Most of us focus on the once-in-a-lifetime threats, and end of the world scenarios like a chemical or nuclear attack. Staying ready for more common disasters - like severe storms - is no less important. 

According to the National Safety Council, injuries and deaths attributed to severe weather are up over the past 5 years. So what is a winter weather advisory, and how can you keep yourself and your family safe? 

Source: National Safety Council 

What is a Winter Storm Watch, and How Serious Is It?

A winter storm watch is issued by the National Weather Service, and means that the conditions exist that could create a winter storm, posing threats to life and property. 

Preparing ahead for winter storms is crucial. Severe cold, travel impairment, loss of power, heavy snow and ice accumulation, avalanches, fallen trees and branches, slower emergency services response, and loss of communications can all pose serious survival risks.

We'll cover what you an do about it in advance to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe. 

Why Preparedness Matters

Preparation and access to survival resources can make the difference between life or death, especially for vulnerable populations like the ill, elderly, and children.

Many people underestimate how quickly hypothermia and frostbite can occur.

CASE STUDY: in Spokane, WA, over 75% of deaths related to cold exposure are males, and half of them are under 50 years old. About 70% occur in cars. 

These numbers show that even healthy young men can quickly fall prey to extreme cold. 

Advanced gear that you may already have stocked for CBRN threats or wildfire warnings can form a key part of your storm safety kit as well.

Source:  Rémi Jacquaint on Unsplash

Surviving hazardous conditions is more likely for people with breathing conditions (like asthma or COPD) if you have an air-filtering full face respiration.

RECOMMENDED: MIRA Safety CM-6M Gas Mask 

We recommend this mask because it's a versatile, durable, all purpose mask that fits any of our standard-threat filters. If you think you might need to venture out in extreme conditions, there's no better piece of equipment to have ready to go. 

Of course, emergency kits are an essential part of your kit during the winter season (and year-round). 

You basic home survival kit during a winter storm warning should include: 

• Warm clothing and blankets

• Insulated outerwear

• Waterproof footwear

• Nonperishable food/MREs

• 1 gallon of water per person, per day

• Manual can opener

• Battery powered or hand-crank flashlights

• Extra batteries

• Candles and matches/lighters

• Backup heaters 

• First aid kit

• Emergency radio

• Extra RX and OTC medication

• Shovel

• Ice scraper

• Tape 

• Weather stripping 

• Flares 

• Whistle 

• Backups of important documents and cash (in case you need to evacuate) 

Consider including a MIRA Safety Ultimate EvacPak Kit. It includes our best-selling respirator, multi-threat filters, and a convenient drop-leg pouch for quick escape and access. 

READ NOW: The Ultimate Home Survival Kit 

Understanding the Current Snow Storm Watch

The current winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service is expected to affect the central plains, Midwest, and mid-Atlantic.

This includes several counties in New York and even as far south and Georgia. The weather forecast has made people understandably eager to learn more about winter storm safety. 

Winter Storm Watch Vs. a Warning 

When the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch, that means that the conditions exist that could produce a severe winter storm, usually within 24 hours. These warnings give people time to prepare. 

PRO TIP: There's usually a local panic with a snow warning, resulting in snow shovels, ice melt, and basic grocery staples quickly disappearing from local stores. We recommend having your emergency supplies on hand at all times so that you don't have to brave the elements for key supplies with the snow projections get severe. 

When a winter storm warning has been issued, it means that heavy snow conditions are expected or are already occurring. This usually entails an accumulation of snow in excess of 6 inches, along with wind-driven snow. 

There can also be blizzard warnings, if the snow forecast map shows the probably of blizzard conditions for 3 hours or more. 

Ares Affected and Expected Snowfall

To track the storm, we recommend watching a winter storm outlook map like this one maintained by the National Weather Service. 

The current precipitation maps are following predictable patterns: heading southeast from the Pacific Northwest, January weather is expected to cause significant inconveniences even into the mid-Atlantic states. 

Source: National Weather Service 

III. Main Dangers Associated with Winter Storms

You know why earthquakes, wildfires, and hurricanes are so dangerous; but what's so hazardous about snow squalls?

We'll cover the main threats of a snow storm and how to stay prepared. 

Threat 1: Risks of Heavy Snow and Blowing Snow 

Heavy snow showers can quickly block roadways. Hazardous travel conditions mean that you might not even be able to make it home and might be stranded in your car.

READ NOW: Beyond the Roadside: A Detailed Car Emergency Kit Checklist

Even worse, sustained winds or frequent gusts can blow the snow around, reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile or even a few feet, in extreme blizzard conditions. Imagine not even being able to see your own house from the edge of your yard. 

BUY NOW: MIRA Safety  Safety Visor Outsert Protectors can maintain clear vision in restricted environments, including falling or blowing snow. They integrate seamlessly with your C-21 Gas Mask for hazardous scenarios, with an all-weather protective coating. 

Source: MIRA Safety

• Threat 2: Understanding Wind Chill and Its Effects
  
  

Wind and cold may seem merely unpleasant, but they can in fact be fatal. 

The combination of heavy snow and wind can significantly lower temperatures, and wind chill temperature can make it feel much colder. Prolonged exposure to cold conditions increases the risk of hypothermia -when the body temperature drops dangerously low. Extremely situations even lead to frostbite, which is the freezing of skin and tissues. 

If you absolutely must be outside during heavy snow or ice fall, or extremely low temperatures, it's crucial to watch for signs of frostbite:

• Discolored skin (blue, gray, or white)

• Painful skin

• Blisters

• Waxy skin

• Pins-and-needles sensation

• Pain

PRO TIP: Avoid exposed skin in extreme cold. Wear a full-face mask and sturdy gloves. Extremities are especially prone to frostbite, so wear waterproof, durable boots in a snow or ice storm. 

Hypothermia is an extreme condition that requires immediate medical attention. With extreme cold, a person loses the ability to maintain body heat and can die. 

Symptoms include: 

• Sleepiness

• Slowed breathing and heart rate

• Confusion

• Cold skin

• Uncontrollable shivering 

• Weakness, uncoordinated movements 

First aid can sometimes save the life of someone with hypothermia - they should be kept warm and gotten into dry clothing as soon as possible. 

Compounding the risk, some people trapped in their car during winter weather conditions can also be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, further increasing their risk. 

Source: Albert on Unsplash

• Threat 3: Hazards of Freezing Rain and Ice Accumulation
  
  

While increased snowfall is possible within the next few weeks, freezing rain and ice accumulation can actually be even more dangerous than deep snow drifts. 

 Ice on the road makes it difficult for vehicles to maintain control. Even vehicles equipped with snow tires or chains may struggle to gain traction, increasing the risk of accidents, rollovers, and collisions. Black ice is invisible on roadways, especially for inexperienced drivers. 

Ice accumulation presents major threats to the power grid and buildings. As ice accumulates on power lines, they can become weighed down and snap, causing widespread power outages. Downed lines also present a serious electrocution hazard if not properly identified and avoided.

Finally, ice accumulation can cause tree limbs - or sometimes entire trees - to fall, creating severe hazards if they fall on homes, cars, or people. 

How to Prepare Your Home for the Upcoming Snow Storm

Snow and blizzard safety is very achievable with even a small amount of advanced preparation. 

• Tip 1: Stock Up on Essential Supplies
  
  

When the winter season begins, you should be well stocked with essential survival supplies, no matter where you live. 

The American Red Cross recommends a minimum of three days of supplies (though we think a few weeks is advisable.

Think through what you might need to stay safe if you lose power for several days. Nonperishable food that you can prepare without electricity is essential, as is a supply of clean water. Batteries and flashlights are necessary - keep in mind that winter is dark.

Actual temperature may feel quite lower because of the wind chill, so look into safe sources of additional heat. 

Tip 2: Winterize Your Home to Prevent Damage 

Snow storms typically come with wind increases. You can keep your home warmer by adding some simple DIY insulation:

• Weatherproofing kits - these can be purchased at home improvement stores

• Pipes - keep your faucets on a drip to help prevent water freezing inside the pipes, which can cause a burst pipe later on

• Towels and blankets - in a pinch, hanging extra towels and blankets over windows can provide insulation 

• Draft blockers - make these yourself, purchase them, or place rolled towel by the bottoms of doors to block drafts 

During warmer months, consider having an energy audit of your home done to identify key places for additional insulation. 

Tip 3: Prepare for Potential Power Outages

Power outages are major inconveniences and may be hazardous to people who have specific health needs. The temperature of a home can drop rapidly, especially if you are opening doors to go outside.

Consider a backup generator or gas and propane heaters as a backup. 

Wood-burning fireplaces are of course a great way to provide supplemental heat during a power outage. 

Be sure that you are operating these according to manufacturer's instructions and that you have battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Carbon monoxide poisonings in a common hazard of snow storms

Source:  Hayden Scott on Unsplash

Staying Safe During the Winter Storm

Preparation is key, but you also need to stay safe during the winter storm.

Creating an Emergency Plan for Your Family

Your family should have a written safety plan that is communicated to all family members. This way, each member knows what he or she is responsible for in a dangerous situation. Practice your plan at least once a year.

Have an evacuation plan in place in case your home is damaged by the storm. Ask friends and relatives if you can serve as each other's evacuation destination, and keep a list of emergency shelters handy with the addresses. 

Consider stocking child personal protective equipment, like the CM-3M CBRN Child Escape Respirator to be prepared for a multitude of threats, from wildfires to carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Safe Practices for Shoveling Snow

After the snow and ice is done falling, you'll need to clear your driveway and sidewalk.

Combat the cold with insulation - wear layers made of breathable fabric instead of just one large bulky coat. You can remove thin layers if you get too warm to avoid overexertion.

Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and go inside if you experience numbing, pins and needles, or shivering. 

Use ergonomic tools to prevent overexertion. Straining your back can cause acute injuries. Furthermore, overexertion coupled with extreme cold can even bring on a heart attack. If you can, take many breaks while shoveling heavy snow and ice or when working in extreme cold. 

Transportation and Travel Safety During a Winter Storm

Ideally, you can shelter in place during a winter storm. If you must go outside during the severe weather, follow these safety tips. 

Road Conditions and Driving Safety Tips

Your vehicle should be equipped with an emergency car kit at all times, including insulated blankets, first aid kits, and a whistle or flares for signaling help. 

Pro Tip: Include MIRA Safety Emergency Blankets in your car kit in case you get stranded. Heat is carried away from your body much more quickly during severe cold, and you might have to wait for help to arrive. Wrap up in a blanket and try to stay dry to reduce your risk for frostbite or hypothermia if stranded in your car. 

Your car should be properly maintained, with snow tires, functional windshield wipers and plenty of brake fluid. 

The number one driving tip during a snow storm: slow down. You should be driving under the recommended speed limit in icy or snow conditions. Getting to your destination faster is not worth risking your life or other drivers'. 

Public Transportation and Airport Updates

Winter weather can cause significant inconveniences and may delay flights. If you're stranded at the airport, there's not much you can do about it other than wait for the airways to clear. 

If you rely on public transportation to get around, your situation may be trickier. Unlike airports, rail and bus stations are not equipped with the amenities to handle severe winter conditions.

Keep an eye on public alerts - there are often shelter locations available in public venues like government buildings or churches during extreme temperatures. 

Emergency Assistance During a Snow Storm

The Midwest and Northern Plains are notorious for sudden snow storms, Not to mention the Nor'easters of the Northeast, where winds can gust 40 miles per hour or greater.

Even with all your preparation, you may be in a situation where you need emergency assistance, so it's beneficial to recognize the signs. 

Source: Andre Furtado on Unsplash

Identifying Winter Storm-Related Emergencies

What's an emergency, and what's merely inconvenient? 

In general, call 911 for any of the following: 

• Stalled vehicles

• Crashes

• Medical emergencies (especially signs of hypothermia) 

• Getting lost in the snow 

• Downed power lines (never touch these) 

• Having no where to go in extreme cold 

These are all situations that call for emergency services. 

Contacting Authorities and Using Emergency Shelters

While 911 is a practical choice, there are other local resources and hotlines you should know:

• The National Weather Service at Weather.gov for the latest forecast (DON'T rely on your social media feed - it's probably inaccurate) 

• NOAA Weather Radio - sign up for alerts

• Wireless Emergency Alerts - these are notifications of emergencies like blizzards and tornadoes 

• State and local Department of Transportation (DOT) - for alerts on driving conditions 

• Dial 511 for travel updates on any phone

• FEMA - provides lists of emergency shelters near you 

• American Red Cross- can also provide shelter locations

• Salvation Army - offers winter shelters in some areas

• Municipal government- some areas offer local emergency services and shelters

Knowing where to receive accurate information can keep you from being blindsided by an emergency. If you can't shelter safely in your home, finding a winter weather shelter in advance can save your life. 

Conclusion: Be Proactive and Stay Safe During the Snow Storm

If you're in an area affected by a winter weather watch or warning, don't wait to take preparedness steps. Carefully watching the snowfall forecast and preparing your home and vehicle with winter survival gear can make all the difference.

Take a look at MIRA Safety's range of Winter Survival Gear to enhance your preparedness and stock your survival kit with military-grade, top of the line survival equipment. You won't regret it. 

Sources 

“What Is the Difference Between a Winter Storm Watch, Warning, and Advisory?” National Weather Service 

“WINTER WEATHER AND STORM SAFETY,” National Weather Service 

“Hypothermia,” Penn Medicine