Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department and the National Weather Service have declared November 7, 2013 as Winter Weather Awareness Day in Iowa. Winter weather is a seasonal hazard in Iowa which can lead to life-threatening conditions. Understanding winter weather hazards and how to prepare for them can save lives.

Each year, exposure to cold, vehicle accidents caused by wintry roads, and fires caused by the improper use of heaters injure and kill hundreds of  people in America. Add these to other winter weather hazards and you have a significant threat to human health and safety.

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community.

A major winter storm can last for several days and can include high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, and dangerously cold temperatures. People can become marooned at home without utilities or other services. Heavy snowfall and blizzards can trap motorists in their vehicles and make walking to find help a deadly effort. Storm effects, such as severely cold temperatures and heavy snow, can cause hazardous conditions and  hidden problems. The aftermath of a  winter storm can impact a community or region for days, weeks, or even months, including steep economic costs.

Some safety tips during winter storms include:

• Stay inside your house. Plummeting temperatures and high winds that often accompany winter storms allow frostbite and hypothermia to set in quickly if you are outside.
• Monitor local media outlets for the latest information on the storm
• If you lose power and have a generator, be sure to carefully follow all directions provided with the generator. Carbon monoxide poisoning and fires from improper generator usage can be deadly!  Never use a portable generator indoors.
• If you must go out, be sure to wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• If you must drive, be sure to travel in the day, do not travel alone and be sure to tell somebody where you are headed and your intended route.
• Stay on the main roads and avoid back roads and shortcuts.
• Make sure you have an emergency kit in your car.

What Do The Winter Products Mean?

Hazardous Weather Outlook: If any hazardous winter weather is expected, check back for later forecasts, information, and possible watches. Click here for your local offices Hazardous Weather Outlook: Des Moines, Quad Cities/Davenport, La Crosse, Omaha/Valley, Sioux Falls

Winter Weather Advisory: Issued when snow between 3 and 5 inches are anticipated within the next 12 hours, sleet less than 1/2 inch within the next 24 hours, or blowing snow causing visibility to be reduced to 1/4 of a mile due to blowing snow with winds less than 35 mph. Drive with caution, especially on unplowed roads, as they may be slick. If blowing snow is occurring, drive at a safe speed and leave plenty of space between you and others.

Winter Storm Warning: Issued when at least 6 inches or more of snow  is anticipated within 12 hours, or at least 8 inches in 24 hours, sleet of a half inch or more, or a combination of 1 and/or 2, along with freezing rain and/or winds of at least 25 mph. You will need to seriously consider postponing any non-essential driving. If you must drive, carry a winter survival kit in your car and be prepared for delays. If an exceptionally high amount of snow is forecast, be prepared to remain home for a couple of days.

Blizzard Warning: A combination of sustained winds or frequent wind gusts of at least 35 mph and visibilities of less than 1/4 of a mile due to snow and/or blowing snow for at least three straight hours. Refrain from driving except in emergency situations, especially in open country. Always carry a winter survival kit in your car if you must drive. High winds and white-out conditions will make driving extremely dangerous. Be prepared to remain home, especially in rural areas. Snow drifts may be higher than 10 feet, so make sure you have the appropriate snow removing equipment.

Freezing Rain Advisory: A freezing rain/drizzle event in which ice accumulations are expected to be less than 1/4 of an inch thick. Drive at a safe speed. Allow more space between you and the car ahead of your and be cautious when coming to a stop and making turns. Be careful of slipping and falling when walking on untreated sidewalks and roads.

Ice Storm Warning: A freezing rain event in which ice accumulations are expected to be 1/4 of an inch or more thick. Refrain from driving except in emergency situations. Roads will likely be treacherous and maintaining control of your car will be very difficult. Be prepared for long duration power outages and refrain from walking on ice covered surfaces outside.

Wind Chill Advisory: Wind chill values are expected to fall between -20°F and -29°F with at least a 5 mph wind. If you’re on the road, pack extra clothes and blankets in addition to your winter survival kit in your car in case you become stranded. If you go outdoors, dress accordingly by wearing well-insulated hats and gloves and putting on extra layers of clothing to keep warm. Frostbite could take place in as little as 30 minutes.

Wind Chill Warning: Wind chill values are expected to fall to -30°F or less with at least a 5 mph wind. If you’re on the road, pack extra clothes and blankets in addition to your winter survival kit in your car in case you become stranded. Seriously consider postponing any outdoor plans. Wear well insulated clothing if you must go outdoors. Frostbite could take place in as little as 10 minutes.

Know before You Go

• Have your vehicle winterized before the winter storm season.
• Keep the gas tank full so you are ready in case of an emergency and to prevent the gas line from freezing.
• Take a fully charged cell phone or two-way radio with you.
• Plan to travel during the daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person with you.
• Let someone know your route, and when you expect to arrive.
• Be sure to check the weather before leaving. 
• Avoid travel after a winter storm as roads may still be blocked or snow may still be blowing, reducing visibilities. 

In case you become stranded always keep in your vehicle during winter:

• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Rain gear, extra dry clothes including mittens, socks and hats
• Newspapers for insulation
• Plastic bags for sanitation
• Canned fruit, nuts and other high-energy foods. Include a nonelectric can opener if needed.
• Windshield scrapper with a brush
• Sand or non-clumping kitty litter for traction
• Waterproof matches
• Metal can for melting snow. Eating snow will reduce your body temperature so snow should be melted. 
• Brightly colored cloth (ideally red) to tie to antenna or put out window.

If you do become stranded in your vehicle, here are a few tips on what you should do to stay safe and warm: 

• It is better to stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Only leave in search of help if you can see help within 100 yards. You can quickly become disoriented in blowing snow. 
• Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help: hang a brightly colored (preferably red) flag or piece of fabric from the antenna or from a window. 
• Raise the hood after the snow stops falling.
• Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Only run the engine for 10 minutes every hour (or 5 minutes every half hour) this is generally enough time to keep you warm, but reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the tail pipe is clear and have a downwind window open slightly to allow fresh air in.
• Leave the overhead light on while your car is running. Do light exercises to keep up circulation. Clap your hands and move your arms and legs occasionally. 
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration, but do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. 

Iowa Weather Network Resources:

Operation Snowstorm
Road Conditions
Returning Soon: School Alerts Possibility Meter (SAP-M)

Courtesy: NWS Des Moines and the American Red Cross