Winter Preparedness

• 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^[1], 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 of a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately.

[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20825768