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IDHS > About IDHS > Get Prepared > Winter Weather Precautions > Winter Storms Winter Storms

winter_storms 3551Visit the links below for information that will help you "weather" wintertime in Indiana.


 

Before a Winter Storm

Assemble an emergency supply kit with:

  • Non-perishable food and water for three days, including a gallon of water per person, per day.
  • Battery operated all hazards radio
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries for radio and flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra clothing, sturdy shoes, blankets, and personal hygiene items
  • List of emergency phone numbers
  • Important documents (copies of photo ID, social security card, insurance and banking information)
  • Cash, especially small bills. Power outages can limit use of ATMs and credit cards.
  • Special items (baby formula, insulin, life sustaining medication)

    • Create a family emergency plan that includes how to contact one another if you are not together when disaster strikes, and how and where to reassemble.

    Prepare your home by:

  • Insulating with weather stripping around doors and windowsills.
  • Insulating pipes with plastic or newspapers and allow water from faucets to drip a little to avoid freezing.
  • Learning how to shut off water valves if a pipe bursts.
  • Removing dead tree branches from around your home. Ice and snow can cause limbs to snap and could do damage to your property.

    • During a Winter Storm

    • Don't attempt to go out and get something.
    • Make sure heat source is safe. Many fires start via unsafe heating.
    • Keep items three fee away from heaters.
    • Use floor mats for extra insulation.
    • Move around to keep your blood circulating.
    • If you are with someone, share body heat.
    • If you are stranded in your car, do NOT attempt to get out and go find help unless its within 100 yards.
    • Run the car 10 minutes each hour to keep warm, but make sure the tailpipe is not blocked or you may suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning.

    Winter Storm Terms

    • Winter Storm Advisory: Cold, ice and heavy snow are expected.
    • Winter Storm Watch: Heavy snow and ice are very possible over the next couple of days, so finalize preparations and listen to a weather radio or forecasts.
    • Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter weather is in the area. Heavy snow and/or ice will begin soon.
    • Blizzard: Strong winds over 35 mph along with snow that reduces visibility.
    • Sleet: Rain that falls and turns into ice before it hits the ground.
    • Freezing Rain: Rain that falls and turns to ice once it hits a surface.

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