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Village of Lancaster Office
of Emergency Management Scott M. Kuhlmey, Director of Emergency Management |
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Winter Weather Terms |
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Watches Winter Storm Watch Blizzard Watch Lake Effect Snow Watch Wind Chill Watch Warnings Winter Storm Warning Heavy Snow Warning Ice Storm Warning Blizzard Warning Lake Effect Snow Warning Wind Chill Warning Advisories Winter Weather Advisory Snow Advisory Freezing Rain Advisory Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory Blowing Snow Advisory Lake Effect Snow Advisory Wind Chill Advisory HOME SAFETY
Family Disaster Plan Families should be
prepared for all hazards that affect their area and themselves. Follow these basic
steps to develop a family disaster plan: 1.
Learn
your community's warning signals. 2.
Meet
with your family to create a plan. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside
your home for an emergency such as fire, and a place away from your
neighborhood in case you cannot return home (a real possibility during the
day when adults are at work and children are at school). Choose an
out-of-area friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if
the family becomes separated. 3.
Implement
your plan. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phones. Install safety
features in your house such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Inspect your home for potential hazards and correct them. Have your family
learn basic safety and first aid measures. Make sure everyone knows how and
when to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency medical services phone number.
Have disaster supplies on hand. Home Emergency Supplies Winter has arrived
and you should stockpile the following supplies in the event a winter storm
or power outage prevents you from leaving your home.
Winterize Your Home Take the time now to
get your home ready for the winter season by following these tips: 1.
Have
your heating system checked by a professional annually. This will ensure that
your system is working safely and efficiently which, in turn, will save you
money. If you heat by wood, clean your fireplace or stove. Have your chimney
flue checked for any buildup of creosote and then cleaned to lessen the risk
of fire. 2.
Make
sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate walls and attic.
This will help you to conserve energy and reduce your home's power demands
for heat. 3.
Caulk
and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out. 4.
Install
storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. This will
provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out. 5.
Inspect
and flush your water heater. 6.
Clean
gutters. Leaves and other debris will hamper drainage. 7.
Replace
batteries of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. If you did not do it
when you set the clocks back, do it now. 8.
To
keep pipes from freezing: o
Wrap
pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers o
Cover
the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture o
Let
faucets drip a little to avoid freezing o
Know
how to shut off water valves Staying Warm Indoors If your heat goes out
during a winter storm, you can keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need. 1.
Use
only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented
wood or coal stove or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturer's
instructions. 2.
Dress
in layers of lightweight clothing and wear a cap. 3.
Eat
well-balanced meals. Losing your heat when
winter's winds are howling is not pleasant. However, by following these
simple tips, you will weather the storm more comfortably. Protecting Water Pipes To prevent the mess
and aggravation of frozen water pipes, protect your home, apartment or
business by following the simple steps below. Before Cold Weather 1.
Locate
and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing, typically those near outer
walls, in crawl spaces or in the attic. 2.
Wrap
pipes with heat tape (UL approved). 3.
Seal
any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located. 4.
Disconnect
garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside
faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just
inside the house. When It's Cold 1.
Let
hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall. 2.
Open
cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or
appliance near an outer wall. 3.
Make
sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees. 4.
If
you plan to be away: (1) Have someone check your house daily to make sure the
heat is still on to prevent freezing, or (2) drain and shut off the water
system (except indoor sprinkler systems). If Pipes Freeze 1.
Make
sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water, in case pipes
burst. Stopping the water flow minimize the damage to your home. Call a
plumber and contact your insurance agent. 2.
Never
try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. 3.
Always
be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water. If The Lights Go Out If you lose
electrical service during the winter, follow these tips: 1.
Call
your utility first to determine area repair schedules. Turn off or unplug
lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored.
Leave one light on to indicate power has been restored. 2.
To
help prevent freezing pipes, turn on faucets slightly. Running water will not
freeze as quickly. 3.
Protect
yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning: o
DO NOT operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly
carbon monoxide gas. o
DO NOT use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a
buildup of carbon monoxide gas. o
DO NOT use your gas oven to heat your home -- prolonged use of
an open oven in a closed house can create carbon monoxide gas. o
Make
sure fuel space heaters are used with proper ventilation. 4.
Keep
refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food
spoilage. Generator Safety Electric generators can
provide you with piece of mind and convenience when you are faced with a
temporary loss of electric service. Follow these safety
guidelines when operating a generator: 1.
Before
installing a generator, be sure to properly disconnect from your utility electrical
service. If possible, have your generator installed by a qualified
electrician. 2.
Run
generators outside, downwind of structures. NEVER run a generator indoors.
Deadly carbon monoxide gas from the generator's exhaust can spread throughout
enclosed spaces. Install a carbon monoxide detector. 3.
Fuel
spilled on a hot generator can cause an explosion. If your generator has a
detachable fuel tank remove it before refilling. If this is not possible,
shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling. 4.
Do
not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Most of the small, home-use
portable generators produce from 350 to 12,000 watts of power. Overloading
your generator can damage it, the appliances connected to it, and may cause a
fire. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. 5.
Keep
children away from generators at all times. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide
poisoning is a silent, deadly killer claiming about 1,000 lives each year in
the The gas can also be
produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other
items used for cooking and heating when used improperly during the winter months.
1.
NEVER run generators indoors. Open a window slightly when
using a kerosene heater. 2.
NEVER use charcoal to cook indoors. 3.
NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home. Symptoms of carbon
monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness. If you suspect carbon
monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and get to a hospital. Fire Safety Wood-burning stoves,
fireplaces and heaters can add a cozy glow, but make sure you are using them
safely. 1.
Always
keep a screen around an open flame. 2.
Never
use gasoline to start your fireplace. 3.
Never
burn charcoal indoors. 4.
Do
not close the damper when ashes are hot. 5.
When
using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always
make sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels and potholders
away from hot surfaces. 6.
Have
your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup -- and then clean
it. 7.
Have
a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors ... and make sure they work!
Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family. Kerosene Heaters If you use kerosene
heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of
heat, follow these safety tips: 1.
Follow
the manufacturer's instructions. 2.
Use
only the correct fuel for your unit. 3.
Refuel
outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool. 4.
Keep
the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable
objects. 5.
When
using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly. Remember, the fire
hazard is greatly increased in the winter because alternate heating sources
often are used without following proper safety precautions. Clearing Your Roof As the snow and ice
continues to build up, homeowners should think about safety before trying to
clear the snow from their roof. Here are some safety
tips: 1.
When
possible, use long-handled snow rakes or poles. 2.
If
you must use a ladder, make certain that the base is securely anchored. Ask a
friend, neighbor or adult family member to hold the ladder while you climb. 3.
Know
where the snow is going to fall before clearing the area. 4.
Make
certain not to contact electrical wires. 5.
If
possible, do not attempt to clear the roof alone. 6.
If
you are afraid of heights or think the job is too big for you, HIRE HELP. Clearing roofs is a
dangerous task. However, if you think safety, and work safely, you will get
the job done. NEIGHBORHOOD
SAFETY
Safety First for Kids Hey, kids! Winter can
be a fun-filled time when enjoying outdoor activities such as skiing, skating
and sledding. However, before going out, follow these safety tips: 1.
The
best way to stay safe in a snowstorm is to stay inside. Long periods of
exposure to severe cold increase the risk of frostbite or hypothermia. 2.
If
you go out to play after the storm, dress in many layers of clothing and wear
a hat and mittens. Many layers of thin clothing are warmer than a single
layer of thick clothing. One of the best ways to stay warm is to wear a hat;
most body heat is lost through the top of the head. 3.
Come
inside often for warm-up breaks. 4.
If
you start to shiver a lot or get very tired, or if your nose, fingers, toes
or earlobes start to feel numb of turn very pale, come inside right away and
tell an adult. These are signs of hypothermia and frostbite. If you experience
these symptoms, you will need immediate attention to prevent further risk. Remember these tips
when you go out to play. Neighbor Helping Neighbor If someone you know
is elderly or dependent on life-sustaining or health-related equipment such
as a ventilator, respirator or oxygen concentrator, you should make plans now
to ensure their needs are met during severe winter weather and possible power
outages. 1.
Help
them stock a home disaster kit including a flashlight and extra batteries, a
battery-operated radio, bottled water, non-perishable foods, essential
medicines, and extra blankets or sleeping bags. 2.
Check
on them after a storm or power outage. Register them as a special needs
customer with their utility so they will become a priority customer. Notify
others who could provide help such as neighbors, relatives, nearby friends
and local emergency responders such as the fire department. 3.
Have
a list of emergency numbers readily available. 4.
Have
a standby generator or an alternative source of power available. Be aware of
the safety rules for its use. Protecting Pets Winter is a time we
should pay close attention to the safety of our pets. Here are some safety
tips to follow: 1.
Ingesting
anti-freeze can be fatal for your dog or cat. It has a sweet taste and even a
tiny amount can cause severe kidney damage and even death. If you spill some,
soak it up immediately. (Clay kitty litter works well. Discard the litter
once the anti-freeze has been absorbed.) 2.
Pets
that live outdoors should be fed a bit more in the winter because they need
the extra calories to stay warm. They also should have fresh water put out a
couple of times a day, or consider a special bowl that prevents the water
from freezing. 3.
If
your pet goes outdoors, be aware of the temperature. Pets can get frostbite
very easily on the ears, tail and paws. 4.
When
walking your dog, check the paws to make sure that ice is not building up
between the toes and that salt from the roads is not irritating the skin. 5.
If
your dog is a swimmer, keep it on a leash around open water or unstable ice.
Hypothermia can set in quickly and the dog may be unable to get out of the
water. 6.
Before
you start your car, you should honk the horn to make sure that a cat has not
decided to nap in a warm spot under the hood of the vehicle. 7.
If
decorating for the holidays, keep ornaments out of the reach of your pets.
Remember that poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and other plants can be toxic if
ingested. ROAD SAFETY
Safety on the Road When winter storms strike,
do not drive unless necessary. 1.
If
you must travel, make sure you car is stocked with survival gear like
blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set
of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly-colored
cloth to use as a distress flag. 2.
Keep
your gas tank full to prevent gasoline freeze-up. 3.
If
you have a cell phone or two-way radio available for your use, keep the
battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become
stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your
location. 4.
Make
sure someone knows your travel plans. Winterize Your Vehicle Preparing your
vehicle for the winter season now will help ensure your vehicle is in good
working order when you need it most. 1.
Have
a mechanic check the following items on your vehicle: o
o
Wipers
and windshield washer fluid o
Antifreeze
o
Ignition
system o
Thermostat
o
Lights
o
Exhaust
system o
Flashing
hazard lights o
Heater
o
Brakes
o
Defroster
o
Oil
level 2.
Install
good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather
radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. You may also want to
carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle for heavy snow conditions. 3.
Keep
a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal and maintain at
least a half tank of gas throughout the winter season. 4.
Finally,
plan long trips carefully. Listen to the local media report or call law
enforcement agencies for the latest road conditions. Drive Safely The leading cause of
death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. 1.
Before
getting behind the wheel this winter season, every driver could learn a
lesson from our school bus drivers. It is elementary, but we have to keep our
vehicles clear of ice and snow. Good vision is a key to good driving. 2.
Plan
your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert. Remember,
snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Moreover, always match your speed to
the road and weather conditions. Trapped in a Car What would you do if
a blizzard trapped you on the road? Here are some tips to
follow: 1.
Stay
in your car and wait for help to find you. 2.
Run
your engine for short periods of time to stay warm. Keep your down-wind
window open and make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow. 3.
Turn
on the dome light at night when you are running the engine to signal
rescuers. 4.
Hang
a brightly colored piece of cloth or piece of clothing from your car. 5.
Exercise
from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep
blood circulating and to keep warm. OUTDOOR
SAFETY
Dress for the Season Winter has arrived
and you should dress for the season. 1.
Wear
loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air between the
layers acts as an insulator. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and
subsequent chill. 2.
Outer
garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded. 3.
Always
wear a hat or cap on your head since half of your body heat could be lost
through an uncovered head. 4.
Cover
your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold. 5.
Mittens,
snug at the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more
warmth when they touch each other. Physical Exertion Winter storm
conditions and cold waves are the deadliest types of weather. Cold temperatures put
an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow,
clearing debris or pushing a car, increase the risk of a heart attack. To avoid problems,
remember these tips: 1.
Stay
warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when
working outdoors. 2.
Take
frequent rests to avoid over exertion. 3.
If
you feel chest pain -- STOP and seek
help immediately. Winter Sports Safety 1.
Most
importantly, use the proper equipment and check to make sure everything is in
proper working condition. A well-fitting ANSI/SNELL certified helmet will
assure a safer, more enjoyable wintertime experience whether you are skiing,
sledding, snowboarding or skating. 2.
Dress
in multiple, lightweight layers to stay warm and dry while enjoying the
outdoors. Check the weather forecast but be prepared for anything. 3.
If
you are heading into the backcountry, never travel alone. Let someone know
your route and estimated time of return. 4.
Skiers
and snowboarders should go on runs that are appropriate for their ability.
Stay in control at all times and be able to stop or avoid other people or
objects. Obey all posted signs and warnings. 5.
No
matter what sport you participate in, always focus 100 percent of your
attention on the activity and the terrain you are on. Moreover, rest when you
are tired. Safe Sledding Winter is a fun time
for children, but it also may be dangerous. Parents should be aware of some
simple safety tips for their children when they go sledding or tobogganing: 1.
Children
should never use streets or roads for sledding unless they are blocked off
from traffic. 2.
Children
should sled only during daytime hours. 3.
Do
not sled on icy hills. Sledding hills should be only snow covered. 4.
Avoid
sledding over snow bumps or anything that may cause the sled to become
airborne. 5.
Never
sled alone. An adult should always accompany small children. 6.
Children
should stay out of the paths of other sledders. In addition, if the slopes
become busy, they should move off them quickly. Parents, if you are
sledding with your children, follow these rules yourselves. Safe Skating Winter is a fun time
for children, but it also may be dangerous. Parents should be aware of some
simple safety tips for their children when they go ice-skating: 1.
If
possible, skate at areas that have been approved and posted for ice-skating. 2.
Never
skate alone. Always have at least two people present. 3.
Children
should never be allowed to skate on a pond unsupervised. 4.
Remember
ice thickness is never consistent on lakes and ponds. Water currents,
particularly around narrow spots, bridges, inlets and outlets are always
suspect for thin ice. 5.
Stay
away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas that
signify thinner ice. 6.
Never
skate after dark. Hypothermia Prolonged exposure to
cold temperatures can cause hypothermia, especially in children and the
elderly. Watch for these
symptoms: 1.
Inability
to concentrate 2.
Poor
coordination 3.
Slurred
speech 4.
Drowsiness
5.
Exhaustion
6.
Uncontrollable
shivering, followed by a sudden lack of shivering If the person's body
temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical
assistance immediately! Remove wet clothing,
wrap the victim in warm blankets and give warm, non-alcoholic,
non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives. Frostbite People working or
playing outdoors during the winter can develop frostbite and not even know
it. There is no pain
associated with the early stages of frostbite, so learn to watch for these
danger signs: 1.
First,
the skin may feel numb and become flushed. Then it turns white or
grayish-yellow. Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch. 2.
If
frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area. Cover the affected
area with something warm and dry. Never rub it! 3.
Then
get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible. Snow Blower Safety Do you have a snow
blower? Did you know that most snow blower injuries happen because the
operator did not read the operating instructions? So, read your owner's
manual and follow these tips: 1.
Never
leave your snow blower running and unattended. 2.
Make
sure the discharge chute is not aimed at passing motorists or pedestrians. 3.
Never
put your hands into the discharge chute or augers to clear stuck snow and
ice. 4.
Never
add fuel when the engine is running and hot. 5.
Make
sure you know how to turn the machine off quickly. ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
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Visit www.lancasteroem.org for more information |
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