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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. |
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