How to Survive the Cold and Snow of Winter Storms

Winter weather in Arizona can be harsh and unforgiving. If you're not prepared, it can also be deadly. Knowing what to do during an extremely cold winter storm can help keep yourself and your family warm and safe.

Prepare to Protect Your Family

1. Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.
   
   
2. Eat regularly and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
   
   
3. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow:
       - Strenuous physical activity can lead to a heart attack.
       - If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
   
   
4. Watch for signs of frostbite on fingers, toes, ear lobes and the tip of the nose:
       - Loss of feeling/numbness.
       - White or pale appearance.
   If any of these symptoms appear, get medical help right away. Do not soak in warm water to heat your body up.
   
   
5. Watch for signs of hypothermia:
       - Uncontrollable shivering
       - Memory loss
       - Disorientation, incoherence
       - Slurred speech
       - Drowsiness
       - Apparent exhaustion
   
   If you see symptoms of hypothermia, get the victim to a warm location. Remove any wet clothing. Warm the center of the body first and give heated, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
   
   
6. Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your home slightly cooler than normal.
       - Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
   
   
7. Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes.
       - Refuel kerosene heaters outside.
       - Keep heaters at least three feet from flammable objects.
   
   
8. Do not drive unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you must drive:
       - Travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others
          informed of your schedule, and rotate drivers in shifts.
       - Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts.

If a Winter Storm Traps You in Your Car

If a blizzard traps you in the car, keep these guidelines in mind:

1. Pull off the highway:
        - Turn on hazard lights.
        - Hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
   
   
2. Stay in your vehicle. Rescuers are most likely to find you there.
       - Do not set out on foot unless you can see a shelter nearby.
       - Remember, distances can be distorted by blowing snow.
   
   
3. Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.
       - When idling, open an upwind window slightly to avoid
         carbon monoxide poisoning.
       - Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
   
   
4. Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion.
   
   
5. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation.
       - Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
   
   
6. Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescuers.
   
   
7. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
   
   
8. Be careful not to waste battery power.
       - Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat,
         and radio - with supply.
   
   
9. Turn on the inside light at night so rescuers can see you.
   
   
10. If stranded in a remote area, signal air rescue crews:
        - Stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out
          HELP or SOS.
        - Line message with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of
          rescue personnel.
    
    
11. Leave the car and proceed on foot – only if necessary - once the blizzard passes.

For more information on severe winter weather preparedness, check "Are You Ready?" from FEMA.