Winter Weather
Although rare in Friendswood, winter storms can create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY
- Stay off roads.
- Stay indoors and dress warmly.
- Prepare for power outages.
- Listen for emergency information and alerts.
NOW
- Sign up for the Friendswood Notification System. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
- Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms.
- Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. If you are able to, set aside items like soap, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfecting wipes, and general household cleaning supplies that you can use to disinfect surfaces you touch regularly.
- Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.
DURING
- Stay off roads if at all possible.
- Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
- Avoid using candles.
Space Heaters
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from things that can burn.
- Keep children at least 3 feet from space heaters.
- Turn space heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
- Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
AFTER
- Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.
- Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, and firm or waxy skin.
- Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
- Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
- Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
- Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.
- If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible.
Winter Fire Safety
Space Heaters
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from things that can burn.
- Keep children at least 3 feet from space heaters.
- Turn space heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
- Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
- Purchase and use space heaters that have an automatic shut-off—if they tip over, they shut off.
- Purchase and use heaters that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
- Choose a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of carbon monoxide.
Candles
Any open flame is dangerous. If possible, use battery-operated candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles. If you use candles in your home, prevent a fire by following these tips:
- Put candles in sturdy holders.
- Place candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
- Make sure candles cannot be reached by children or pets.
- Blow out all candles if you leave the room, get sleepy, or go to bed.
Generators
Generators should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Generators, camp stoves, and grills can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
- Portable generators should not be on balconies or porches.
- Portable generators must be at least 10 feet away from your structure.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
- Can't be seen,
- Can't be smelled,
- Can't be heard,
- CAN BE STOPPED.