Winter Weather Awareness Week
December 7-11, 2009

Intro

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Safe Winter Driving Tips:

Vehicle driving in a blizzard in near zero visibility conditions.

• Have your car(s) winterized before the winter season to keep your car in good condition and decrease your chances of being stranded in cold weather.
• Carry a cell phone or two-way radio, and keep the battery charged…this will allow you to call for help if you do get stranded.
• Keep an ice scraper and snow brush in your car for ice and snow removal.
• Keep a “disaster supply kit” in your car…this could include warm clothes, winter gear, a flashlight, water, and extra food.
• Keep the gas tank full for emergencies and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Plan long trips with care…always check the National Weather Service or local media prior to travel to avoid being caught in dangerous weather.
• Pass along your travel itinerary to someone else…therefore, if you do get stranded, they will know where to alert authorities.
• Be aware of any wintry weather that can make travel difficult or hazardous, such as: snow, sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and dense fog.
• Listen to local radio or NOAA Weather Radio for updated or changing information on weather conditions.

If you do get stuck in your vehicle…

Several cars buried in 2 feet of snow at the National Weather Service Office in Reno, NV on January 7, 2005.

• Wait for help! Stay with your vehicle, unless help is clearly visible nearby. Disorientation and confusion come quickly in cold and snowy weather…it’s easy to get lost.
• Display a sign of trouble to let people know you need help.
• Occasionally run the engine to keep it warm, and leave your lights on when the engine is running so you can be seen!
• Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.
• If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping …sleepiness can be a sign of hypothermia, and if you are not awakened periodically to increase body temperature, you can freeze to death!
• Huddle together for warmth.
• Layer clothing to trap body heat in order to keep warm.
• Keep a window that is away from the blowing wind slightly open to let air in.

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