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Winter
Storms deceptive killers since most of the deaths that occur
are indirectly related to the actual storm.
-
People
die in traffic accidents on icy roads
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People
die of heart attacks while shoveling snow
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People
die of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to
the cold.
ARE
YOU PREPARED FOR WINTER? Winter Weather Terminology Monitor
weather reports so that adequate preparation can be made
to lessen the impact of severe weather conditions. Some terms
you should understand are:
Freezing
Rain or Freezing Drizzle indicates rain that freezes
as it strikes the ground and other surfaces forming a
coating of ice.
Sleet indicates
small particles of ice, usually mixed with rain.
If enough sleet accumulates on the ground, it will
make travel hazardous.
Snow,
when used without a qualifying word such as occasional
or intermittent, indicates that the snowfall will
be steady and probably continue for several hours.
Snow
Flurries indicates periods of snow falling
for short durations at intermittent periods.
Accumulations are
generally small.
Wind
Chill based on the rate of heat loss
from exposed skin caused by combined effects
of
wind and cold.
As the wind increases, heat is carried away
from the body
at an accelerated rate, driving down the
body temperature. [see chart below]
Winter
Storm Watch indicates severe winter weather
conditions may affect the area [freezing
rain, sleet, or heavy snow
may occur separately or in combination]
Winter
Storm Warning indicates that
severe winter weather conditions
are imminent.
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Cold
Related Injuries Frostbite
Damage to body tissue caused by
that tissue being frozen.
Warning
signs - a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance
in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or
the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get
medical help immediately!
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If
you must wait for help, slowly rewarm affected areas.
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However,
if the person is also showing signs of
hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities.
Hypothermia
Low Body Temperature
Warning
signs - uncontrollable shivering, memory
loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech,
drowsiness,
and apparent exhaustion.
Detection -Take
the person' s temperature. If below 95°F [35°C],
immediately seek medical care!
If medical care
is not available,
begin warming the person slowly.
-
Warm
the body core first If needed, use your
own body heat to help.
-
Get
the person into dry clothing and wrap them
in a warm blanket covering them completely, including
the head
and neck.
-
Do
not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee,
or an beverage or food, warm broth is better.
-
Do
not warm extremities [arms and legs]
first! This drives the cold blood toward the heart and
can lead
to heart failure.
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Heart Attack
Strain from the cold and hard labor may cause a heart attack.
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Avoid
overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow.
Pushing a car, or walking in deep snows, especially if you
are
not in peak physical condition.
-
If
you must shovel snow, take it slow and lift
small amounts, especially when removing heavy snow, slush,
or ice.
Prepare in Advance
Have
extra blankets on hand and ensure each member of
your household has a warm coat, gloves/mittens, hat, and water-resistant
boots.
Check
battery-powered equipment and make sure you have
plenty
of spare batteries.
If
you have propane or oil heat, check your fuel supply.
Check
your food supply and stock up on basic items.
Have
your car winterized before the winter season starts
and always keep the fuel tank full. Winter Dress
Plan from head to toe
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Wear
a hat. This can prevent the loss of half your body heat.
-
Gloves
and warm socks help protect fingers and toes,
which is where you can first feel the effects of cold temperatures.
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Wear layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing
-
Remove
layers to avoid overheating, perspiration,
and subsequent chill.
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Layering
clothes helps prepare you for different conditions
and activities.
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Use
three essential layers - underwear, insulation,
and outer shell - in different combinations to maintain comfort
through changes in weather and exertion level
Underwear Provides
basic insulation and moves moisture away
from skin, preventing chill when activity stops.
Choose
long underwear, or thin, snug-fitting pants
with a long-sleeved T -shirt or turtleneck.
Insulation Use
one or more layers, depending on conditions,
including layers of pants to keep your legs warm.
Sweaters,
sweatshirts, and other similar garments are
good insulators.
Outer Shell Choose
garments that are windproof, and preferably
waterproof, such as those made of coated nylon or polyester.
Many shells -such as ski jackets or parkas
- combine
the outer and insulating layers.
Good
fit is crucial! If the shell is too big,
heat loss can occur rapidly. If it is too small, you may
not have enough room for insulating layers.
Food and drink Food
provides the body with energy for producing its own heat
Keep the
body replenished with fluids [water and juice, limit
your intake of caffeine and alcohol] to prevent dehydration.
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 Wayne County
Emergency Management Division
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