Preparing for Winter - Some Common Sense Suggestions
Dr. Jim Angel, State Climatologist
The inconvenience and hardship that often
result from a winter storm can be lessened if you take the time to be prepared. Most of
these preparations should be made in the late fall or early winter, before the first heavy
snowfall. Consider these activities:
At Winter's Start:
Make sure you have a snow shovel and a supply of salt or
sand before the first storm.
Have your furnace checked for proper and safe operations.
If your furnace breaks down after a heavy snow, service personnel may not be able to reach
you.
Winterize your car. Make sure it is in top running
condition for the long winter ahead. Check the following items:
- Anti-freeze
- Battery and ignition system
- Exhaust system
- Heater and defroster
- Wiper blades
- Winter weight oil in crankcase (will permit easier
starts)
- Good tires on car (snow tires or radials work best)
- All lights in working order
- Know which radio stations broadcast your school closings.
Avoid calling radio stations during storms as they are extremely busy trying to gather and
broadcast storm-related information.
When A Storm Is Forecast
Again, the watchword is be prepared. When a
winter storm is forecast to hit your area, keep the following rules in mind.
- Check battery-powered equipment before the storm arrives.
Make sure radios and flashlights are in working order in case the power goes out.
- If you heat with wood, oil, or bottled gas, check your
fuel supply. Fuel carriers may not be able to make deliveries if a winter storm dumps a
large amount of snow or ice on your area.
- Check your food and stock an extra supply. Include plenty
of food that requires no refrigeration or cooking.
- Make trips for supplies before the storm develops.
- Check your home to prevent fire hazards due to overheated
stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, or portable heaters.
- Stay indoors during the storm unless you are in excellent
physical condition.
- Don't kill yourself shoveling snow! It is difficult and
heavy work and not a job for someone in poor physical shape. Heart attacks while shoveling
snow are a major cause of death during and after winter storms.
- Dress properly. Layers of protective clothing are more
effective and efficient in keeping the body warm than one heavy garment. The entrapped
insulating air warmed by body heat is the best type of protection against cold. Remove
layers of clothing as necessary to prevent perspiring and possible chill.
- Keep abreast of the latest storm information by TV or
radio. The National Weather Service operates radio stations in or around Illinois that
provide continuous weather information. Special radios that receive these broadcasts can
be purchased for as little as $10 to $15.
If Traveling by Car:
- If storm conditions have worsened to the point that you
doubt your ability to continue traveling, seek refuge immediately.
- Plan ahead and select alternate routes.
- Check latest weather and road conditions
- Try not to travel alone. Two or more persons to a vehicle
are preferable.
- Travel in a convoy with another vehicle if possible.
- Always have a full tank of fuel before entering open
country, even for a short distance.
- Carry a winter storm car kit consisting of the following
as a minimum: blanket, shovel, bag of sand, flashlight, booster cables, windshield
scraper. Also, carry a small supply of high-calorie, non-perishable food such as nuts or
candy bars.
- Always dress as if you were going to be in a non-heated
car. If you become stranded in a storm, a light jacket or sweater will not be enough to
keep you warm!
If A Storm Traps You in Your Car ...
Despite any precautions you may take, it is still
possible to be caught in the middle of a bad storm.
- DON'T PANIC
- Stay in your vehicle. Do no attempt to walk out in a
storm. Disorientation comes quickly in blowing and drifting snow. Being lost in open
country during a snow storm is almost certain death. You are more likely to be found and
more likely to be sheltered in your car.
- If you have a CB radio, try to obtain help by contacting
the State Police on Channel 9, the emergency channel.
- Keep fresh air in your car. Freezing wet snow and
wind-driven snow can completely seal the passenger compartment.
- Beware of carbon monoxide - run the engine and heater
sparingly. Open only the "downwind" window for ventilation.
- Exercise by clapping hands and moving arms and legs
vigorously from time to time. Don't stay in one position for too long.
- Avoid over exertion and exposure trying to shovel snow or
push your car out of a drift.
- Turn on an interior light at night. Your vehicle will be
more visible.
- Keep watch - don't permit all occupants of your car to
sleep at the same time.