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Social Media: Winter at Home

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Social Media: Winter at Home
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Please help the National Weather Service spread these important safety messages on social media! Everyone is welcome to use the text and images provided below to help the NWS build a Weather-Ready Nation.

Winterize Your Home

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As winter approaches, there are steps you can take to prepare your home for the cold weather ahead. Learn more at weather.gov/safety/winter

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As winter approaches, there are steps you can take to prepare your home for the cold weather ahead. Learn more at weather.gov/safety/winter

Winterize your home. Inspect your chimney. Caulk and weather strip doors/windows. Insulate exposed pipes. Insulate your attic. Clean out gutters. Install & test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (with battery backups). Gather supplies.

 

After the Winter Storm: Power Outage

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Power outages are common after a big winter storm. If you lose power, make sure to be careful when using alternative heat sources and practice portable generator safety. Once you and your family are safe, check in with others in your neighborhood to make sure they are okay. weather.gov/safety/winter

Twitter
Power outages are common after a big winter storm. Be careful with alternative heat sources, practice portable generator safety, and check in with neighbors to ensure that everyone stays safe. weather.gov/safety/winter

After the Winter Storm: Power Outage. 1) Be careful with heat sources: candles and space heaters are a fire risk. Also stay warm by bundling up and keeping doors closed, placing towels in cracks. 2) Practice portable generator safety: use outdoors, at least 20 feet aweay from doors/windows/garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow instructions on proper use. 3) Check on neighbors: once your family is safe, check on your neighbors and make sure they are OK.

 

Winter Forecasts: Hazards (Video)

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Did you know that a one or two degree temperature difference can play an important role in whether we get rain, sleet, or snow? Learn more about how we get accurate forecasts here: youtube.com/watch?v=niPqFAtq8_E

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Did you know that a one or two degree temperature difference can play an important role in whether we get rain, sleet, or snow? Learn more about how we get accurate forecasts here: youtube.com/watch?v=niPqFAtq8_E

 

Winter Forecasting: Variation (Video)

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Impacts from winter storms can vary a lot, even across short distances, and it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly which areas will be most impacted. Learn more about the Winter Storm Severity Index here: youtube.com/watch?v=u_rLZicceTc

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Impacts from winter storms can vary a lot, even across short distances, and it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly which areas will be most impacted. Learn more about the Winter Storm Severity Index here: youtube.com/watch?v=u_rLZicceTc

 

Winter Forecasting: Uncertainty (Video)

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We work hard to provide you with the most accurate forecasts possible, and our forecasts get more precise the closer we get to a big weather event. Learn more about how we update our forecasts at youtube.com/watch?v=O19o47qWdSE

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We work hard to provide you with the most accurate forecasts possible, and our forecasts get more precise the closer we get to a big weather event. Learn more about how we update our forecasts at youtube.com/watch?v=O19o47qWdSE

 

Wind Chill Watch vs Warning

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A Wind Chill WATCH means Be Prepared.
A Wind Chill WARNING means Take Action!
weather.gov/safety/cold

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A Wind Chill WATCH means Be Prepared.
A Wind Chill WARNING means Take Action!
weather.gov/safety/cold

A Wind Chill Watch is issued when very cold air and wind is possible. Check the forecast, and be prepared in case a Warning is issued. A Wind Chill Warning is issued when very cold air and wind ies expected. Conditions could lead to frostbite or hypothermia. Limit time outside, dress in layers, and cover up exposed skin.

 

Ice Storms

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Is your home ready for an ice storm? Ice storms can cause power outages that can last up to several days, affecting both you and the surrounding area — that’s why it’s important to have a week’s supply of food and prescriptions. What else would you need?
Ice storms can easily break tree branches, so trim weak or damaged branches around your home, and don’t park your car under trees. After you’ve parked, don’t leave your wipers raised...contrary to popular belief, doing so increases the chance of wiper damage.
Learn more about ice storm safety: weather.gov/safety/winter-ice-frost

Twitter
Is your home ready for an ice storm? Ice storms can cause power outages that can last several days and pose a threat to tree branches and anything underneath. Stay #WeatherReady and learn more about ice storm safety: weather.gov/safety/winter-ice-frost

Are you ready for ice storms? Trim weak or damaged branches around your home. Don't leave vehicle wipers raised. Have a week's worth of food and prescriptions. Don't park your car under trees. Keep devices charged.

 

Staying Warm Without Power

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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.
Learn more about winter safety: weather.gov/safety/winter

Twitter
When the power goes out in winter, the cold can be deadly. But even without power, there are still ways to warm things up. Stay #WeatherReady and learn more about winter safety: weather.gov/safety/winter

Staying warm when the power is out. Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat. Close off rooms to avoid wasting heat. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Eat and drink; food provides energy to warm the body; avoid caffeine and alcohol. Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.

 

Winter and Pets

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Don't forget about your pets this winter! Make sure they have a warm, dry place to rest with plenty of food and water. weather.gov/winter

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You love your pets, so keep them warm, dry, and well fed this winter. weather.gov/winter #WeatherReady

Don't forget your pets - bring them indoors. Make sure they have a warm dry place with plenty of food and water.

 

Winter Injuries and Fatalities

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Slippery sidewalks and roads aren’t the only things to look out for in late winter and early spring snow storms--shoveling snow can be a health risk as well. Remember to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and move only small amounts with each shovel pass. Learn more at weather.gov/winter

Twitter
Shoveling snow can be a health risk, so remember to take it easy. Learn more at weather.gov/winter #WeatherReady

Shovel smart! Shoveling heavy, wet snow can put a big strain on the heart. Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. Only move small amounts with each shovel pass.

 

Safety on Ice

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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! weather.gov/safety/winter

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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! weather.gov/safety/winter #WeatherReady

Safety On Ice: Ice is never 100% safe. If you don't know, don't go! Minimum ice thickness guidelines for new, clear ice only: Less than 2 inches: stay off! 4 inches: supports ice fishing and walking. 5 inches: supports small groups ice skating. 6 inches: supports snow mobile ATV. 9 inches: supports cars. 12 inches: supports medium size trucks. Stay away from any cracks and melting ice.

 

Dressing for the Cold - Infographic

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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 and continue to follow CDC guidelines on how to protect yourself and stop the spread of COVID-19, including wearing a mask. Learn to protect yourself from the cold at weather.gov/safety/cold

Twitter
Bundling up and staying dry are two of the best things you can do to stay safe from cold temps. Wear layers to stay warm and continue to follow CDC guidelines on how to protect yourself and stop the spread of COVID-19, including wearing a mask weather.gov/safety/cold

Dressing for the Cold - Infographic. Adding layers will help keep you warm as the temperature drops. Chilly: 1-2 layers; outer layer to keep out wind, rain; long layer on legs; warm shoes (water proof). Cold: 2-3 layers; warm hat; gloves; outer layer to keep out wind, wet snow; 1-2 long layers on legs; boots (water-proof). Extreme cold: 3+ layers (1 insulating); warm hat; gloves; outer layer to keep out wind; 2+ long layers on legs; boots (water proof).

 

Hypothermia Infographic

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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

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Do you know the signs of hypothermia? weather.gov/safety/cold #WeatherReady

Warnings signs of hypothermia: confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, stiff muscles.

 

Cold Weather

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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

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Cold weather can be life-threatening, so follow these 3 steps and make sure to always tell someone where you’re going. weather.gov/safety/cold #WeatherReady

Cold w3eather safety tips: 1) Dress in layers. 2) Cover exposed skin. 3) Limit time outside

 

Science of Wind Chill

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Extremely cold air affects millions of people across the United States every winter and even into parts of the spring. This Arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values, which can cause your body to lose heat quickly. weather.gov/safety/cold-wind-chill-chart

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Arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values. weather.gov/safety/cold-wind-chill-chart

Infographic - The Science of Wind Chill. The average temperature of the human body is 98.6 degrees fahrenheit. Under calm conditions, the body radiates heat, creating a layer of warmth between or skin and the cold surroundings. But when it's windy, the moving air breaks up this insulating layer. It speeds up heat loss by whisking away the warmth from our skin. Hypothermia begins when our body temperature drops two to four degrees.

 

What's a Blizzard?

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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! weather.gov/winter

Twitter
Did you know that not all blizzards involve falling snow? Whether or not the snow falls during the blizzard, dangerous conditions can result. weather.gov/winter Be #WeatherReady!

What's a Blizzard? Blowing snow, 35+ mph winds, less than 1/4 mile visibility, for 3+ hours. Did you know that falling snow isn't necessary for a blizzard? A blizzard that results from previously fallend snow is called a ground blizzard.

 

Winter’s Fury: Nor’easters

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Not many winter storms have the potential to bury 100 million people in 1-2 feet of snow in a single day. Nor’easters are notorious for packing strong winds and copious amounts of moisture they get from the Atlantic. The heavily-populated region between Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston -- the “I-95 Corridor” -- is especially impacted by Nor’easters. weather.gov/safety/winter-noreaster

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Nor’easters are notorious for big wind and copious amounts of moisture they get from the Atlantic. weather.gov/safety/winter-noreaster #WeatherReady

Winter’s Fury - Nor’easters: Not many winter storms have the potential to bury 100 million people in 1-2 feet of snow in a single day. Nor'easters are notorious for packing big wind and copious amounts of moisture they get from the Atlantic. The heavily populated region between Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Boston, the 'I-95 Corrdior', is epsecially impacted by Nor'easters.

 

Winter Precipitation

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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/

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Will there be rain, ice, or snow? Find out how wintry precipitation forms! nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/winter/types/

Winter Precipitation Infographic

 

Science of Frost Formation (Video)

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Frost can be annoying to scrape off your car, but did you ever think about how it got there? Watch this video for a little frost science: youtu.be/HBn1oSWu2nE

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Frost can be annoying to scrape off your car, but did you ever think about how it got there? Watch this video for a little frost science: youtu.be/HBn1oSWu2nE

 

Nor’easter Safety

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Nor’easters impact millions of people in the eastern U.S. with heavy snow and strong winds. What will you do if one approaches your region? weather.gov/safety/winter-noreaster

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Nor’easters impact millions in the eastern U.S. with heavy #snow and strong winds. Are you prepared? weather.gov/safety/winter-noreaster #WeatherReady

Be ready for Nor'easters. Check your forecast from a trusted source. Purchase a shovel and snow-melting material. Fill up your car's gas tank.