Winter Storms: The Deceptive Killers by Dept of Commerce NOAA NWS Download $1.00

Winter Storms: The Deceptive Killers 12 pg

This preparedness guide explains the dangers of winter weather and suggests life-saving action YOU

can take. With this information, YOU can recognize winter weather threats, develop an action plan and

be ready when severe winter weather threatens. Remember…your safety is up to YOU.

Why Talk About Winter Weather?

• Each year, dozens of Americans die due to exposure to cold. Add to that number, vehicle accidents

and fatalities, fi res due to dangerous use of heaters and other winter weather fatalities and you have

a significant threat.

• Threats, such as hypothermia and frostbite, can lead to loss of fi ngers and toes or cause permanent

kidney, pancreas and liver injury and even death. You must prepare properly to avoid these extreme

dangers. You also need to know what to do if you see symtoms of these threats.

• A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or

sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.

• People can become trapped at home or in a car, without utilities or other assistance.

• Attempting to walk for help in a winter storm can be a deadly decision.

• The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or region for days, weeks

or even months.

• Extremely cold temperatures, heavy snow and coastal fl ooding can cause hazardous conditions

and hidden problems.

For More Information

Contact your local National Weather Service (NWS) offi ce,

American Red Cross chapter or local emergency management

agency for more weather-related brochures.

You can fi nd more information on fl ash fl ooding in the Floods…

The Awesome Power brochure. Contact your local Red Cross

chapter or NWS offi ce for copies. You can download a copy at

this NWS Web site http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/water/ahps/

pdfs/Floodsbrochure_02_06.pdf. To fi nd additional materials on

winter safety, try the following Web sites:

NWS: www.nws.noaa.gov

FEMA: www.fema.gov

Red Cross: www.redcross.org