Museum Handbook: Primer on Disaster Preparedness
Return to Primer Table of Contents
Orange Line Graphic
PUBLICATIONS
Orange Block Graphic Winter Storm
If a winter storm warning is issued for the area:
1.   If at work --

-    Listen to the local radio/TV for weather advisories and
     official permission to go home early.

-    Plan ahead before the storm arrives.

-    Move indoors any items located outside which might be dam-
     
     aged by the storm or become hazardous during high winds.

-    Check all battery-powered equipment and back-up power sourc-
     es.

-    Fill vehicle gas tanks.

-    If you must travel (business or going home), use public
     transportation if possible.  If not and you must drive:

     --   Make sure the vehicle is in good condition, equipped
          with chains or snow tires, and has a full tank of gas.

     --   Take another person with you, if possible.

     --   Leave an estimated itinerary (destination and
          estimated time of arrival) with someone.

     --   Have emergency "winter storm supplies" in the
          vehicle (e.g., sand, shovel, windshield
          scraper, tow chain or rope, flashlight,
          flares.  It's also good to have a blanket,
          heavy gloves, overshoes, extra woolen socks,
          and winter headgear).

     --   Travel by daylight and use major highways,
          when possible.

     --   Keep the radio on for weather information and
          advice.

     --   Don't be daring or foolhardy.  Rather than
          risk being stalled, lost, or isolated, stop,
          turn back or seek help if conditions threaten
          to test your ability or endurance.

     --   If the vehicle breaks down, or you become
          lost, or stalled:

      --- Don't panic!  Think the situation through, and decide
          the safest and best thing to do.  Then do it slowly and
          carefully.

      --- If on a well travelled road, indicate you are in trou-
          ble (e.g., hazard flashers, raised hood, hanging cloth
          from radio aerial or window.  Then stay in the car and
          wait for help to arrive.  If you run the engine to keep
          warm, keep snow away from the exhaust pipe and keep a
          window open enough to provide sufficient ventilation.

      --- Wherever you are, if there is no house or other source
          of help in sight, do not leave the car to search for
          assistance.  It is very easy to become disoriented and
          lost during a severe storm.

2.   If at home --

-    Listen to the local radio/TV for weather advisories.

-    Plan ahead before the storm arrives; prepare for possi-
     
     ble isolation for a couple of days.  Ensure you have on
     hand or the proper working condition of:

     --   Blankets, some kind of emergency heating
          equipment and adequate supply of fuel
     --   Food and water, emergency cooking equipment. 
          (It's better to have some foods that do not
          require cooking or other preparation);
     --   Battery-powered radio and extra batteries,
          flashlights/lanterns and extra
          batteries/fuel; and
     --   Simple tools for fire fighting.

-    Move indoors any items located outside which might be
     damaged by the storm.

-    Fill vehicle gas tanks.

-    Travel only if absolutely necessary and follow precau-
     
     tions shown above.

KMB

ParkNet