Galmey Community Bible Church

Winter Storm Preparedness

Your first concern after a disaster (winter storm) is your family's health and safety.  You need to consider possible safety issues and monitor family health and well-being.

Timely preparation will help with impacts of severe winter weather. 

Before Severe Weather Arrives:

Each family is urged to develop a family diaster plan.  In case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and the children are at school) have a plan for getting back together.

Ask an out of state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact".  After a storm, it is often easier to call long distance.  Make sure everyone knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.  Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a severe winter storm.  Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Store drinking water, first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, non electric can opener, portable, battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get to them easily, even in the dark.

Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit in each.  Avoid travel if possible.  If you must travel, do so during daylight.  Don't travel alone.  Stay on main roads and keep others informed of your schedule.  Watch for washed out roads, downed power lines and slick roads.

A winter vehicle emergency kit would include: a shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hats, socks and mittens, First aid kit with pocket knife, necessary medications, blanket(s), tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares and other snow removal equipment. 

A winter home emergency kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household may need in the event of a disaster.  Prepare for the possibility that you may need to stay in your home for several days after the winter storm.  This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days.  Include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off.  Have safe emergency heating equipment available such as a fireplace with ample supply of wood, a small, well-vented wood coal or camp stove with fuel or a portable space heater or kerosene heater.  Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately.  You could get help in hours or it might take days.  Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week or longer.  You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need after the disaster has happened. 

There are basics you should stock in your home before the storm:  You must think about warmth.  It is possible that you will not have heat.

Water (bottled)

Food that is non-perishable that is enough for your family for three days.  Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or not water.  Select food items that are compact and lightweight.  Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.  Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content. 

Include a selection of the following foods in your disaster supply kit: 

Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables.

Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)

Staples of sugar, salt and pepper.

High energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix

Vitamins

Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons with special dietary needs.

Comfort/stress foods - cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee and tea bags.

Don't forget to include a manual can opener.

First aid supplies such as sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, gauze pads and adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, needle, moistened towelettes, antiseptic, thermometer, assorted sizes of safety pins, cleansing agent/soap, latex gloves, and petroleum jelly or other antiseptic cream.  Non prescription drugs such as aspirin, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid (for upset stomach) and laxative.

Clothing, (include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person) bedding and sanitation supplies (toilet paper, liquid waterless soap, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items).

Tools - wrench, screwdriver and plyers

Special items (cash or credit card)

Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy to carry container.  Possible containers include a large plastic cooler, large covered trash container, camping backpack or a duffle bag.

Get a NOAA Weather Radio to monitor severe weather.

Warning Terms:  familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a winter storm hazard.

Winter Storm Watch - Be alert, a storm is likely.  Tune in to NOAA weather radio, commercial radio or television for more information.

Winter Storm Warning - Take action, the storm is in or entering the area.

Blizzard Warning - Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near  zero visibility, deep drifts and life threatening wind chill - seek refuge immediately!

Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, epecially to motorist.

Frost/Freeze Warning -  Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops or fruit trees.

Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground.  Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

Flash Flood or Flood Watch - Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.

Flash Flood Waring - A flash flood is imminent - act quickly to save yourself because you may only have seconds.

Flood Warning - Flooding has been reported or is imminent - take necessary precautions at once.

Know safe routes from your home, work or school to higher ground or a shelter.

Know how to contact other household members through a common out of state contact in the event you have to evacuate and become separated.

Know how to turn off the gas, electric power and water before evacuating.

Dress for the Weather:

If you go outside for any reason, dress for the season and expected conditions.

Wear several layers of loose fitting lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.  The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

Keep dry.  Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.  Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

Wear mittens (which are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they touch each other), wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.  Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in snow or flooding conditions.

Remember to check on your neighbors who may require special assistance.

"To God Be The Glory"