Winter Weather Safety

Download NWS’s Winter Storms Fact Sheet

Before Winter Weather Strikes

At Home or Work

The primary concerns are loss of heat, power and telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day, so have available:

• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.
• Extra food and water. Have high energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
• Extra medicine and baby items.
• First-aid supplies.
• Heating fuel. Refuel before you are empty. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm.
• Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove, space heater.
• Follow manufacturers instructions to prevent a fire.
• Ventilate properly.
• Fire extinguisher and smoke alarms. Test smoke alarms once a month to ensure they work properly.
• Make sure pets have plenty of food, water and shelter.

In a Vehicle

• Plan your travel ahead of time and check the latest weather reports and road conditions before departing.
• MoDOT Traveler Information Map
• Call the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-222-6400 for 24-hour winter road conditions on major routes across the state.
• Call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT to receive reports during regular office hours.
• Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.
• Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Avoid traveling alone.
• Let someone know your timetable, and primary and alternate routes. Complete a Travel Plan.
• Create and carry a winter storm survival kit:
• Mobile phone, charger, batteries
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Knife and multi-tool
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Large empty can to use as emergency toilet. Tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes.
• Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water.
• Bag of sand or cat litter for traction
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Battery booster (jumper) cables
• Water container
• Compass and road map

During a Winter Weather Storm

Monitor local radio and television stations or NOAA weather radio.

Outside

• Find shelter.
• Stay dry and cover all exposed body parts.
• If you can’t find shelter:
• Build a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind.
• Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
• Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.
• Melt snow for drinking water. Eating snow will lower your body temperature.

Inside

• Stay inside:
• When using alternate heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., follow manufacturer’s instructions and properly ventilate.
• If you don’t have any heat:
• Close off unneeded rooms.
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
• Cover windows at night.
• Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep your body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
• Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.

In a Vehicle

• Stay in the vehicle:
• You will become quickly disoriented in wind-driven snow and cold.
• Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
• Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.
• Be visible to rescuers:
• Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine.
• Tie a colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door.
• After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.
• Exercise:
• From time to time, move arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

Winter Weather Safety information provided courtesy of the National Weather Service, Saint Louis Weather Forecast Office.