Winter Safety TipsBasic safety tips for the winter weather seasonKnowing some good winter safety tips can be helpful in a dangerous weather situation. It's always good to be prepared during the snowy and cold winter weather season. For starters, it is important to know basic winter weather terms. If you keep up to date on the television or the internet, you may see such terms as "Winter Storm Watch (or warning)" or "Snow Advisory". Knowing the difference between these and other winter terms can help you plan accordingly. So let's start with the common winter weather advisories: Winter Storm Watch This is issued whenever there is the potential for dangerous winter conditions within 24-36 hours of the approaching event. Usually it is issued when the potential for 6+ inches of snow, some ice, and near blizzard conditions. It can be dangerous to head out in conditions like these. Winter Storm Warning This is issued by the National Weather Service when a winter storm is occurring or is going to occur in the area within 24 hours. Blizzard Watch This is issued when the potential for blizzard conditions is about 50% or more. Blizzard Warning This is issued whenever blizzard conditions are expected in a certain area within 12-24 hours. The criteria for a blizzard is heavy and blowing snow with winds over 35 MPH. Snow Advisory This is less than the traditional winter storm and blizzard alerts. Snow can still be a problem, but these are issued when about 4-6 inches of snow are expected. Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory These are issued when winds are from 25-45 MPH with falling and blowing snow. Visibilities are reduced to 1/4 mile or less for over 3 hours. Blowing Snow Advisory This is issued when there is localized or widespread blowing snow in the area. Winds are less than 35 MPH and visibilities can be reduced to 1/4 of a mile. Lake-Effect Snow Watch This is issued when there is great potential for heavy lake effect snow in the area Lake Effect Snow Warning This is issued when lake effect snow accumulations are expected to be at 7 inches or more. Lake Effect Snow Advisory This is issued when 4-6 inches of lake effect snow are expected. Wind Chill Watch This is issued when wind chill temperatures have the potential to be -25F or less. Very dangerous temps, and can cause frostbite. Wind Chill Warning This is issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be -25F or less. Very dangerous temps, and can cause frostbite. Wind Chill Advisory This is issued when wind chills are expected to be -15 to -24F. Frostbite can occur in this situation. Winter Weather Advisory This is issued when there is the potential for snow or ice that doesn't meet the standard criteria for a warning. Still dangerous weather conditions and can cause delays. Heavy Snow Warning This is issued when heavy amounts of snow are expected (7 inches of snow in 12 hours or 9 inches in 24 hours). Usually when these are issued, the weather event is expected to be all snow for the area. Ice Storm Warning This is issued when ice is expected for the entire duration of the storm. Ice accumulations of 1/2 inch or more are expected and can damage power lines and trees. Freezing Rain Advisory Thi is less than a warning, but ice can still accumulate and make raods slippery. Other Winter Safety Tips A very important aspect of weather safety would be clothing. Dressing warm is one of the best ways to combat the cold of course and it's important to know what works best. If you or the kids will be outside, dress in layers. Long johns work great as well as sweaters, multiple thin layered shirts, socks, gloves, hats, etc. For young children and babies, it is good to dress them in one more layer than an adult would. For inside with infants, avoid loose bedding as it could be a danger to the infant. One piece sleepers should be used. Frostbite Winter Safety Tips Frostbite is always a major concern during the winter season especially if you will be doing outside activities. Warning signs include fingers becomming numbed or feeling like they are burning. Make sure to keep things like hands and feet covered as best you can. If frostbite does occur, the best solution is to put the affected areas in warm not hot water. Warm washcloths also work well for other areas like the face. Don't rub the affected areas and if numbness is still felt, then don't hesitate to call a doctor. Working Outside Winter Safety Tips Of course with heavy snow, people will be out shoveling. It is important not to overwork yourself and to take frequent breaks while shoveling or doing any other outside work in the winter time. In less physically fit and older individuals, a heart attach can occur if overworked. Traveling Winter Safety Tips Having a safety kit while traveling is one of the best winter safety tips as well. It is not recommended that you go out in dangerous winter weather conditions, but if you must, having a safety kit would be great. Things you should put in the kit include blankets, flashlights, batteries, extra gloves, hats, non perishable foods, and extra clothes. If you get stranded, having waterproof matches and a can can be useful to melt snow for drinking water. Also jumper cables, sand, and a shovel would be useful if you are stuck in the snow and need to get out. Home Winter Safety Tips Due to many storms that may come your way, espcially if you are in an area prone to winter storms, you may be in the house because of the weather conditions. Preparing your home to be a good "bunker" while the storm goes on outside is a good thing. Candles and matches are good for power outages. Non perishable food items are also good if the power decided to go out. Before winter season, check your furnace to make sure it's working properly (investing in a CO detector is a good thing to do as well). A radio along with extra batteries and a flashlight may come in handy as well. Return from Winter Safety Tips to Severe Weather Fan Homepage
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