DURING ANY STORM OR EMERGENCY
-
Monitor your NOAA Weather Radio or keep a local radio and/or TV station
on for
information and emergency instructions.
-
Have your emergency survival kit ready to go if told to evacuate.
-
If you go outside for any reason, dress for the season and expected conditions:
For cold weather, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight,
warm
clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should
be
tightly woven and water-repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear
a hat.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely
cold air.
Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in snow or flooding conditions.
-
If advised to evacuate, tell others where you are going, turn off utilities
if
told to, then leave immediately, following routes designated by
local
officials.
DURING A FLOOD
-
Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.
-
Do not try to walk across running water more than 6 inches deep; even 6
inches
of rapidly running water can sweep you off your feet.
-
Do not drive into flooded areas. If your car stalls, abandon it
immediately--if
you can--and seek higher ground.
DURING A WINTER STORM
-
Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your house cooler than
normal.
Temporarily shut off heat to less-used rooms.
-
If using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid build-up of
toxic
fumes. Keep heaters at least three feet from flammable objects.
Refuel
kerosene heaters outside.
-
Avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, do so during daylight.
Don't
travel alone. Stay on main roads, and keep others informed of your
schedule.
IF A BLIZZARD TRAPS YOU IN YOUR CAR
-
Pull off the road, set hazard lights to flashing, and hang a distress flag
from
the radio aerial or window. Remain in your vehicle; rescuers are most
likely to
find you there.
-
Conserve fuel, but run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour
to
keep warm, cracking a downwind window slightly to prevent carbon
monoxide
poisoning. Exercise to maintain body heat but don't overexert. Huddle
with
other passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
-
In extreme cold use road maps, seat covers, floor mats, newspapers or
extra
clothing for covering--anything to provide additional insulation and
warmth.
-
Turn on the inside dome light so rescue teams can see you at night, but
be
careful not to run the battery down. In remote areas, spread a large
cloth over
the snow to attract the attention of rescue planes.
-
Do not set out on foot unless you see a building close by where you know
you
can take shelter.
-
Once the blizzard is over, you may need to leave the car and proceed on
foot.
Follow the road if possible. If you need to walk across open country,
use
distant points as landmarks to help maintain your sense of direction.
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