City of Weed

Winter Weather Preparedness

For 2011-12

 

Planning for winter storms is a responsible action you can take for you and your family’s safety. This information is provided to assist you before, during and after winter storms in this area.  The material presented here is a guide to help you in beginning to prepare for the needs of you and your family.  Individual requirements will vary.  You should be aware of the dangers of winter storms and be prepared to cope with one. 

 

The California Office of Emergency Services and the American Red Cross has developed various publications for emergency preparedness.  A portion of this guide is based on these publications.

 

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues watches and warnings for hazardous winter weather. The terms used are defined to follow:

  • Winter storm watch - Severe winter weather may affect your area.
  • Winter storm warning - Severe winter weather conditions are expected.
  • Ice storm warning - Significant, possibly damaging, ice accumulation is expected.
  • Heavy snow warning - A snowfall of at least four inches in 12 hours or six inches in 24 hours is expected
  • Blizzard warning - Large amounts of falling or blowing snow and winds of at least 35 mph are expected for several hours.
  • Severe blizzard warning - Considerable falling or blowing snow, winds at least 45 mph, and temperatures of 10 F or lower are expected for several hours.
  • High wind warning - Winds of at least 40 mph are expected to last at least one hour.
  • Traveler’s advisory - Ice and snow are expected to hinder travel but the anticipated weather conditions are not serious enough to require warnings.

 

NWS Forecast Office in Medford, OR may be found at the web site http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/.  This site provides current weather information generated by the NWS or received from other official sources.  Historical weather data base may also be found at this site.

 

The NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts continuous weather information including warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information.   The broadcast from Mt. Ashland may be found at 162.475 MHz.

 

If you own a weather radio with the SAME (Specific Area Message Encoder) the program to enter for Siskiyou county is 006093.

 

Preparation

  • Store at least three day supplies at work, home and car in handy locations:
    • First aid kit and essential medicines.
    • Food (packaged, dried, canned, or food for special diets.)
    • Non-electric can opener.
    • Keep some cash on hand.  ATM machines may not be working.
    • Portable radio, flashlights and extra batteries.
    • Drinking water in closed, clean containers (allow one gallon of water per person per day.)
  • Car survival kit suggestions:
    • Extra blankets
    • Water
    • Candy bars, granola bars, dried fruit or nuts
    • Flashlight with fully charged batteries
    • Brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag
    • Shovel
  • Make sure your home is properly insulated.
  • A warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots for each member of the family.
  • Extra blankets and extra warm clothing.
  • Store sufficient heating fuel.
  • Have your car(s) winterized before the winter weather.
  • Keep your car fueled.  If electric power is cut off, filling stations may not be able to operate.
  • Keep stock of food, water and medicine for pets.

 

During a storm

  • Avoid unnecessary trips. 
  • Use the telephone only for emergency needs or to report dangerous conditions.
  • Tune to local radio or television stations for emergency information and instructions from local authorities.
  • If you must go outside protect yourself:
    • Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat.
    • Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.
    • Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
    • Keep dry.
    • Avoid overexertion.
    • Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.

 

After a storm

  • Avoid disaster areas.  Your presence could hamper rescue and other emergency operations, and you may be in danger.
  • Avoid downed power lines.  Report them immediately to the electric company, police or fire department.
  • Stay tuned to radio or television for information and instructions from local authorities.
  • Check and replenish emergency provisions.