Preparing for a Winter Storm

Heavy snow, extreme cold, ice, and wind routinely affect Leelanau County during winter and pose dangers to life and property.  However, Leelanau County residents must remember that it does not necessarily take record-breaking low temperatures or mountains of snow to make winter in Michigan dangerous.  The abrupt changes in winter weather are enough to turn enjoyment of the seasons into tragedy.  Helpful tips are listed below.

At Home:

ÿ       Keep a battery-powered flashlight, radio, extra food and bottled water handy.  Make sure there are extra blankets and heavy clothes available. 

ÿ       Be aware of potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards if you plan to use an alternative heating source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater.

ÿ       Assure pets have food, water and adequate shelter.

In a Vehicle:

Winterizing your car could save your life in a snowstorm.  Fall is the perfect time to begin winterizing and assembling a winter car kit.  Winterizing the family car is simple.  Before the thermometer drops, car owners need to check the antifreeze, oil and fluid levels, the heating system, and get snow tires or assure that all-weather tires have plenty of tread.

One of the most important things you can do is to keep your car’s gas tank full.  Listen to upcoming weather reports and fill the gas tank before the bad weather hits. 

Assemble a Winter Car Kit:

A winter car kit can literally save your life during a snowstorm.  Wise drivers store emergency supplies in their car trunks.

Items in your winter car kit should include: 

ÿ       A battery-powered radio with spare batteries (in case your car radio fails)

ÿ       A flashlight with extra batteries

ÿ       A first aid kit with a manual

ÿ       An extra blanket or two

ÿ       Extra clothing

ÿ       Booster cables are important for any time of the year, but especially in winter to restart a dead battery.

ÿ       A shovel, a box of sand or old house shingles are a must.  The sand and/or shingles will give tires needed traction to get out of a snow pile and back on the road. 

ÿ       Anyone who travels with children knows the importance of having snacks and drinking water on long trips.  If you store snacks in the car trunk now, they will be handy if you get caught in a storm.  Drinking water may freeze in the trunk, but could be stored on the floor of the backseat of your car before your trip. 

Outside:

ÿ       Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow.

ÿ       Wear loose fitting, lightweight warm clothing in layers.  Wear a wool hat and mittens. 

ÿ       Sweating could lead to chill and hypothermia.

ÿ       Keep clothes dry.  Change wet socks and clothing quickly to prevent loss of body heat. 

Before traveling in your car:

ÿ       Listen to the weather reports.

ÿ       If you think bad weather is heading your way, fill up the car’s gas tank

ÿ       Drive only if it is necessary during a storm. 

ÿ       Tell someone your anticipated arrival time and route of travel.  If you don’t arrive at your destination in a reasonable time, your contact can alert authorities to initiate a search.

ÿ       If you have a cellular phone, make sure it is fully charged prior to traveling.

Stranded in a vehicle:

        If you are caught in a snow or ice storm, the following tips may help you protect yourself:

ÿ       Stay in your car.  Don’t leave the car unless you can see a building close by where you can take shelter.  Be careful because distances can be distorted in the snow. 

ÿ       A building may seem close but actually be too far to walk in deep snow.

ÿ        Display a sign that you are in trouble. 

ÿ       Turn on your flashers or tie a bright cloth to your antenna.

ÿ       Open a window slightly to prevent freezing rain and snow from sealing you in your car.  Make sure the open window faces away from the wind. 

ÿ       If more than one person is in the car, make sure someone is awake at all times.  If you are alone, stay awake for as long as possible. 

Keeping warm is key!

ÿ       Turn the engine on for about 10 minutes each hour and run the heater.  However, before you turn on the engine, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow.

ÿ       Use items in your car to keep you warm.  Stuff road maps and newspapers in your clothes.

ÿ       Use floor mats and removable seat covers for insulation. 

ÿ       If there are several passengers, huddle together for warmth and use coats as blankets. 

ÿ       Exercise by clapping your hands, moving your arms, legs and toes.  Don’t drink alcohol (Alcohol makes the body lose heat)

If stranded outside:

ÿ       Try to stay dry and cover all exposed parts of the body. 

ÿ       Prepare a windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind.  Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. 

ÿ       Do not eat snow.  It will lower your body temperature.  Melt it first. 

Symptoms of Frostbite:

ÿ       Mild frostbite (frostnip) affects the outer skin and appears as a blanching or whitening of the skin.  Usually, these symptoms disappear as warming occurs, but the skin may appear red for several hours. 

ÿ       In severe cases, the frostbitten skin will appear waxy looking with a white, grayish-yellow or grayish-blue color.  The affected part(s) will have no feeling (numbness) and blisters may be present.  The tissue will feel frozen or (wooden).  This indicates a very serious condition. Other symptoms that indicate frostbite are swelling, itching, burning and deep pain as the area is warmed.