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Winter Preparedness
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Preparedness is key to staying safe and healthy this winter. Check out the tips below for preparing your vehicle and home, and how to handle snowstorms before and after they come your way. You can also find helpful information on what to include in your vehicle survival kit and home supply kit.
- Winterize your car, including a battery check, antifreeze, oil level and tires. Check the thermostat, ignition system, lights, hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, defroster and brakes. Snow tires are recommended, and chains may be required in certain conditions — especially in the mountains. Always keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Snowy or icy roads cause hazardous driving conditions. Before the first big storm, check your tires for tread, change your tires to snow tires or make certain you have chains in your vehicle.
- If you are stuck in your car, run the motor for 10 minutes each hour for heat. Make sure that your tailpipe is clear of snow. Make yourself visible to rescuers by turning on the dome light at night when running the engine, or by tying a brightly colored cloth to your antenna.
- Remember, 4-wheel drive does not mean your vehicle will not slide. Use caution and drive at slower speeds when roads are snow-packed and/or icy.
- If you do get stranded, do not leave your vehicle. Call 911 for assistance. Having some cat litter to put at the base of your tires may help you regain traction to get back on the road.
- For road conditions, call (303) 639-1111 or visit COTrip [external link].
- Cold temperatures can freeze pipes, sometimes causing them to burst. Insulate pipes in crawl spaces and be certain to blow out pipes for outdoor hoses. To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspaper, then cover with plastic to keep out moisture.
- If you use a wood-burning stove for heat, be certain you have the chimney cleaned and checked for obstructions before using it.
- Be familiar with winter storm watch and warning messages.
- Register for Emergency Alerts for Jefferson County residents [external link].
- Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and sand or kitty litter to generate temporary traction.
- Insulate walls and attic.
- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
- Locate water valves and know how to shut them off, if necessary.
- Have extra blankets and alternate heat sources available at your residence in the case of a long power outage. Small outdoor generators can power a space heater for a few hours. Wood-burning stoves/ fireplaces are also excellent sources for heat. Be sure to have extra firewood and/or pellets for your stove.
- Stock up on non-perishable foods and water in case you do get snowed in at your residence for an extended period.
- Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit — also known as a 72-hour kit — with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags or trash containers. There is an endless number of these kits for purchase, but one of the simplest ways to do this is to create your own and have a separate bag/pack/container for each person. Keep each kit in a place where it will be easy to locate at a moment’s notice.
Indoors
- Heavy snow can damage decks, roofs and tree branches. If it is safe to do so, try to shovel off decks as well as knock the snow off tree branches as snow falls to decrease damage.
- Space heaters, especially ones with open heating elements, can cause house fires, so be certain to turn off space heaters before leaving your residence.
- In case of a blizzard, do not leave your residence unnecessarily, especially if conditions are particularly hazardous.
- Have an Evacuation Plan and practice it. Have alternate routes, in case your primary route is snowed in or too hazardous to drive.
- Include children in preparedness planning.
- Have a Family Contact Plan (who to call, where to meet, where to meet if separated, etc.).
- Stay inside.
- If you are using alternative heat, follow fire safety guidelines and ensure proper ventilation.
- Close off any unused rooms.
- Put towels at the base of doors.
- Eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of fluids to provide energy and stay hydrated.
Outdoors
- Find shelter. If none is available, build a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind.
- Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat. Keep extra wood as dry as possible.
- Eating snow for hydration will cause your body temperature to drop; melt it first.
- Exercise periodically by energetically moving legs, arms fingers and toes to increase circulation and body temperature.
- Don’t wear cotton clothing while exploring the outdoors as cotton doesn’t dry and it will decrease body temperature. Other synthetics will help keep your body temperature warm.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air and avoid speaking unnecessarily.
- Be attentive to signs of dehydration.
- When outdoors, wear layers of warm, loose-fitting, lightweight non-cotton clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent chill.
- Watch for signs of frostbite, such as loss of feeling and a pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose and earlobes. If these signs are present, seek immediate medical attention.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia, including uncontrollable shivering, slow or slurred speech, exhaustion and stumbling. If these are detected, get to a warm location, remove wet clothing and drink warm, non-alcoholic beverages. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Assist neighbors who may need assistance, such as the elderly, people with infants or those with special needs.
- Remove ice and snow from tree limbs, roofs and other structures after the storm passes, if it is safe to do so.
- When shoveling snow, avoid overexertion. Colder temperatures add strain to the heart and can make strenuous activity feel less tiring.
Snow Shoveling Safety
At Jefferson County Public Health, we believe that it is important for individuals to prepare for emergencies that may impact themselves and their families [external link]. While we often think about major events when we talk about preparedness, it is also important to prepare for routine activities so that they don’t become emergencies. One example of this is shoveling snow during a winter storm [external link].
Most of us consider shoveling to be a chore rather than exercise; however, it is basically lifting weights at an aerobic pace [external link]. Shoveling snow for 30 minutes can burn between 180-266 calories [external link], which is comparable to downhill skiing or swimming. Every year people hurt themselves while shoveling, from minor injuries to fatal heart attacks, so it is important to take shoveling snow seriously.
Here are a few tips to keep you safe while shoveling snow:
- Dress warm, but not too warm. It is important to stay warm to avoid frostbite and hyperthermia, but being too warm can be hazardous as well. It is common to sweat while being active even if it is very cold outside. Sweating will cause the body to chill, which is exactly what you are trying to avoid. Dress in layers so that garments can be removed as the intensity of the activity increases.
- Use proper technique. Start each movement by bending at the knees, like you are about to sit into a chair. Keep your back straight and engage the core (this feels like “sucking it in”). Stand up by using your legs to push you up rather than by trying to pull the snow up with your back. Alternate the side of the body the shovel is on to help keep your upper body balanced.
- Know your limits. Take your time and take breaks as you need them. If you feel any warning signs [external link] of a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately.
Winter Vehicle Survival Kit
- a shovel
- battery powered radio
- blankets and/or sleeping bag (non-cotton if possible)
- booster cables
- cell phone adapter to plug into lighter
- emergency flares and reflectors
- extra hats, socks and mittens
- fire extinguisher
- first aid kit with pocket knife
- flashlight with extra batteries (some flashlights use body heat to light up)
- fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention
- hand/feet warmers
- matches and small candles
- necessary medications
- pen, sharpie marker and letter size paper-to write emergency messages
- road salt, sand or cat litter for traction
- snack food and energy bars (preferably ones that don’t freeze - Lara Bars is one example)
- tow chain and/or rope
- water
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Disaster Home Supply Kit
- address and phone numbers
- aluminum foil
- baby supplies
- batteries for hearing aids
- battery information for wheelchairs
- battery-powered radio
- disinfectant
- emergency candles
- extra clothing
- extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
- flashlight
- list of medications and essential medications
- manual can opener
- non-perishable food (energy bars, canned meats, juice, fruits and vegetables, powdered milk, infant foods, crackers, peanut butter, freeze-dried and dehydrated goods)
- paper/plastic cups, plates and utensils as well as paper towels
- pen and paper
- personal toiletries
- plastic bags and ties
- plastic bucket with tight lid (make-shift toilet)
- rope or cord
- sleeping bags and blankets (wool or thermal)
- small cooler and ice packs for medications
- soap
- supplies for service animals (license, vaccinations, certificate and food)
- toilet paper
- utility knife and basic tools
- water (one gallon/person/day)
- water purification tablets
- waterproof matches
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