Warren County Emergency Management Agency
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      101 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 101
      Warrenton, MO 63383
      Office: (636) 456-3786
      Fax: (636) 456-1686
      Cell: (636) 359-2274
      EOC: (636) 377-2370
      (Emergency Operation Center)
      Email:
jsharp@warrencountymo.org

   Promoting a safer & less vulnerable community

     through effective partnerships of local government, local business and industry,
     emergency services, human service agencies and the citizens of Warren County.
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Cold

Winter Storms

Winter storms can bring freezing temperatures, large quantities of snow and ice, high winds and blizzard conditions. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, blizzard conditions with high winds and dangerous wind chills can all occur, leading to personal injury and possibly deaths. High winds combined with cold temperatures speeds the rate of heat loss to the body making serious health problems, such as frostbite or hypothermia more likely. Additional fatalities may occur from vehicle accidents, fires or carbon monoxide poisoning following the misuse of heaters. Dangerous driving conditions can lead to travelers being stranded on the road. Accumulations of snow and ice can result in road closures or blockages – isolating homes and farms for days.

The heavy weight burden may cause roofs to collapse or knock down trees and power lines resulting in power outages and subsequent loss of heat in homes. Animals are also at risk during severe winter weather and are subject to wind chill factors, hypothermia and frostbite. Deaths can also occur due to dehydration, when water sources freeze and become unavailable. Winter conditions may make getting food and water to animals more difficult.

As a result, hazards to you and your family’s health are possible. Preparing before the storm can help you protect your family.


Before a Winter Storm: Prepare Your Family

  • Stay informed.
  • Monitor for severe winter weather in your area at the NOAA National Weather Service. http://www.weather.gov/
  • Know the terminology.
  • Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter conditions, such a heavy snow and/or ice, are possible for your area in the next 12 to 36 hours. Prepare now!
  • Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions are expected in the next 12-24 hours; 4-6 inches of snow or sleet, or 1/4 inch or more of ice is expected. Seek shelter immediately!
  • Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds (gusts up to 35 mph or greater) will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility), deep drifts, and life threatening wind chill; expected to occur for three hours or longer.
  • Prepare an emergency kit.
  • Food, water and necessities for all members of the family to last 3 to 5 days; high energy food (e.g., dried fruit) or canned food that require no cooking or refrigeration is best
  • Any medications needed for family members
  • First aid kit, battery powered radio, flashlight with extra batteries
  • Sleeping bags or blankets
  • Extra clothing and boots, hats, mittens
  • extinguisher
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Family communication plan.
  • Inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school.
  • Have a plan of how you will contact each other if you are in separate locations
    or establish a location to meet.
  • Have an out-of-state relative or friend serve as the family contact person.
  • Learn the location of the emergency shelters for your area.


Before a Winter Storm: Prepare Your Vehicle

  • Prepare your car for winter.
  • Have your car systems serviced; check the battery, antifreeze, wipers, etc.
  • Replace wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
  • Replace worn tires; check the air pressure in the tires.
  • Keep the gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank or fuel lines.

Prepare a survival kit for your car that includes:

  • Blankets/sleeping bags
  • Extra winter clothes (mittens, hats, scarves), boots
  • High calorie, non-perishable food (e.g., unsalted nuts, dried fruit); hard candy can help keep your mouth moist
  • A can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
  • Flashlight, extra batteries, battery powered radio, first aid kit
  • Shovel, windshield scraper
  • Road salt, sand or cat litter
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Jumper cables, tow rope, tool kit
  • Compass and road maps

During a Winter Storm

  • Stay informed.
    • Listen to local news and weather channels for situation developments and road closures.
  • Stay inside.
    • Avoid traveling during the storm period.
    • This can help you avoid injuries from cold temperatures, slips on the ice or car accidents.
  • Gather your emergency supplies.
    • Be prepared for power outages or conditions requiring you to remain at home for several days.
  • Stay safe while indoors.
    • Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside.
    • Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns.
    • Avoid using candles; if they are used never leave them unattended while lit.
    • If you lose power or heat to your home and do not have back-up heat options, go to a designated public shelter.
  • Stay nourished.
    • Eat to provide your body with energy to produce its own heat.
    • Keep your body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.

 

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