Make a plan for surviving winter storms

In the News

MARYVILLE, Mo. — With severe winter weather, including freezing rain, predicted to move into the Maryville region sometime this weekend, Tom Patterson, administrator of the Nodaway County Health Center, has issued a list of suggestions designed to help local residents stay safe in the event of dangerous cold, an extended power outage, or other emergency.

The first priority, Patterson said, is to create a disaster plan, so that when a storm strikes, family members will know where to meet or how to contact each other.

Second on the to-do list before a weather crisis is preparation of an emergency kit stored in a container that can be easily carried.

The contents of the kit will likely vary from family to family, but at a minimum the following items should be included:

· Water and canned or dried food. Families should set aside a gallon of water per person per day and have enough bottled or jugged water and food to last for three days.

When selecting foodstuffs, go for nonperishable items that don’t need to be cooked, such as tuna and crackers. Remember to include a manual can-opener. If there’s a baby in the house, don’t forget formula and baby food. Also store emergency water and food for pets.

· Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.

· Flashlight and extra batteries.

· Prescription medications.

· First-aid kit.

· Copies of insurance policies, deeds, and other important records.

After severe weather strikes, listen for information about what to do and where to go during the emergency.

Another good idea is to install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside bedrooms. If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave immediately.

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, or any other enclosed or partially enclosed area.

If you become stranded in a vehicle, pull off the road and turn on your hazard lights. Do not exit the vehicle unless you are within sight of a building where you know you can take shelter.

No buildings are in sight? Stay in your vehicle where emergency responders can find you. Wrap yourself in blankets, or use seat covers and floor mats — anything to retain body heat.

Run the engine for 10 minutes out of each hour in order to keep some heat inside the vehicle, but open a window slightly for ventilation. Balance using the heater and lights in order to conserve the battery.

As extreme weather approaches, it’s also a good idea to have a garage winterize your car. Also remember to keep the gas tank full or near full and store an emergency kit — blankets, food, water — in the back seat or trunk.

At home during extreme cold, keep the water running at a pencil-sized trickle in order to prevent pipes from freezing.

If you use an alternate heat source, such as a fireplace, woodstove, or pellet stove, keep it maintained and the chimneys and flues clear of soot and obstructions.

Bring pets inside during bitterly cold weather and move livestock to sheltered areas with a non-frozen water source.

If you must go out in extreme cold, dress appropriately in several layers and wear an insulated hat and gloves. Be sure to cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs, and watch for signs of frostbite, including loss of feeling in the tip of your nose, fingers, toes, and ear lobes.

Beware of hypothermia, which is accompanied by such symptoms as uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, memory loss, and disorientation.

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What those winter warnings mean

Here’s some quick definitions regarding warnings and advisories typically issued by emergency agencies in times of severe winter weather:

Winter storm watch: This means a winter storm is possible in the area.

Winter storm warning: A winter storm is occurring or will begin soon.

Freezing rain: Rain that freezes on contact with roads, trees, sidewalks, houses, and power lines.

Sleet: Rain that freezes before hitting the ground.

Blizzard warning: Winds or gusts of at least 35 mph along with snow that is expected to last three hours or more.

Frost/freeze warning: Temperatures expected to drop below freezing.