been without food for a prolonged period of time.

Winter-Related Illnesses

Animals that have prolonged exposure to low temperatures, wind or moisture can result in a cold-related illness for pets.

If any of these conditions are suspected, seek veterinary care immediately for your pet(s).

• Antifreeze:
  Ingesting anti-freeze can be fatal for a dog or cat. If you spill anti-freeze, clean it up immediately.
• Frostbite:
  • Signs of frostbite may not be obvious at first and may not show for several days when it comes to pets.
  • Signs of frostbite: white, waxy or pale appearance to extremities (toes, nose, ears, tail); skin is cold and numb with loss of feeling; sloughing or shedding of skin.
  • Pets can easily get frostbite on their ears, tail and paws. If your pet goes outdoors, be aware of the current temperatures and wind chill.
• Hypothermia:
  • Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature drops to a level at which normal muscle and brain functions are impaired.
  • Pets can become hypothermic after being in cold temperatures for long periods of time or from being wet in cold conditions.
  • Signs of hypothermia: Extreme shivering, slow shallow breathing, gums may be pale or blue, pet is unresponsive.
  • Warm your pet's body slowly. Start with warming the body core first, not their extremities.
  • Do not give your pet anything hot to drink. Instead give them warm broth or warm food.

If You Can't Bring Your Pet Inside

• Have adequate shelter to keep them warm.
• Never leave your pet chained outside or enclosed in area that they cannot escape danger.
• Pets that live outdoors should be fed more in the winter. They will need the extra calories to stay warm.
• Remember to provide fresh water frequently and ensure that the water does not freeze.
• Check to make sure that access to food and water is not blocked by snow, ice or other obstacles.
• Use a plastic dish instead of a metal bowl to prevent your pet's tongue from freezing to it.

If Your Pet Goes Outdoors

• Most long-haired or full-coated dogs are fine in the winter time with their own natural coats.
• Shorter-coated dogs need a dog coat to protect them from the snow, wind and cold temperatures.
• Check your pet's paws upon their return to make sure that there is no ice buildup between the toes, or that salt or ice melt is not irritating the skin.
• Never leave your pet alone in the car for prolonged periods during winter. Your can become a freezer quickly.

Source: Prep4AgThreats.org