Disaster Preparedness: Winter Storms Every year, dozens of Americans (and thousands more worldwide) die from exposure to the storms, extreme cold, and harsh weather that accompanies winter. These storms can kill by themselves, but they can also cause conditions like icy roads, frozen pipes, and unsafe environments that also cause deaths. The U.S. has some of the most common, deadliest winter storms in the world; it also has some of the greatest variety of winter storms, including ice, snow, wind, and hail storms. Because these storms happen in so many states and so often across the U.S., preparing for this kind of emergency is one of the most important emergency planning a person who lives in those areas can do. And because there are different types and levels of severity when it comes to winter storms, people basically have to prepare for anything and everything to go wrong if they are to be prepared for all the different types of weather that could happen in their area. The first step to snowstorm preparedness is snowstorm awareness. People should know how common winter storms are in their area, and exactly what kind of damage these storms have been known to cause. They should be aware of any emergency buildings or phone numbers, and they should know where emergency supplies will be handed out if possible. Winter storms are often accompanied by severe rain or wind, so be sure to look for those. Communities—or, for those who live in less tight-knit areas, the internet—will also often have some sort of warning system if there is a severe storm in the area, so know where to look for those and how to interpret the different levels of severity. For example, there is a difference between a storm watch and a storm warning. A watch is when there is a possibility of a snowstorm being in or near the area sometime in the next 36 hours. A warning, however, is when a snowstorm will certainly be, or already is in the area. Watches mean to be wary; warnings mean to prepare for the worst and to evacuate if told to do so. There could be other, community-specific codes and warnings, which is why it is so important to be well aware of the community’s plan of action during any emergency, especially a snowstorm. Besides just knowing the basics of storm survival in the areas, it’s also important for each individual to have a plan. Every member of the household should know the plan to the best of their ability; when possible, run emergency drills. This will familiarize everyone with what will be a very stressful situation, should a storm ever force the drill to become a reality. As far as individual plans go, each household should establish at least two different meeting places--one in the neighborhood, and one elsewhere, just in case it isn’t safe. Be sure that children know what to do when they’re at school, and check with managers or company owners to find out what the workplace is doing as far as disaster preparedness. Sometimes it will not be safe to return home during or even after a storm, which is why it’s so important to have a meeting spot besides the house. Children especially need to know what to do if they are ever caught outside during a snowstorm: basically, they must find shelter, preferably indoors as quickly as possible. The safest place indoors is usually below ground and away from any windows or doors. Being aware of winter storms before they occur is the first step to avoiding any disaster, but there is a good deal more to do before anyone can comfortably sit back and relax during a terrible storm. After people learn about severe weather, they must prepare for it. This
preparation takes the form of snowstorm-proofing the house and having medical supplies and some training. Ambulances cannot drive any better than a regular car on roads that have been totally blocked by debris or in winds that are simply too strong. People must know how to take care of themselves as well as they can, or there will be many more casualties of this weather than there needs to be. Storm-proofing the home can be broken down into three easy-to-remember parts: stormproof the roof, the windows, and the doors. In order to storm-proof the roof, first determine what type it is. Old gables roofs are susceptible to high winds; these can be fortified by either adding additional braces and galvanized metal hurricane straps or calling a builder to come examine and analyze the risk. The second option is probably best, even if the builder does nothing but tell his customers how much work needs to be done. Even if the roof looks as though it is in good shape, only professionals are qualified to make that judgment. Therefore, at the very least, people should let the builder tell them what’s wrong with the roof before attempting to fix it themselves. Although it sounds cliché, the old saying, “Better safe than sorry” applies here. Next, it’s time to storm proof the windows. While the most effective way to protect windows and glass doors is to install storm shutters, for those without the resources to do so, then precut wood will also work fairly well. Both kinds of supplies can be found at any typical “Home Depot” kind of store; and if someone isn’t certain of what sort of supplies they need, they shouldn’t be afraid to ask. Storm safety is the most important thing, and remaining misinformed could have grave consequences. Finally, storm proofing the doors is yet another easy solution: because the hinges on most doors aren’t strong enough to withstand powerful winds, consider installing extra hinges. It doesn’t cost much, it’s easy to do without the help of a professional, and it will come with the peace of mind that only those who are certain their house won’t be completely blown over in the next bad winter storm can have. People must also take the time to prepare themselves for emergencies, and that doesn’t just mean taking CPR classes (although it is a good idea). Everyone should have a storm emergency kit, just in case. According to the authorities, these kits should contain at least two weeks’ worth of food and water for every member of the family. The food should be nonperishable and easy to prepare, like these MREs, or freeze-dried food. Storms can cause major damage to water mains, so it could be many days before it is safe to drink water out of the tap again; hence, the two week water supply. Winter storms are unpredictable, and as stated above, come in such a variety that they can literally cause any kind of damage to any kind of structure. Therefore, it is vital to have a comprehensive emergency kit. Good kits will include different types of light (flashlights, lightsticks, etc.), a first aid kit, cash and important information, sleeping materials and shelter, and any other important items like prescription medication. Have this kit, know where it is (and make sure everyone else in the household knows too), and make sure that everyone knows how to use it. Little things, like keeping the car’s gas tank full in case authorities order an evacuation, or even making plans for the family pet, often doesn’t cross people’s minds until it’s actually time to go; and then it’s too late. Remember details like that, or like removing dead foliage or underbrush to lessen the chance of a fire if lighting strikes. If people do not allow themselves to be caught unawares, then the storm does not have to be a catastrophe.
Finally, the last thing people can do in order to ensure their survival and the survival of their family members during a snowstorm is remain informed. Have an emergency, batterypowered radio so everyone can listen to updates. If the snowstorm is severe enough that everyone has to stay inside, then odds are, all the electricity will be out as well. Winter storms are dangerous and should never be taken lightly, even if they seem harmless. The severity can change in an instant, so it is crucial that people do not leave their homes until authorities have announced that the state of crisis is over.