Winter Weather Guide

Winter Weather Guide
FROM NEWS 10NBC: YOUR
Letter From Kevin Williams
There is no American city of equal or greater
size that receives more snow annually than
Rochester. Some 100 inches worth! Such a
snowy scene can make for a winter sports
enthusiast’s dream. But for others, it can be a
nightmare.
To keep you protected and well-informed during severe winter
weather events, News 10NBC has created this winter weather guide.
It is our hope that you will utilize the guide in conjunction with
our broadcast reports to stay safe and to stay “weather-wise” this
winter.
Keep Looking Up!
Kevin Williams
Director of Meteorology
News 10NBC
WINTER STORM CHECKLIST
Have available:
3 Flashlight and extra batteries.
3 Battery-powered portable radio to receive emergency information. This may be your only link to the outside.
3 Extra food and water. High energy food, such as dried fruit or
candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.
3 Extra medicine and baby items.
3 First-aid supplies.
3 Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a
severe winter storm.
3 Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove,
space heater, etc.
- Learn to use properly to prevent a fire.
- Have proper ventilation.
3 Fire extinguisher and smoke detector.
- Test units regularly to ensure they are working properly.
WINTER WEATHER STATION
IF YOU ARE ISOLATED AT HOME
WITHOUT ELECTRICITY…
Stay inside!
• If you are using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood
stove, or space heater, be sure to practice fire safety and
keep your home properly ventilated.
• With no heat, close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels or
rags in cracks under doors, and cover windows at night.
• Make sure you eat and drink. Food provides the body with
energy to produce its own heat.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing.
Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration, and the
subsequent chill that ensues.
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE IN
YOUR VEHICLE…
• Stay in your car or truck to prevent being disoriented by
wind-driven snow and the cold.
• Run the motor in ten minute intervals each hour for heat.
• Open the window a little for fresh air to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning.
• Make yourself visible to rescuers.
• If you are stuck for a long time and traveling with someone,
take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times
to look for rescue crews.
• Exercise by vigorously moving your arms, legs, fingers, and
toes to keep circulation up and to keep warm.
IF YOU MUST BE OUTSIDE...
• Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling
and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers,
toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose.
• Always dress for the weather. Cover your mouth with a scarf
to protect your lungs. Wear a hat and mittens. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence,
slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If
symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a
warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the
body first, and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the
victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
ROCHESTER’S “TOP TEN’’
COLDEST NIGHTS
SNOWIEST WINTERS
-22 2/9/1934
161.7 1959-60
-19 2/18/1979
160.9 1977-78
-17 2/17/1979
142.7 1970-71
-17 1/16/1994
141.5 1900-01
-16 2/8/1934
140.6 1958-59
-16 1/15/1957
138.5 1978-79
-16 2/2/1961
135.2 2002-03
-15 2/11/1979
133.0 2000-01
-15 2/12/1979
131.5 1992-93
-15 1/12/1982
131.3 1899-00
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police, Fire, Ambulance: 911
RG&E: 1-800-743-2110
NYSEG: 1-800-572-1131
National Grid: 1-800-867-5222
Fairport Village Electric: 223-9500
Hilton Village Electric: 392-4144
Spencerport Village Electric: 352-4771
NYS Thruway Information: 1-800-Thruway
For more Winter Weather Coverage You Can Count On, log on to www.news10nbc.com and click the Winter Weather link.
Winter Weather Guide
FROM NEWS 10NBC: YOUR
JOSH NICHOLS
KEVIN WILLIAMS
RICH CANIGLIA
Take Protective Measures...
Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Include the following in your disaster supplies kit:
3 Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
3 Sand to improve traction
3 Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient
heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example,
store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or
wood-burning stove.
Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by
insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors
and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows
with plastic.
WINTER WEATHER STATION
To winterize your car, attend to the following:
Know Your Snow Terms...
3 Battery and ignition system should be in top condition and battery
BLIZZARD: Winds of 35 mph or more with
terminals clean.
3 Ensure antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing.
3 Ensure the heater and defroster work properly.
3 Check and repair windshield wiper equipment; ensure proper
washer fluid level.
3 Ensure the thermostat works properly.
3 Check lights and flashing hazard lights for serviceability.
3 Check for leaks and crimped pipes in the exhaust system; repair
or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives
no warning.
3 Check brakes for wear and fluid levels.
3 Check oil for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low
temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
3 Consider snow tires, snow tires with studs, or chains.
3 Replace fuel and air filters. Keep water out of the system by using
additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
snow and blowing snow reducing visibility
During a Storm...
3 Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than
normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
3 Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid buildup of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at
least three feet from flammable objects.
3 Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider
the following:
- Travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule
- Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts
3 Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring
on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must
shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
to less than ¼ mile for at least 3 hours.
BLOWING SNOW: Wind-driven snow that
reduces visibility. Blowing snow may be
falling snow and/or snow on the ground
picked up by the wind.
SNOW SQUALLS: Brief, intense snow
showers accompanied by strong, gusty
winds. Accumulation may be significant.
SNOW SHOWERS: Snow falling at varying
intensities for brief periods of time. Some
accumulation is possible.
SNOW FLURRIES: Light snow falling
for short durations with little or no
accumulation.
FREEZING RAIN: Rain that freezes when it
hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on
roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.
SLEET: Rain that turns to ice pellets before
reaching the ground. Sleet also causes
moisture on roads to freeze and become
slippery.
WINTER STORM WATCH: A winter storm
is possible in your area. Tune in to News
10NBC, News 10NBC Weather Plus or
News10NBC.com.
WINTER STORM WARNING: A winter storm
is occurring or will soon occur in your area.
For more Winter Weather Coverage You Can Count On, log on to www.news10nbc.com and click the Winter Weather link.