During a Winter Storm

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, KIRO 710 AM, or watch television news for weather reports and emergency information.

Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
Wear mittens instead of gloves.
Wear a hat—most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
Avoid overexertion.
Conserve fuel by keeping your house cooler than normal. Close off rooms that don't need to be heated.
Refuel kerosene heaters and lanterns outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion. If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly. Warm the person's trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last since stimulation of the arms and legs can drive blood to the heart and lead to heart failure. Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it or alcohol. Caffeine can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects cold has on the body. Alcohol can slow the heart and also hasten ill effects of cold body temperature.

 

If caught in your car during a blizzard or winter storm remain in your vehicle and wait to be found.

 

Click here for the NOAA/NWS Winter Storm Website and PDF document that gives more information about preparing for and surviving winter storms.

 

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Current Emergency Information