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Buffalo
County, Nebraska >
County Offices
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Emergency Manager
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Winter Weather Preparedness
Each
year, the National Weather Service issues numerous watches,
warnings and advisories. Knowledge of those products is a
critical element in winter weather preparations.
- WINTER STORM WATCH – Adverse winter weather
(heavy snow, blizzard) is expected within the next two days,
but the exact timing, location or occurrence of the storm
is still uncertain. This is the time to get prepared
for the storm.
- WINTER STORM WARNING – Hazardous winter
weather is likely. If not already occurring, it is expected
to occur within 6 to 24 hours. Travel will be hazardous,
if not impossible. You should be ready for the storm by
this time. Stay indoors!
- BLIZZARD WARNING – The most dangerous of
all winter weather will occur in your area. A combination
of winds 35 mph or greater and significant snow and/or blowing
snow with visibilities less than ¼ mile for three or more
hours is expected in the warning area. Blinding snow (“white
out”), deep drifts and life threatening wind chill will
occur. Travel will be dangerous and should not be attempted.
You should seek refuge immediately!
- WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY- Winter weather
conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences
and may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, these
situations should not become life threatening. The
greatest hazard is often to motorists.
Things
to do at home or work BEFORE a winter storm strikes...
Primary
concerns are the potential loss of heat, power, telephone
service, and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue
for more than a day.
Have
available:
- Flashlight(s)
and extra batteries.
- Battery-powered
Weather Radio and portable radio. These are used to
receive emergency information. They may be your only
link to the outside.
- Extra
food and water. High-energy food, such as dried
fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration
is best.
- Extra
medicine and baby items.
- First-aid
supplies.
- Emergency
heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space
heater, etc. Make sure you know how to uses the heating
sources to prevent a fire and make sure you have proper
ventilation.
- Fire
extinguisher and smoke detector. Test units regularly
to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries
the same weekend as the time change occurs in the spring
(daylight-savings time) and fall (standard time).
On
the farm....
- Move
animals to sheltered areas. Shelter-belts, properly
laid out and oriented, are better protection for cattle
than confining shelters, such as sheds.
- Haul
extra feed to nearby feeding areas.
- Have
a water supply available. Most animal deaths
in winter storms are from dehydration.
- Heating
fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days
after a severe winter storm. Stay alert to changing weather
conditions throughout the winter to maintain an adequate
fuel supply in advance of severe weather moving into the
area.
WINTER
PRECIPITATION TERMS:
Snow
- Flurries
- Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation
or light dusting is all that is expected.
- Showers
- Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods
of time. Some accumulation is possible.
- Squalls
- Brief, intense show showers accompanied by strong, gusty
winds. Accumulation may be significant. Snow
squalls are best known in the Great Lakes region.
- Blowing
Snow - Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility and
causes significant drifting. Blowing snow may be
snow that is falling and/or loose snow on the ground picked
up by the wind.
- Blizzard
- Winds over 35 mph with snow and blowing snow reducing
visibility to near zero.
Sleet
Is
formed by raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching
the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface
and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate
like snow and cause a hazard to motorists.
Freezing
Rain
Is
rain that falls onto a surface that has a temperature below
freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such
as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice.
Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.
Wind
Chill
The
wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed
skin caused by combined effects of wind and cold. As
the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at
an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature.
Animals are also affected by wind chill.
WINTER
DRIVING
The
leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation
accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and
knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the
keys to safe winter driving.
Have
a mechanic check the following items on your car:
- Battery
- Antifreeze
- Wipers
and windshield washer fluid
- Ignition
system
- Thermostat
- Lights
- Flashing
hazard lights
- Exhaust
system
- Heater
- Brakes
- Defroster
- Oil
level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter
grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety)
- Install
good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate
tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most
winter conditions.
- Keep
a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow
removal.
- Maintain
at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
- Plan
long trips carefully. Listen to the radio or Call
511 from anywhere in Nebraska for Nebraska Traveler
information for the latest road conditions. Always travel
during daylight and, if possible, try not to travel alone.
- Let
someone know your timetable and primary and alternate
routes.
- Dress
to fit the season. Wear loose-fitting, light-weight,
warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air insulates.
Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent
chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water
repellent and hooded. Wear a hat. Half your
body heat loss can be from the head. Cover your mouth
to protect your lungs from extreme cold. Mittens,
snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. Try to
stay dry.
- Carry
food and water. Store a supply of high-energy "munchies"
and several bottles of water.
Carry
a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT in your vehicle that includes:
- Flashlights
with extra batteries
- First
aid kit with pocket knife
- Necessary
medications
- Several
blankets
- Sleeping
bags
- Extra
newspapers for insulation
- Plastic
bags (for sanitation)
- Matches
- Extra
set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap
- Rain
gear and extra clothes
- Small
shovel
- Small
sack of sand for generating traction under wheels
- Small
tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
- Booster
cables
- Set
of tire chains or traction mats
- Cards,
games, and puzzles
- Brightly
colored cloth for a flag
- Canned
fruit and nuts
- Non-electric
can opener
- Bottled
water
IF
TRAPPED IN CAR DURING A BLIZZARD:
- Stay
in the car. Do not leave the car to search for assistance
unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become
disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.
- Display
a trouble sign. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the
radio antenna and raise the car hood.
- Occasionally
run engine to keep warm. Turn on the car's engine for
about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car
is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the
car is running. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind
window slightly for ventilation.
- Watch
for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Do
minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap hands
and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in
one position for too long.
- If
more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
- For
warmth, huddle together. Use newspapers, maps,
and even the removable car mats for added insulation.
- Avoid
overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on
the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow
or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other
medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.
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