Winter Weather PNS 7


Public Information Statement 
National Weather Service New York NY 
600 AM EST Sat Nov 4 2023

...THIS IS WINTER WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK... 

Please join the National Weather Service in promoting winter weather 
education including safety. 

The topic for today is winter weather safety.

For heavy snow, check and winterize your vehicles before the winter 
season begins. Carry a winter storm survival kit including 
blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a shovel and map. 

For icing, make sure that an adequate supply of salt and sand are 
available for melting ice. 

In extreme cold, frostbite can occur to exposed skin in a matter of 
minutes and extended exposure can result in hypothermia. Dress in 
layers of light weight, loose fitting, warm clothing. Preferably in 
an out layer that is wind and water proof. Also be sure to 
adequately cover your head, neck and extremities. In prolonged 
arctic outbreaks there is potential for damage to infrastructure and 
property from bursting pipes and water lines. To keep pipes from 
freezing along outside walls, make sure thermostat is set to no 
lower than 55 degrees, open cabinet doors, and let hot and cold 
water trickle at night from a faucet.

If the heat go out you can keep warm indoors by closing off rooms 
you do not need, and dressing in layers and wearing a cap. Use only 
safe sources of alternate heat, such as a fireplace, small well-
vented wood or coal stove, or portable space heater. If using a 
kerosene heater, make sure a window is opened slightly. Never run a 
generator indoors and never use a gas oven to heat your home. 

For high winds, structural damage to houses begins with winds in 
excess of 57 mph. These winds will also cause whole trees or large 
tree limbs to fall, which can fall on power and telephone lines 
causing interruption of electrical and telephone service. Heavy 
icing can also cause similar types of electrical and telephone 
service interruptions. 

To prepare for these winter hazards... 

For a mobile home, make sure that it is tied down and is secure. 

Make sure to have an adequate stock of canned goods. 

For tidal flooding, know the flood risk for your area and 
elevations. Minor flooding is inundation of 1 to 2 feet above ground 
level. Moderate flooding occurs is inundation of 2 to 3 feet above 
ground level. Major flooding is inundation of greater than 3 feet 
above ground level. For more information on understanding minor 
moderate, and major flooding, please visit 
www.weather.gov/erh/coastalflood?wfo=okx

Know the available escape routes and shelter locations if you are 
directed to evacuate. 

This is the final statement covering winter preparedness week.