Winter in New York State is a time of unsurpassed beauty. It also is a time when winter
storms and sub-zero temperatures pose a threat to disrupt our daily normal lives.
Now is the time to prepare your home and car to safely enjoy the winter season. Have
your home heating system checked by a professional. If you heat by wood, clean your
fireplace or stove now. Have your chimney checked for any buildup of creosote and
then cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.
Make sure your car is tuned and your exhaust system is working properly. Also check
your snowblower and other snow removal equipment and have a supply of sand or kitty
litter on hand to provide traction on walkways.
As the winter weather season approaches, do you know what the various weather warnings
and advisories mean?
Issued for the possibility of severe life-threatening winter weather conditions including:
heavy snow, heavy ice and/or near blizzard conditions. Forecasters are typically 50
percent confident that severe winter weather will materialize when a watch is issued.
Issued for the possibility of blizzard conditions. Forecasters are typically 50 percent
confident that blizzard conditions will materialize when a blizzard watch is issued.
Issued for the potential for heavy lake effect snow.
Issued for the potential of wind chills of -25F or less, which can cause rapid frostbite
and increase the risk of hypothermia.
Issued for a combination of heavy snow and/or ice, of which, at least one exceeds
or meets warning criteria. Winter weather is expected to cause life-threatening public
impact for a combination of winter hazards including heavy snow, ice, near blizzard
conditions, blowing and drifting snow and/or dangerous wind chills.
Issued when 7 inches or more of snow is expected in 12 hours or less, or 9 inches
or more is expected in 24 hours or less. Heavy Snow Warnings are issued when there
is a high degree of confidence that the entire event will be snow.
Issued for a inch or more of ice accumulation which causes damage to power lines and
trees. Ice Storm Warnings are issued when there is a high degree of confidence that
the entire event is expected to be ice.
Issued when blizzard conditions are imminent or expected in the next 12 to 24 hours.
Blizzard conditions include sustained or frequent gusts =/> 35 mph AND considerable
falling, blowing and drifting of snow reducing visibilities frequently 1/4 mile.
Issued for 7 inches or more of lake effect snow.
Issued when the wind chill is expected to be -25F or less. Frostbite can occur in
less than 10 minutes.
Issued for a hazardous combination of snow, and ice of which neither meets or exceeds
warning criteria. Issued for winter weather that will cause significant inconveniences
or could be life-threatening if the proper precautions are not taken.
Issued when an average of 4 to 6 inches of snow is expected in 12 hours or less. Snow
advisories are issued when there is a high degree of confidence that the entire event
will be snow.
Any accumulation of freezing rain that can make roads slippery. Freezing rain advisories
will only be issued when there is a high degree of confidence that the entire event
will be freezing rain only.
Sustained wind or frequent gusts of 25 to 34 mph accompanied by falling and blowing
snow, occasionally reducing visibility to a 1/4 mile or less for three hours or more.
Widespread or localized blowing snow reducing visibilities to a 1/4 or less with winds
less than 35 mph.
Issued for an average of 4 to 6 inches of lake effect snow.
Issued for wind chills of -15F to -24F. Frostbite can occur in less than 30 minutes.
Families should be prepared for all hazards that affect their area and themselves.
Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan:
- Learn your community's warning signals.
- Meet with your family to create a plan. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your
home for an emergency such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case
you cannot return home (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work
and children are at school). Choose an out-of-area friend as your family check-in
contact for everyone to call if the family becomes separated.
- Implement your plan. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phones. Install safety
features in your house such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Inspect your
home for potential hazards and correct them. Have your family learn basic safety and
first aid measures. Make sure everyone knows how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local
emergency medical services phone number. Have disaster supplies on hand.
Winter has arrived and this is the time for you to stockpile the following supplies
in the event a winter storm or power outage prevents you from leaving your home.
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- Emergency non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration
- Non-electric can opener
- Bottled water
- One week supply of essential medicines
- Extra blankets and sleeping bags
- First aid kit and manual
- Fire extinguisher
- Emergency heating equipment, used properly
Take the time now to get your home ready for the winter season by following these
tips:
- Have your heating system checked by a professional annually. This will ensure that
your system is working safely and efficiently which, in turn, will save you money.
If you heat by wood, clean your fireplace or stove. Have your chimney flue checked
for any buildup of creosote and then cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.
- Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate walls and attic.
This will help you to conserve energy and reduce your home's power demands for heat.
- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. This will provide
an extra layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out.
- Inspect and flush your water heater.
- Clean gutters. Leaves and other debris will hamper drainage.
- Replace batteries of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. If you did not do
it when you set the clocks back, do it now.
- To keep pipes from freezing:
- Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers
- Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture
- Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing
- Know how to shut off water valves
If your heat goes out during a winter storm, you can keep warm by closing off rooms
you do not need.
- Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood
or coal stove or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
- Dress in layers of lightweight clothing and wear a cap.
- Eat well-balanced meals.
Losing your heat when winter's winds are howling is not pleasant. However, by following
these simple tips, you will weather the storm more comfortably.
To prevent the mess and aggravation of frozen water pipes, protect your home, apartment
or business by following the simple steps below.
Before Cold Weather
- Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing, typically those near outer
walls, in crawl spaces or in the attic.
- Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved).
- Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside
faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside
the house.
When It's Cold
- Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall.
- Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or
appliance near an outer wall.
- Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
- If you plan to be away: (1) Have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat
is still on to prevent freezing, or (2) drain and shut off the water system (except
indoor sprinkler systems).
If Pipes Freeze
- Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst.
Stopping the water flow minimize the damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact
your insurance agent.
- Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.
- Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
If you lose electrical service during the winter, follow these tips:
- Call your utility first to determine area repair schedules. Turn off or unplug lights
and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored. Leave one light
on to indicate power has been restored.
- To help prevent freezing pipes, turn on faucets slightly. Running water will not freeze
as quickly.
- Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning:
- DO NOT operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon monoxide gas.
- DO NOT use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
- DO NOT use your gas oven to heat your home -- prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house
can create carbon monoxide gas.
- Make sure fuel space heaters are used with proper ventilation.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food
spoilage.
Electric generators can provide you with piece of mind and convenience when you are
faced with a temporary loss of electric service.
You to follow these safety guidelines when operating a generator:
- Before installing a generator, be sure to properly disconnect from your utility electrical
service. If possible, have your generator installed by a qualified electrician.
- Run generators outside, downwind of structures. NEVER run a generator indoors. Deadly
carbon monoxide gas from the generator's exhaust can spread throughout enclosed spaces.
Install a carbon monoxide detector.
- Fuel spilled on a hot generator can cause an explosion. If your generator has a detachable
fuel tank remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator
and let it cool before refilling.
- Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Most of the small, home-use portable
generators produce from 350 to 12,000 watts of power. Overloading your generator can
damage it, the appliances connected to it, and may cause a fire. Follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
- Keep children away from generators at all times.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer claiming about 1,000 lives each
year in the United States. Such common items as automotive exhaust, home heating systems
and obstructed chimneys can produce the colorless, odorless gas.
The gas can also be produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills
and other items used for cooking and heating when used improperly during the winter
months.
- NEVER run generators indoors. Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater.
- NEVER use charcoal to cook indoors.
- NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and get to a hospital.
Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters can add a cozy glow, but make sure you
are using them safely.
- Always keep a screen around an open flame.
- Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
- Never burn charcoal indoors.
- Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
- When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make
sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot
surfaces.
- Have your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup -- and then clean
it.
- Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors ... and make sure they work! Establish
a well-planned escape route with the entire family.
If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency
source of heat, follow these safety tips:
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
- Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool.
- Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
- When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.
Remember, the fire hazard is greatly increased in the winter because alternate heating
sources often are used without following proper safety precautions.
As the snow and ice continues to build up, homeowners should think about safety before
trying to clear the snow from their roof.
Here are some safety tips:
- When possible, use long-handled snow rakes or poles.
- If you must use a ladder, make certain that the base is securely anchored. Ask a friend,
neighbor or adult family member to hold the ladder while you climb.
- Know where the snow is going to fall before clearing the area.
- Make certain not to contact electrical wires.
- If possible, do not attempt to clear the roof alone.
- If you are afraid of heights or think the job is too big for you, HIRE HELP.
Clearing roofs is a dangerous task. However, if you think safety, and work safely,
you will get the job done.
SAFETY FIRST FOR KIDS
Hey, kids! Winter can be a fun-filled time when enjoying outdoor activities such as
skiing, skating and sledding. However, before going out, follow these safety tips:
- The best way to stay safe in a snowstorm is to stay inside. Long periods of exposure
to severe cold increase the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
- If you go out to play after the storm, dress in many layers of clothing and wear a
hat and mittens. Many layers of thin clothing are warmer than a single layer of thick
clothing. One of the best ways to stay warm is to wear a hat; most body heat is lost
through the top of the head.
- Come inside often for warm-up breaks.
- If you start to shiver a lot or get very tired, or if your nose, fingers, toes or
earlobes start to feel numb of turn very pale, come inside right away and tell an
adult. These are signs of hypothermia and frostbite. If you experience these symptoms,
you will need immediate attention to prevent further risk.
Remember these tips when you go out to play.
If someone you know is elderly or dependent on life-sustaining or health-related equipment
such as a ventilator, respirator or oxygen concentrator, you should make plans now
to ensure their needs are met during severe winter weather and possible power outages.
- Help them stock a home disaster kit including a flashlight and extra batteries, a
battery-operated radio, bottled water, non-perishable foods, essential medicines,
and extra blankets or sleeping bags.
- Check on them after a storm or power outage. Register them as a special needs customer
with their utility so they will become a priority customer. Notify others who could
provide help such as neighbors, relatives, nearby friends and local emergency responders
such as the fire department.
- Have a list of emergency numbers readily available.
- Have a standby generator or an alternative source of power available. Be aware of
the safety rules for its use.
Winter is a time we should pay close attention to the safety of our pets. Here are
some safety tips to follow:
- Ingesting anti-freeze can be fatal for your dog or cat. It has a sweet taste and even
a tiny amount can cause severe kidney damage and even death. If you spill some, soak
it up immediately. (Clay kitty litter works well. Discard the litter once the anti-freeze
has been absorbed.)
- Pets that live outdoors should be fed a bit more in the winter because they need the
extra calories to stay warm. They also should have fresh water put out a couple of
times a day, or consider a special bowl that prevents the water from freezing.
- If your pet goes outdoors, be aware of the temperature. Pets can get frostbite very
easily on the ears, tail and paws.
- When walking your dog, check the paws to make sure that ice is not building up between
the toes and that salt from the roads is not irritating the skin.
- If your dog is a swimmer, keep it on a leash around open water or unstable ice. Hypothermia
can set in quickly and the dog may be unable to get out of the water.
- Before you start your car, you should honk the horn to make sure that a cat has not
decided to nap in a warm spot under the hood of the vehicle.
- If decorating for the holidays, keep ornaments out of the reach of your pets. Remember
that poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and other plants can be toxic if ingested.
When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.
- If you must travel, make sure you car is stocked with survival gear like blankets,
a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains,
battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly-colored cloth to use as a
distress flag.
- Keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline freeze-up.
- If you have a cell phone or two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery
charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you
will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
- Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
Preparing your vehicle for the winter season now will help ensure your vehicle is
in good working order when you need it most.
- Have a mechanic check the following items on your vehicle:
- Battery
- Wipers and windshield washer fluid
- Antifreeze
- Ignition system
- Thermostat
- Lights
- Exhaust system
- Flashing hazard lights
- Heater
- Brakes
- Defroster
- Oil level
- Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials
are usually adequate for most winter conditions. You may also want to carry a set
of tire chains in your vehicle for heavy snow conditions.
- Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal and maintain at
least a half tank of gas throughout the winter season.
- Finally, plan long trips carefully. Listen to the local media report or call law enforcement
agencies for the latest road conditions.
The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents.
- Before getting behind the wheel this winter season, every driver could learn a lesson
from our school bus drivers. It is elementary, but we have to keep our vehicles clear
of ice and snow. Good vision is a key to good driving.
- Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert. Remember, snowdrifts
can hide smaller children. Moreover, always match your speed to the road and weather
conditions.
What would you do if a blizzard trapped you on the road?
Here are some tips to follow:
- Stay in your car and wait for help to find you.
- Run your engine for short periods of time to stay warm. Keep your down-wind window
open and make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow.
- Turn on the dome light at night when you are running the engine to signal rescuers.
- Hang a brightly colored piece of cloth or piece of clothing from your car.
- Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep
blood circulating and to keep warm.
Winter has arrived make sure you to dress for the season.
- Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air between the
layers acts as an insulator. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent
chill.
- Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.
- Always wear a hat or cap on your head since half of your body heat could be lost through
an uncovered head.
- Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth
when they touch each other.
Winter storm conditions and cold waves are the deadliest types of weather.
Cold temperatures put an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion, such as shoveling
snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, increase the risk of a heart attack.
To avoid problems, remember these tips:
- Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors.
- Take frequent rests to avoid over exertion.
- If you feel chest pain -- STOP and seek help immediately.
There is an abundance of sports activities during the winter season. From skiing and
snowboarding to ice climbing, hiking and other outdoor pursuits, parents and children
should follow the safety rules of the sport.
- Most importantly, use the proper equipment and check to make sure everything is in
proper working condition. A well-fitting ANSI/SNELL certified helmet will assure a
safer, more enjoyable wintertime experience whether you are skiing, sledding, snowboarding
or skating.
- Dress in multiple, lightweight layers to stay warm and dry while enjoying the outdoors.
Check the weather forecast but be prepared for anything.
- If you are heading into the backcountry, never travel alone. Let someone know your
route and estimated time of return.
- Skiers and snowboarders should go on runs that are appropriate for their ability.
Stay in control at all times and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
Obey all posted signs and warnings.
- No matter what sport you participate in, always focus 100 percent of your attention
on the activity and the terrain you are on. Moreover, rest when you are tired.
Winter is a fun time for children, but it also may be dangerous. Parents should be
aware of some simple safety tips for their children when they go sledding or tobogganing:
- Children should never use streets or roads for sledding unless they are blocked off
from traffic.
- Children should sled only during daytime hours.
- Do not sled on icy hills. Sledding hills should be only snow covered.
- Avoid sledding over snow bumps or anything that may cause the sled to become airborne.
- Never sled alone. An adult should always accompany small children.
- Children should stay out of the paths of other sledders. In addition, if the slopes
become busy, they should move off them quickly.
Parents, if you are sledding with your children, follow these rules yourselves.
Winter is a fun time for children, but it also may be dangerous. Parents should be
aware of some simple safety tips for their children when they go ice-skating:
- If possible, skate at areas that have been approved and posted for ice-skating.
- Never skate alone. Always have at least two people present.
- Children should never be allowed to skate on a pond unsupervised.
- Remember ice thickness is never consistent on lakes and ponds. Water currents, particularly
around narrow spots, bridges, inlets and outlets are always suspect for thin ice.
- Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas that
signify thinner ice.
- Never skate after dark.
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia, especially in children
and the elderly.
Watch for these symptoms:
- Inability to concentrate
- Poor coordination
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Exhaustion
- Uncontrollable shivering, followed by a sudden lack of shivering
If the person's body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency
medical assistance immediately!
Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm blankets and give warm, non-alcoholic,
non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives.
People working or playing outdoors during the winter can develop frostbite and not
even know it.
There is no pain associated with the early stages of frostbite, so learn to watch
for these danger signs:
- First, the skin may feel numb and become flushed. Then it turns white or grayish-yellow.
Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch.
- If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area. Cover the affected area
with something warm and dry. Never rub it!
- Then get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible.
Do you have a snow blower? Did you know that most snow blower injuries happen because
the operator did not read the operating instructions?
You to read your owner's manual and follow these tips:
- Never leave your snow blower running and unattended.
- Make sure the discharge chute is not aimed at passing motorists or pedestrians.
- Never put your hands into the discharge chute or augers to clear stuck snow and ice.
- Never add fuel when the engine is running and hot.
Make sure you know how to turn the machine off quickly.