Extreme cold, ice storms, and blizzards are just some of the dangerous, even life-threatening, conditions brought on by winter weather. Severe winter weather can sometimes affect large regions of the country. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be severely affected by winter storms. The results of severe winter weather can include hazardous driving, loss of power, closed roads, hypothermia and an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. BEFORE SEVERE WINTER WEATHER...

Don't get caught unprepared in your car during a winter storm. Make sure you have a winter emergency car kit and that it includes: a shovel windshield scraper and small broom flashlight battery powered radio extra batteries water snack food matches extra hats, socks and mittens First aid kit with pocket knife Necessary medications blanket(s) tow chain or rope road salt and sand booster cables emergency flares fluorescent distress flag

Pull off the road and set the car's hazard lights to flashing. Hang a distress flag from the window or radio antenna. Remain in your vehicle as weather conditions can change and worsen without warning. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow. Conserve fuel, but run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour...

Carbon monoxide is one of the most common causes of accidental poisoning in the United States. Winter brings an increased risk of poisoning from carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that is the by-product of combustion. It is produced by many common household appliances such as gas or oil furnaces, clothes dryers, ranges, space heaters and wood stoves. Properly install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Make sure all stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves and space...

Blizzard Warning Issued for winter storms with sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to 1/4 of a mile or less. These conditions are expected to prevail for a minimum of 3 hours. Blowing Snow Advisory Issued when wind driven snow reduces surface visibility, possibly, hampering traveling. Blowing snow may be falling snow, or snow that has already accumulated but is picked up and blown by strong winds....