Winter Weather Preparations It's Never Too Late
By Scott Kastner

Each year, exposure to cold, vehicle accidents caused by wintry
roads, and fires caused by the improper use of heaters injure
and kill hundreds of people in the United States. Add these to
other winter weather hazards and you have a significant threat
to human health and safety.

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours
to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for
several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect
several states, while others affect only a single community.
Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low
temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet, and
freezing rain.

How to Protect Yourself in Winter Storms

Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most
winter storm deaths are related only indirectly to the storms.
Overall, most winter storm deaths result from vehicle or other
transportation accidents caused by ice and snow. You should
avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or
drizzle, snow, or dense fog. These are serious conditions, that
are often underestimated, and they make driving and even walking
outside very hazardous.

Make an Emergency Disaster Preparedness Plan with you family
and review it every six months. Each member of the family should
know what to do in case of an emergency, know where Survival
Kits are kept and know how evacuate or shelter in place as the
situation dictates.

If, you are evacuated go to a designated public shelter. Take
any Emergency Disaster Preparedness supplies that you have with
you so that you have enough food and water to last for at least
72 hours.

For information on designated shelters, contact your local
emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter.

Don’t Forget Those with Special Needs

You must not forget those with special needs such as infants
and seniors and those unable to care for themselves. If someone
on your list has physical needs and you may be unable to check
on this person, appoint someone to check on them and report to
you their status and condition.

Make sure that anyone with special needs has the items they
would normally need to survive, such as adult/infant diapers,
medical supplies, special foods and/or medications. If there is
anyone that needs electricity to survive, like a respirator, be
prepared with an alternative source such as a power generator.
Also, it is a good idea to notify your local fire department
(via a non-emergency business telephone number) in advance of
this person’s needs. They will do everything in their power to
commit resources to this type of special need. Anyone with
special needs or a disability should wear a medical alert tag or
bracelet to help identify their individual situation.

Don’t Forget a Plan for Your Pets

Due to health regulations, most emergency shelters cannot house
animals. Find out in advance how to care for your pets and
working animals when disaster or emergency strikes. You should
not leave your pets behind. For more information, visit the
Animal Safety section on www.redcross.org or visit the Humane
Society Web site at www.hsus.org.

Preparing in advance will help you make informed decisions in
the event of inclement weather, a disaster or an emergency. So
make a disaster plan today and get prepared to survive.

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Source: http://www.isnare.com/

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