Winter Weather Safety and Preparedness Campaign

Did you know that, in the northern hemisphere, winter actually occurs when the Earth is closest to the Sun? This is possible because of the way the Earth tilts on its axis. During winter, the northern hemisphere is tilting away from the Sun, causing the Sun’s rays to hit the northern hemisphere at a lower angle, and resulting in far lower temperatures. Learn more at scijinks.gov/earths-seasons/

When the power goes out in winter, the cold can be deadly--but even without power, there are still ways to warm things up. Closing blinds and curtains and closing room doors can help contain heat, and stuffing towels in the cracks under doors can help keep the warmth in. Don’t forget about eating and staying hydrated - food provides energy to warm the body.

Compared to a typical snowstorm, freezing rain is much more hazardous — especially on the road. While both are dangerous, it’s far easier to lose control of your vehicle on icy pavement, not to mention the increased risk of falling branches and powerlines.
Bottom line: use extreme caution if there is, or recently was, freezing rain.

Check out the mPING (Meteorological Phenomena Identification Near the Ground) project. Weird name, cool app! You can report the type of precipitation you see where you are. No need to measure! Use the free mobile app to send reports anonymously. Reports are automatically recorded into a database, which improves weather computer models. The information is even used by road maintenance operations and the aviation industry to diagnose areas of icing. mping.nssl.noaa.gov

Even on a nice winter day, the low sun angle can make driving hazardous. Freshly-fallen snow can add more glare to your drive. Have a pair of sunglasses on hand, slow down, and leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles. Don’t let sun glare sneak up on you!

Did you know not all blizzards involve falling snow? By definition, a blizzard includes 35+ mph winds that cause blowing snow, reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for at least 3 hours. If the visibility reduction comes from snow that has already fallen, it is called a ground blizzard. Whether or not the snow falls during the time of the blizzard, dangerous conditions can result. Make sure you’re prepared!

You’ve probably seen road signs advising that bridges freeze before roads, but do you know why? Having open air underneath the bridge means the cold air surrounds the bridge both above and below. If there’s even the chance that a bridge might be frozen, SLOW DOWN! And do it before you cross the bridge — changing speed on ice is dangerous.

Ice is never completely safe. Know how thick the ice is and stay away from any cracks or melting ice. If you don’t know, don’t go!

If you lose power after a winter storm, make sure to be careful when using alternative heat sources and practice portable generator safety. Carbon monoxide poisoning has resulted in many injuries and fatalities in our region during the winter season. 

Are you planning a lengthy trip by car this winter? Know how to prepare, and know that the decisions that need to be made will differ depending on where you are on the Winter Travel Timeline: youtu.be/ZzjarXUsDtA

Even when it’s not precipitating, wet roads can quickly turn icy as temperatures dip below freezing. These unexpected slippery conditions can make driving hazardous. When roads look wet in the winter, stay cautious, slow down, and don’t use cruise control. Don’t let flash freezes sneak up on you!

If you notice someone exhibiting warning signs of hypothermia, get them to a warm place right away. Learn more about how to protect yourself from the cold at weather.gov/safety/cold

Winter driving can be hazardous. One simple way to keep yourself and everyone on the road safe is to slow down. Remember, “Ice and snow, take it slow”. Learn more at weather.gov/winter

Ice storms can cause power outages that can last up to several days — that’s why it’s important to have a week’s supply of food and prescriptions. Ice storms can easily break tree branches, so trim weak or damaged branches around your home, and don’t park your car under trees. 

Cold weather can be life-threatening. If you can’t avoid being outside, remember to follow these 3 steps and make sure to always tell someone where you’re going. weather.gov/safety/cold

When recent rain or snowmelt comes into contact with freezing temperatures, black ice can form — and you might not even see it. And while black ice is more prevalent at night, it can often stick around for the morning commute. Use extreme caution when driving...don’t let black ice sneak up on you.

Will there be rain, ice, or snow? This graphic explains how having different layers of warm and cold air between the clouds and the ground determines the type of precipitation that hits the ground. nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/winter/types/

Snow squalls are intense bursts of snow and wind with whiteout visibility that are extremely dangerous, especially while on the road. The National Weather Service helps you be ready by issuing Snow Squall Warnings that can trigger a Wireless Emergency Alert on your phone. If you receive one, know that a snow squall is occurring or imminent, and slow down or delay travel. weather.gov/safety/winter-snow-squall

Bundling up and staying dry are two of the best things you can do to stay safe from cold temperatures this fall and winter. Wear layers to stay warm.

When surface temperatures are below freezing, drizzle will form a thin layer of ice on the roads. This difficult-to-see ice can cause very dangerous travel conditions. When it’s drizzling in the winter, slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep your distance from other vehicles. Don’t let freezing drizzle sneak up on you!

Pets need special attention during times of extreme weather. Remember that if it is too cold for you to be outside, it is too cold for them. If your pets must be outside, provide warm and dry shelter as well as plenty of food and fresh water.