 
Winter Weather
Preparedness
Lynbrook Emergency Management Office
WINTER WEATHER
TERMS
Watches
Winter Storm Watch
Issued for the possibility of severe
life-threatening winter weather conditions
including: heavy snow, heavy ice and/or near
blizzard conditions. Forecasters are typically
50 percent confident that severe winter
weather will materialize when a watch is
issued.
Blizzard Watch
Issued for the possibility of blizzard
conditions. Forecasters are typically 50
percent confident that blizzard conditions
will materialize when a blizzard watch is
issued.
Lake Effect Snow Watch
Issued for the potential for heavy lake effect
snow.
Wind Chill Watch
Issued for the potential of wind chills of
-25F or less, which can cause rapid frostbite
and increase the risk of hypothermia.
Warnings
 Winter Storm Warning
Issued for a combination of heavy snow and/or
ice, of which, at least one exceeds or meets
warning criteria. Winter weather is expected
to cause life-threatening public impact for a
combination of winter hazards including heavy
snow, ice, near blizzard conditions, blowing
and drifting snow and/or dangerous wind
chills.
Heavy Snow Warning
Issued when 7 inches or more of snow is
expected in 12 hours or less, or 9 inches or
more is expected in 24 hours or less. Heavy
Snow Warnings are issued when there is a high
degree of confidence that the entire event
will be snow.
 Ice Storm Warning
Issued for a ½ inch or more of ice
accumulation which causes damage to power
lines and trees. Ice Storm Warnings are issued
when there is a high degree of confidence that
the entire event is expected to be ice.
Blizzard Warning
Issued when blizzard conditions are imminent
or expected in the next 12 to 24 hours.
Blizzard conditions include sustained or
frequent gusts =/> 35 mph AND considerable
falling, blowing and drifting of snow reducing
visibilities frequently 1/4 mile.
 Lake Effect Snow Warning
Issued for 7 inches or more of lake effect
snow.
Wind Chill Warning
Issued when the wind chill is expected to be
-25F or less. Frostbite can occur in less than
10 minutes.
Advisories
Winter Weather Advisory
Issued for a hazardous combination of snow,
and ice of which neither meets or exceeds
warning criteria. Issued for winter weather
that will cause significant inconveniences or
could be life-threatening if the proper
precautions are not taken.
Snow Advisory
Issued when an average of 4 to 6 inches of
snow is expected in 12 hours or less. Snow
advisories are issued when there is a high
degree of confidence that the entire event
will be snow.
Freezing Rain Advisory
Any accumulation of freezing rain that can
make roads slippery. Freezing rain advisories
will only be issued when there is a high
degree of confidence that the entire event
will be freezing rain only.
Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory
Sustained wind or frequent gusts of 25 to 34
mph accompanied by falling and blowing snow,
occasionally reducing visibility to a 1/4 mile
or less for three hours or more.
Blowing Snow Advisory
Widespread or localized blowing snow reducing
visibilities to a 1/4 or less with winds less
than 35 mph.
Lake Effect Snow Advisory
Issued for an average of 4 to 6 inches of lake
effect snow.
Wind Chill Advisory
Issued for wind chills of -15F to -24F.
Frostbite can occur in less than 30 minutes.
HOME
SAFETY
 Family Disaster Plan
Families should be prepared for all hazards
that affect their area and themselves.
Follow these basic steps to develop a family
disaster plan:
-
Learn your community's warning signals.
-
Meet with your family to create a plan. Pick
two places to meet: a spot outside your home
for an emergency such as fire, and a place
away from your neighborhood in case you
cannot return home (a real possibility
during the day when adults are at work and
children are at school). Choose an
out-of-area friend as your family check-in
contact for everyone to call if the family
becomes separated.
-
Implement your plan. Post emergency
telephone numbers by the phones. Install
safety features in your house such as smoke
detectors and fire extinguishers. Inspect
your home for potential hazards and correct
them. Have your family learn basic safety
and first aid measures. Make sure everyone
knows how and when to call 9-1-1 or your
local emergency medical services phone
number. Have disaster supplies on hand.
Home Emergency Supplies
 Winter has arrived and you should stockpile
the following supplies in the event a winter
storm or power outage prevents you from
leaving your home.
-
Flashlights and extra batteries
-
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
-
Emergency non-perishable foods that do not
require refrigeration
-
Non-electric can opener
-
Bottled water
-
One week supply of essential medicines
-
Extra blankets and sleeping bags
-
First aid kit and manual
-
Fire extinguisher
-
Emergency heating equipment, used properly
Winterize Your Home
Take
the time now to get your home ready for the
winter season by following these tips:
-
Have your heating system checked by a
professional annually. This will ensure that
your system is working safely and
efficiently which, in turn, will save you
money. If you heat by wood, clean your
fireplace or stove. Have your chimney flue
checked for any buildup of creosote and then
cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.
-
Make sure your home is properly insulated.
If necessary, insulate walls and attic. This
will help you to conserve energy and reduce
your home's power demands for heat.
-
Caulk and weather-strip doors and
windowsills to keep cold air out.
-
Install storm windows or cover windows with
plastic from the inside. This will provide
an extra layer of insulation, keeping more
cold air out.
-
Inspect and flush your water heater.
-
Clean gutters. Leaves and other debris will
hamper drainage.
-
Replace batteries of smoke, heat and carbon
monoxide detectors. If you did not do it
when you set the clocks back, do it now.
-
To
keep pipes from freezing:
-
Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old
newspapers
-
Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep
out moisture
-
Let faucets drip a little to avoid
freezing
-
Know how to shut off water valves
Staying Warm Indoors
If
your heat goes out during a winter storm, you
can keep warm by closing off rooms you do not
need.
-
Use only safe sources of alternative heat
such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood
or coal stove or portable space heaters.
Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
-
Dress in layers of lightweight clothing and
wear a cap.
-
Eat well-balanced meals.
Losing your heat when winter's winds are
howling is not pleasant. However, by following
these simple tips, you will weather the storm
more comfortably.
Protecting Water Pipes
 To
prevent the mess and aggravation of frozen
water pipes, protect your home, apartment or
business by following the simple steps below.
Before Cold Weather
-
Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible
to freezing, typically those near outer
walls, in crawl spaces or in the attic.
-
Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved).
-
Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside
where pipes are located.
-
Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and
drain water from pipes leading to outside
faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing
in the short span of pipe just inside the
house.
When It's Cold
-
Let hot and cold water trickle at night from
a faucet on an outside wall.
-
Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get
to un-insulated pipes under a sink or
appliance near an outer wall.
-
Make sure heat is left on and set no lower
than 55 degrees.
-
If
you plan to be away: (1) Have someone check
your house daily to make sure the heat is
still on to prevent freezing, or (2) drain
and shut off the water system (except indoor
sprinkler systems).
If Pipes Freeze
-
Make sure you and your family knows how to
shut off the water, in case pipes burst.
Stopping the water flow minimize the damage
to your home. Call a plumber and contact
your insurance agent.
-
Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame
or torch.
-
Always be careful of the potential for
electric shock in and around standing water.
If The Lights Go Out
 If
you lose electrical service during the winter,
follow these tips:
-
Call your utility first to determine area
repair schedules. Turn off or unplug lights
and appliances to prevent a circuit overload
when service is restored. Leave one light on
to indicate power has been restored.
-
To
help prevent freezing pipes, turn on faucets
slightly. Running water will not freeze as
quickly.
-
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide
poisoning:
-
DO NOT operate generators
indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon
monoxide gas.
-
DO NOT use charcoal to
cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup
of carbon monoxide gas.
-
DO NOT use your gas oven
to heat your home -- prolonged use of an
open oven in a closed house can create
carbon monoxide gas.
-
Make sure fuel space heaters are used with
proper ventilation.
-
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed
as much as possible to help reduce food
spoilage.
Generator Safety
 Electric generators can provide you with piece
of mind and convenience when you are faced
with a temporary loss of electric service.
Follow these safety guidelines when operating
a generator:
-
Before installing a generator, be sure to
properly disconnect from your utility
electrical service. If possible, have your
generator installed by a qualified
electrician.
-
Run generators outside, downwind of
structures. NEVER run a generator indoors.
Deadly carbon monoxide gas from the
generator's exhaust can spread throughout
enclosed spaces. Install a carbon monoxide
detector.
-
Fuel spilled on a hot generator can cause an
explosion. If your generator has a
detachable fuel tank remove it before
refilling. If this is not possible, shut off
the generator and let it cool before
refilling.
-
Do
not exceed the rated capacity of your
generator. Most of the small, home-use
portable generators produce from 350 to
12,000 watts of power. Overloading your
generator can damage it, the appliances
connected to it, and may cause a fire.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
-
Keep children away from generators at all
times.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
 Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly
killer claiming about 1,000 lives each year in
the United States. Such common items as
automotive exhaust, home heating systems and
obstructed chimneys can produce the colorless,
odorless gas.
The
gas can also be produced by poorly vented
generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and
other items used for cooking and heating when
used improperly during the winter months.
-
NEVER run generators
indoors. Open a window slightly when using a
kerosene heater.
-
NEVER use charcoal to cook
indoors.
-
NEVER use a gas oven to
heat your home.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include
sleepiness, headaches and dizziness.
If
you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning,
ventilate the area and get to a hospital.
Fire Safety
Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters
can add a cozy glow, but make sure you are
using them safely.
-
Always keep a screen around an open flame.
-
Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
-
Never burn charcoal indoors.
-
Do
not close the damper when ashes are hot.
-
When using alternative heat sources such as
a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make
sure you have proper ventilation. Keep
curtains, towels and potholders away from
hot surfaces.
-
Have your chimney checked before the season
for creosote buildup -- and then clean it.
-
Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors
... and make sure they work! Establish a
well-planned escape route with the entire
family.
Kerosene Heaters
 Kerosene
heaters are dangerous and illegal to
use in the Village of Lynbrook.
The Lynbrook Emergency management and the
Lynbrook Fire Department strongly recommends
you do not use Kerosene heaters in your
home.
Remember, the fire hazard is greatly
increased in the winter because alternate
heating sources often are used without
following proper safety precautions.
Clearing Your Roof
 As
the snow and ice continues to build up,
homeowners should think about safety before
trying to clear the snow from their roof. Here
are some safety tips:
-
When possible, use long-handled snow rakes
or poles.
-
If
you must use a ladder, make certain that the
base is securely anchored. Ask a friend,
neighbor or adult family member to hold the
ladder while you climb.
-
Know where the snow is going to fall before
clearing the area.
-
Make certain not to contact electrical
wires.
-
If
possible, do not attempt to clear the roof
alone.
-
If
you are afraid of heights or think the job
is too big for you, HIRE HELP.
Clearing roofs is a dangerous task. However,
if you think safety, and work safely, you will
get the job done.
NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY
Safety First for Kids
 Hey,
kids! Winter can be a fun-filled time when
enjoying outdoor activities such as skiing,
skating and sledding. However, before going
out, follow these safety tips:
-
The best way to stay safe in a snowstorm is
to stay inside. Long periods of exposure to
severe cold increase the risk of frostbite
or hypothermia.
-
If
you go out to play after the storm, dress in
many layers of clothing and wear a hat and
mittens. Many layers of thin clothing are
warmer than a single layer of thick
clothing. One of the best ways to stay warm
is to wear a hat; most body heat is lost
through the top of the head.
-
Come inside often for warm-up breaks.
-
If
you start to shiver a lot or get very tired,
or if your nose, fingers, toes or earlobes
start to feel numb of turn very pale, come
inside right away and tell an adult. These
are signs of hypothermia and frostbite. If
you experience these symptoms, you will need
immediate attention to prevent further risk.
Remember these tips when you go out to play.
Neighbor Helping Neighbor
 If
someone you know is elderly or dependent on
life-sustaining or health-related equipment
such as a ventilator, respirator or oxygen
concentrator, you should make plans now to
ensure their needs are met during severe
winter weather and possible power outages.
-
Help them stock a home disaster kit
including a flashlight and extra batteries,
a battery-operated radio, bottled water,
non-perishable foods, essential medicines,
and extra blankets or sleeping bags.
-
Check on them after a storm or power outage.
Register them as a special needs customer
with their utility so they will become a
priority customer. Notify others who could
provide help such as neighbors, relatives,
nearby friends and local emergency
responders such as the fire department.
-
Have a list of emergency numbers readily
available.
-
Have a standby generator or an alternative
source of power available. Be aware of the
safety rules for its use.
Protecting Pets
 Winter is a time we should pay close attention
to the safety of our pets. Here are some
safety tips to follow:
-
Ingesting anti-freeze can be fatal for your
dog or cat. It has a sweet taste and even a
tiny amount can cause severe kidney damage
and even death. If you spill some, soak it
up immediately. (Clay kitty litter works
well. Discard the litter once the
anti-freeze has been absorbed.)
-
Pets that live outdoors should be fed a bit
more in the winter because they need the
extra calories to stay warm. They also
should have fresh water put out a couple of
times a day, or consider a special bowl that
prevents the water from freezing.
-
If
your pet goes outdoors, be aware of the
temperature. Pets can get frostbite very
easily on the ears, tail and paws.
-
When walking your dog, check the paws to
make sure that ice is not building up
between the toes and that salt from the
roads is not irritating the skin.
-
If
your dog is a swimmer, keep it on a leash
around open water or unstable ice.
Hypothermia can set in quickly and the dog
may be unable to get out of the water.
-
Before you start your car, you should honk
the horn to make sure that a cat has not
decided to nap in a warm spot under the hood
of the vehicle.
-
If
decorating for the holidays, keep ornaments
out of the reach of your pets. Remember that
poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and other
plants can be toxic if ingested.
ROAD
SAFETY
Safety on the Road
 When
winter storms strike, do not drive unless
necessary.
-
If
you must travel, make sure you car is
stocked with survival gear like blankets, a
shovel, flashlight and extra batteries,
extra warm clothing, set of tire chains,
battery booster cables, quick energy foods
and brightly-colored cloth to use as a
distress flag.
-
Keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline
freeze-up.
-
If
you have a cell phone or two-way radio
available for your use, keep the battery
charged and keep it with you whenever
traveling. If you should become stranded,
you will be able to call for help, advising
rescuers of your location.
-
Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
Winterize Your Vehicle
 Preparing your vehicle for the winter season
now will help ensure your vehicle is in good
working order when you need it most.
-
Have a mechanic check the following items on
your vehicle:
-
Install good winter tires. Make sure the
tires have adequate tread. All-weather
radials are usually adequate for most winter
conditions. You may also want to carry a set
of tire chains in your vehicle for heavy
snow conditions.
-
Keep a windshield scraper and small broom
for ice and snow removal and maintain at
least a half tank of gas throughout the
winter season.
-
Finally, plan long trips carefully. Listen
to the local media report or call law
enforcement agencies for the latest road
conditions.
Drive Safely
 The
leading cause of death and injuries during
winter storms is transportation accidents.
-
Before getting behind the wheel this winter
season, every driver could learn a lesson
from our school bus drivers. It is
elementary, but we have to keep our vehicles
clear of ice and snow. Good vision is a key
to good driving.
-
Plan your stops and keep more distance
between cars. Be extra alert. Remember,
snowdrifts can hide smaller children.
Moreover, always match your speed to the
road and weather conditions.
Trapped in a Car
 What
would you do if a blizzard trapped you on the
road?
Here
are some tips to follow:
-
Stay in your car and wait for help to find
you.
-
Run your engine for short periods of time to
stay warm. Keep your down-wind window open
and make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of
snow.
-
Turn on the dome light at night when you are
running the engine to signal rescuers.
-
Hang a brightly colored piece of cloth or
piece of clothing from your car.
-
Exercise from time to time by vigorously
moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep
blood circulating and to keep warm.
OUTDOOR SAFETY
Dress for the Season
 Winter has arrived and you should dress for
the season.
-
Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in
several layers. Trapped air between the
layers acts as an insulator. Layers can be
removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent
chill.
-
Outer garments should be tightly woven,
water repellent and hooded.
-
Always wear a hat or cap on your head since
half of your body heat could be lost through
an uncovered head.
-
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect
your lungs from extreme cold.
-
Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than
gloves because fingers maintain more warmth
when they touch each other.
Physical Exertion
 Winter storm conditions and cold waves are the
deadliest types of weather.
Cold
temperatures put an extra strain on your
heart. Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow,
clearing debris or pushing a car, increase the
risk of a heart attack.
To
avoid problems, remember these tips:
-
Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN
when working outdoors.
-
Take frequent rests to avoid over exertion.
-
If
you feel chest pain -- STOP
and seek help immediately.
Winter Sports Safety
 New
York State offers an abundance of sports
activities during the winter season. From
skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing,
hiking and other outdoor pursuits, parents and
children should follow the safety rules of the
sport.
-
Most importantly, use the proper equipment
and check to make sure everything is in
proper working condition. A well-fitting
ANSI/SNELL certified helmet will assure a
safer, more enjoyable wintertime experience
whether you are skiing, sledding,
snowboarding or skating.
-
Dress in multiple, lightweight layers to
stay warm and dry while enjoying the
outdoors. Check the weather forecast but be
prepared for anything.
-
If
you are heading into the backcountry, never
travel alone. Let someone know your route
and estimated time of return.
-
Skiers and snowboarders should go on runs
that are appropriate for their ability. Stay
in control at all times and be able to stop
or avoid other people or objects. Obey all
posted signs and warnings.
-
No
matter what sport you participate in, always
focus 100 percent of your attention on the
activity and the terrain you are on.
Moreover, rest when you are tired.
Safe Sledding
 Winter is a fun time for children, but it also
may be dangerous. Parents should be aware of
some simple safety tips for their children
when they go sledding or tobogganing:
-
Children should never use streets or roads
for sledding unless they are blocked off
from traffic.
-
Children should sled only during daytime
hours.
-
Do
not sled on icy hills. Sledding hills should
be only snow covered.
-
Avoid sledding over snow bumps or anything
that may cause the sled to become airborne.
-
Never sled alone. An adult should always
accompany small children.
-
Children should stay out of the paths of
other sledders. In addition, if the slopes
become busy, they should move off them
quickly.
Parents, if you are sledding with your
children, follow these rules yourselves.
Safe Skating
 Winter is a fun time for children, but it also
may be dangerous. Parents should be aware of
some simple safety tips for their children
when they go ice-skating:
-
If
possible, skate at areas that have been
approved and posted for ice-skating.
-
Never skate alone. Always have at least two
people present.
-
Children should never be allowed to skate on
a pond unsupervised.
-
Remember ice thickness is never consistent
on lakes and ponds. Water currents,
particularly around narrow spots, bridges,
inlets and outlets are always suspect for
thin ice.
-
Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure
ridges, slushy areas and darker areas that
signify thinner ice.
-
Never skate after dark.
Hypothermia
 Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can
cause hypothermia, especially in children and
the elderly.
Watch for these symptoms:
-
Inability to concentrate
-
Poor coordination
-
Slurred speech
-
Drowsiness
-
Exhaustion
-
Uncontrollable shivering, followed by a
sudden lack of shivering
If
the person's body temperature drops below 95
degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical
assistance immediately!
Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm
blankets and give warm, non-alcoholic,
non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives.
Frostbite
 People working or playing outdoors during the
winter can develop frostbite and not even know
it.
There is no pain associated with the early
stages of frostbite, so learn to watch for
these danger signs:
-
First, the skin may feel numb and become
flushed. Then it turns white or
grayish-yellow. Frostbitten skin feels cold
to the touch.
-
If
frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a
warm area. Cover the affected area with
something warm and dry. Never rub it!
-
Then get to a doctor or hospital as quickly
as possible.
Snow Blower Safety
 Do
you have a snow blower? Did you know that most
snow blower injuries happen because the
operator did not read the operating
instructions?
So,
read your owner's manual and follow these
tips:
-
Never leave your snow blower running and
unattended.
-
Make sure the discharge chute is not aimed
at passing motorists or pedestrians.
-
 Never put your hands into the discharge
chute or augers to clear stuck snow and ice.
-
Never add fuel when the engine is running
and hot.
-
Make sure you know how to turn the machine
off quickly.
For more information on snow blower safety,
please
click here.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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