Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Hi. This is Chris and Dawn. We're meteorologists with the NWS in Reno.
This video briefing will provide a quick summary of safety tips to keep in mind ahead of the
upcoming winter storm.
Preparedness for winter storms ideally should begin even before the winter season starts.
You can continually evaluate your risk for winter storms by keeping an eye on the latest
weather forecasts -- at our website weather.gov/reno or by monitoring local media.
Have a plan in case of a major winter storm -- for example think about your family and
how they would get to/from work or school if a big storm hits. Have multiple sources
of alerts -- local media are a great resource -- you can also get weather information on
our NWS social media including Facebook and Twitter.
Share weather information and preparedness plans with your friends and family. Many people
don't act until they hear about a weather hazard from a friend or family member!
Lastly and this is common sense but worth saying -- the buck stops with you. The NWS,
local media, and emergency managers can provide guidance on what to expect and how to respond
to a winter storm -- but it's up to you to act.
Most hazards during winter storms happen to travelers - so make sure you car is ready
for winter. We'll cover some specific items you may want to carry in your car in a few
slides. It's always a good idea to make sure your tires have enough tread before a
storm -- or even make that part of your normal pre-winter maintenance checks.
Blizzards are the most serious threat in the winter -- it's the winter equivalent of
a tornado warning -- so if at all possible just stay indoors until the blizzard subsides.
Avalanche are a danger in the mountains -- so know ahead of time if you're in an avalanche
danger area and how to avoid being trapped in one.
One of the most hazardous driving situations in winter storms is where the visibility and
road conditions change rapidly in a short period of time -- even in simple snow showers
this can be a big problem. Slow down if you see conditions changing quickly!
Last but not least -- have an alternate travel plan in case of a storm. Roads may be closed
and flights may be delayed or cancelled.
Wind chill is probably the biggest hazard of cold temperatures in a winter storm.
Symptoms of frostbite include a loss of feeling in the extremity and a white or pale appearance.
Warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence,
slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. For both -- immediate medical attention is
needed. This is common sense -- dress for the occasion.
Below is a wind chill chart to see how quickly frostbite can happen to exposed skin.
Don't forget about your pets! Big or small. They are just as prone to wind chill as we
are.
Winter storms in this region are often accompanied by high winds. You can minimize damage potential
by ensuring that loose objects outdoors are secured. If it's trash day, which at least
for me it always is when the high winds hit, make sure your can is secured so it doesn't
blow down the street. Power outages can happen -- make sure to
have supplies for one. We'll cover some more supply ideas on the next slide. Do not
come near downed power lines -- you don't know if they're charged and you can still
get shocked by just coming near a line.
In particularly strong wind situations -- you should be situationally aware for potential
flying debris. Even something like a small branch or twig can hurt if it hits you.
We have a lot of wind prone areas in this region -- if you are driving a trailer or
high profile vehicle -- consider less windy alternate routes or delay travel if possible.
Be prepared before a storm hits and make sure you have the proper supplies both at home
and in your car. You can pause the video now to read over this
list of preparedness items. The list will also now be displayed in the closed captioning.
A car kit can include a cell phone with charger, tire chains, a blanket or sleeping bag, flashlight
with extra batteries, a first aid kit, non-perishable food and extra water, dry clothing, a small
can and waterproof matches to melt snow into drinking water, a sack of sand or cat litter
for traction, a shovel, battery booster cables, and a compass and road maps.
A home kit might include things such as a flashlight, portable radio, extra batteries,
food that doesn't require cooking or refrigeration, plenty of drinking water, first aid kit and
extra medical supplies, any baby and/or pet items that may be necessary, an emergency
heat source, and a fire extinguisher.
That's a quick summary of the most key safety tips for this upcoming winter storm.
Monitor our website and social media feeds for updates.
Internet searches for "winter weather safety" can yield more detailed safety information.
Take care and stay safe.