When Caught in a Winter Storm

OUTSIDE:
  • Find shelter to stay dry.
  • Cover all exposed parts of the body.
  • If no shelter is nearby, prepare a wind break or snow cave for protection.
  • Build a fire for heat.
  • Do not eat snow as it will lower your body temperature.
     IN A VEHICLE:
  • Stay in your vehicle!!!
  • Run the motor for ten minutes every hour, but open the windows slightly to allow for proper ventilation.  Make sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow.
  • Make yourself visible to rescuers by turning on the dome light at night when running the engine.  Also tie a red or other bright colored cloth to the antenna or door.
  • Exercise from time to time to keep the blood circulating and to keep warm.
AT HOME:
  • Stay inside.  Make sure you provide proper ventilation when using alternate heat sources.
  • If you have no heat, close off unneeded rooms and place towels under the doors.
  • Eat to supply heat...and drink to avoid dehydration.
  • Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing.
  • NOAA's National Weather Service
  • Sioux Falls, SD Weather Forecast Office
  • 26 Weather Lane
  • Sioux Falls, SD 57104-0198
  • 605-330-4247
  • Page Author: FSD Webmaster
  • Web Master's E-mail: w-fsd.webmaster@noaa.gov
  • Page last modified: 27-Oct-2005 10:26 PM UTC
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