Listen to your radio, television or NOAA
Weather Radio for weather reports and
emergency information.
Eat regularly and
drink ample fluids to
avoid dehydration, but avoid caffeine
and alcohol.
Avoid overexertion when shoveling
snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart
attack - a major cause of death in winter.
If you must shovel snow, stretch before
going
outside and rest often.
Watch for
signs of frostbite. These include loss
of feeling and a white
or pale appearance
in extremities such as fingers,
toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose.
If symptoms
are detected, get medical aid immediately.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include
uncontrollable shivering,
memory loss,
disorientation, incoherence,
slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent
exhaustion. If
symptoms of hypothermia are detected,
get the victim to a warm location,
remove wet
clothing, warm the center of
the body first, and give warm, non-alcoholic
beverages
if the victim is conscious. Get
medial
aid as soon as possible.
Conserve
fuel, if necessary, by keeping your home
cooler than
normal.
Temporarily
close off heat to some rooms.
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene
heaters to avoid build-up
of toxic
fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters
outside and keep
them at least three feet
from flammable objects.
Drive only if it
is absolutely necessary. If you must drive,
consider the following:
