Office of Emergency Coordination (OEC)

OEC Update: November 2018 Winter Weather; Influenza Vaccine Reminder

Past issues of the OEC Update are archived on the O drive at: O:\CERT\OEC Publications\OEC Update.

Winter Weather

Winter storms happen every year and can be dangerous, even deadly. In Missouri from 1989-2012, a total of 414 hypothermia deaths were reported; 186 (44.9%) were in people age 65 years and older. Risks from a winter storm can be minimized through prior planning and preparation, and by taking practical, common-sense actions when a storm occurs.

Some basic information from CDC on winter storms:

Most deaths from winter storms are not directly related to the storm itself. People die in traffic accidents on icy roads, of heart attacks while shoveling snow, and of hypothermia from prolonged cold exposure.

Of injuries related to ice and snow, about 70% occur in automobiles and about 25% are in people caught out in the storm. The majority are males over 40 years old.

Of injuries related to cold exposure, 20% occur in the home and over 75% are males.

Preparing for winter weather/storms:

Check the forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office for your area, or check your favorite weather app, TV station, etc. Make checking the forecast part of your regular routine so you'll know when to expect cold weather.

– A link to the NWS Forecast Office for your geographic area is found at https://health.mo.gov/emergencies/ert/naturaldisasters.php#weather.

– For a map showing current weather watches, warnings, and advisories, go to https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/wwa/. See Appendix A for more information.

Adjust your schedule: If possible, avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, typically the early morning. Find a warm spot for your children while waiting outside for the school bus.

Protect pets, livestock, and other property: If you have pets or farm animals, make sure they have plenty of food and water, and are not overly exposed to extreme cold. Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze.

Fill up your gas tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded.

Dress for the outdoors, even if you don't think you'll be out much.

Update your emergency kits for both your home and your car.

. NWS Forecast Offices Coverage Areas

(Note: Pleasant Hill = Kansas City.)

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For information on winter weather checklists, go to https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/beforestorm/supplylists.html.

During a winter storm:

Check road conditions (http://traveler.modot.org/map/) and drive safely.

Dress appropriately.

During (and after) a winter storm be careful shoveling snow or engaging in other strenuous activities in the cold.

Beware of the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and know the actions to take if these signs occur.

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If a person has hypothermia, he or she needs medical attention immediately!

For more information on frostbite, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/frostbite.html

For more information on hypothermia, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html

For information on indoor safety during a winter storm, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/duringstorm/indoorsafety.html

For information on outdoor safety during a winter storm, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/duringstorm/outdoorsafety.html

After a winter storm:

When returning home after a winter storm (or other disaster), steps should be taken to stay safe from any hazards you might face, like carbon monoxide, electrical hazards, and food and water issues. More information is available at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/returnhome.html.

Be aware that safety issues may come up during your post-storm cleanup. For cleaning tips relevant to winter storms (and other types of disasters), go to https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/cleanup/.

Additional information:

Winter Storms (DHSS) https://health.mo.gov/emergencies/ert/naturaldisasters.php#winterstorms

Hypothermia: Missouri Data & Statistical Reports (DHSS)

https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/hypothermia/surveillance.php

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Winter Weather Forecasts (NWS) https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/wwd/winter_wx.shtml

Sources:

Winter Weather (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.html

Severe Weather 101: Winter Weather Basics (NWS/NSSL) https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/winter/

Hypothermia: Missouri Data & Statistical Reports (DHSS) https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/hypothermia/surveillance.php

Be Sure You’ve Gotten Your Influenza Vaccine

DHSS influenza website for the general public is located at: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/influenza/index.php

For more information on seasonal influenza, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

For information on influenza vaccine, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html

Appendix B contains public health-related information and guidance from the Division of Community and Public Health that has appeared recently in SEMA’s Daily Briefs.

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Appendix A Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories

Warnings: Take Action!

– Winter Storm Warnings are issued for a significant winter weather event including snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow, or a combination of these hazards. Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations. Delay your travel plans until conditions improve.

– Ice Storm Warnings are usually issued for ice accumulation of around 1/4 inch or more. This amount of ice accumulation will make travel dangerous or impossible, and likely lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches. Travel is strongly discouraged.

– Wind Chill Warnings are issued for a combination of very cold air and strong winds that will create dangerously low wind chill values. This level of wind chill will result in frostbite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Avoid going outdoors and wear warm protective clothing if you must venture outside. See the National Weather Service (NWS) Wind Chill Chart.*

– Blizzard Warnings are issued for frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow, frequently reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile for three hours or more. A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely, leading to whiteout conditions making travel extremely difficult. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle and wait for help to arrive.

Watches: Be Prepared

– Winter Storm Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event (heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, heavy snow and blowing snow, or a combination of events.)

– Wind Chill Watches are issued when there is the potential for a combination of extremely cold air and strong winds to create dangerously low wind chill values. See the NWS Wind Chill Chart.*

– Blizzard Watches are issued when there is a potential for falling and/or blowing snow with strong winds and extremely poor visibilities. This can lead to whiteout conditions and make travel very dangerous.

Advisories: Be Aware

– Winter Weather Advisories are issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or a combination of these wintry elements is expected, but conditions should not be hazardous enough to meet warning criteria. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible travel difficulties. Use caution when driving.

– Freezing Rain Advisories are issued when light ice accumulation (freezing rain and/or freezing drizzle) is expected but will not reach warning criteria. Expect a glaze on roads resulting in hazardous travel. Slow down and use caution while driving because even trace amounts of ice on roads can be dangerous.

– Wind Chill Advisories are issued when low wind chill temperatures are expected but will not reach local warning criteria. Extremely cold air and strong winds will combine to generate low wind chill readings. If you must venture outdoors, take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia. See the NWS Wind Chill Chart.*

*NWS Wind Chill Chart is found at https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold-wind-chill-chart.

Source: Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories (NWS)

https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-ww

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Appendix B Recent Slides Developed by DHSS’ Division of Community

and Public Health Staff for SEMA’s Daily Briefs

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