UNION CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

WWINTER STORMS

Weather Clue

 Too Cold To ? Never! Temperatures tend to warm in advance of developing storms, but snow can occur at any temperature that is near or below freezing. In the United States, Winter storms bring snow, cold may affect your area. This could heavy tend to be more temperatures, and often dangerous mean freezing rain, sleet, or heavy frequent with temperatures driving conditions. The amount of snow. If a WATCH is between 20º and 30º F. snow that becomes threatening issued for your county or parish, get depends on where you live. Large set.  Wind Chil-ly! amounts of snow are a regular • Keep posted on developing Wind, coupled with cold temperatures, not only makes you occurrence in the northern states, weather conditions. feel colder, your body actually while a small amount can cause • Avoid unnecessary travel before reacts as if the temperature were problems in southern states. or during the storm. lower! Exposed flesh will freeze in • Be extremely careful if you use Tips To Get Ready: one minute if the winds are blowing a portable heater. 15 mph and the temperature is -10º • Have your car winterized before F, giving a -45º wind chill! winter storm season. During a WARNING • Be sure you have a family safety A winter means  Will It Snow? It’s likely… When winds are easterly to kit. that severe winter weather (freezing northeasterly, temperatures are • Have extra blankets and extra rain, sleet, or heavy snow) is about near or below freezing, a low is medication on hand. to occur. If a winter storm forecast to move immediately to • Check your portable radio and WARNING is issued for your area, the south or east, the pressure is television set to make sure they go to safety. falling, and a thickening cloud • layer is advancing from the south or are in good working order. They Stay indoors during the storm. west. may be the only way to have • If you must go outside, wear outside contact if a storm rolls several layers of clothes.  Think Warm! in. Several layers of clothes will Scientists often use the Kelvin keep you warmer than a single temperature scale in their research. During a WATCH heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) Maybe it will work for you! On a A means that and a hat will help you from day when it’s freezing outside, severe winter weather conditions don’t think of it as 32º F… try losing your body heat. thinking it’s really 273º Kelvin! UNION CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

• Be careful walking on snowy, icy sidewalks. • If you go outside to shovel snow remember to be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so don’t over-exert yourself. Avoid Traveling In A Storm, But If You Must – • Keep your gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. • Let someone know when you expect to arrive. If your car does get stuck along the way, they can send out help along your predetermined route. • Have emergency supplies in the trunk, including blankets. A heavy snow WARNING means at If You Do Get Stuck – least 4 inches in 12 hours or 6 inches in 24 hours is expected. (In areas • Stay with your car. DO NOT try where snow is less common, a to walk to safety. WARNING may be issued even if • Tie a brightly colored cloth to the predicted snowfall is not great.) antenna and raise it high for rescuers to see. • Leave the overhead light on so that A WARNING means a lot you can be seen. of falling and/or blowing snow and • As you sit, keep moving your arms winds of at least 35 miles per hour and legs to keep blood circulating are expected for several hours. and stay warm. • Keep one window slightly open to Weather ue let in air. An WARNING means Cl • Use your heater only sparingly. significant, possibly damaging, ice Have the window away from the accumulation is expected. Freezing blowing wind open. Keep the rain (or drizzle) means precipitation exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t is expected to freeze when it hits is the internationally back up into the car. exposed surfaces. recognized symbol for snow.