Winter storms pose significant risks, including car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks due to overexertion. These storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. Given these dangers, it’s crucial to stay informed about travel advisories and safety measures. This article provides essential information on winter storm preparedness, focusing on Erie County and offering guidance to help you stay safe during severe weather.
If you or someone you know needs shelter, dial 2-1-1 for assistance. Please share this vital information with those who may not readily access or understand these messages.
Understanding Winter Storm Warnings and Safety Measures
When a winter storm warning is issued, immediate action is necessary to ensure your safety. While this article focuses on general preparedness, it’s important to check local news and official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding travel bans in Erie County.
Here’s what to do when a winter storm warning is in effect:
- Seek Shelter Immediately: Locate a warming shelter by calling 211.
- Avoid Travel: Stay off the roads to prevent accidents and ensure emergency services can operate effectively.
- Maintain Ventilation: Clear exterior exhaust and furnace vents to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Stay Indoors: Remain inside and have warm clothing readily available.
- Protect Pets: Bring your pets indoors to protect them from the cold.
- Stay Informed: Listen for emergency information and alerts through local news channels and official sources.
- Locate Utilities: Identify the locations of electrical boxes and water shut-off valves in case of emergencies.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Gather supplies and know how to manage without power.
- Use Generators Safely: Only use generators outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Recognize Cold-Related Issues: Be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Check on Neighbors: Ensure the safety and well-being of those around you, especially the elderly or those with limited mobility.
Staying Informed: Emergency Alerts and Resources
Staying informed is crucial during winter storms. Here are some ways to receive updates and access helpful resources:
- Ready Erie App: Download the free Ready Erie App to receive notifications, locate emergency shelters, view evacuation maps, and create a personalized emergency preparedness plan.
- BUFFALERT System: Sign up for the City of Buffalo BUFFALERT System to receive emergency alerts and severe weather warnings that could directly impact you and your family.
- Local Media: Listen to commercial radio and television stations for the latest winter weather conditions and travel advisories.
Planning and Preparation: Building Your Emergency Kits
Preparation is key to staying safe during winter storms. Creating emergency plans and building essential kits can significantly improve your ability to cope with severe weather.
Make an Emergency Plan
Learn how to develop a comprehensive emergency plan before a crisis occurs. Your plan should include:
- How you will receive emergency alerts and warnings.
- Your evacuation plan, including routes and destinations.
- How you will communicate with family and friends.
- Regularly updating your emergency kits with necessary supplies.
Build a Home Kit
Emergency home kit with supplies
Prepare an emergency kit for your home that includes:
- Essential supplies, as outlined by ready.gov.
- A well-stocked food pantry, utilizing resources like the Emergency Eats Cookbook.
- A supply of necessary medications and first aid supplies.
- Warm clothing and blankets.
- A portable radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
- Contact information for neighbors and loved ones.
Build a Car Kit
Emergency car kit with essential items
Prepare an emergency kit for your car that includes:
- Essential supplies for roadside emergencies.
- Keeping your gas tank full.
- Ensuring your tires have good tread for winter conditions.
- Knowing how to use jumper cables.
Health Effects and Carbon Monoxide Safety
Extreme winter cold can endanger your health. Heat can leave your body quickly, leading to serious health problems. If you experience symptoms of any of these issues, call 911 immediately.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly. It’s found in fumes produced by burning fuel in cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, and furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals.
CO Poisoning Symptoms
Warning sign about carbon monoxide
Symptoms of CO poisoning are often described as “flu-like” and include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
Additional Resources and Information
For more information on winter safety and preparedness, consult the following resources:
- Ready.gov: Comprehensive guides on emergency planning and kit building.
- Erie County Department of Health: Local health information and resources.
- City of Buffalo Government: Local emergency alerts and services.
Staying informed and prepared is essential for navigating winter storms safely. While specific travel bans in Erie County can change rapidly, utilizing the resources and strategies outlined here will help you protect yourself and your community during severe winter weather. Remember to stay updated on local conditions and heed the advice of emergency officials.
