The winter season brings joy and reason for celebration; however, it can also bring danger. The winter months see increases in house fires due to candles, cooking, and holiday decorations, along with storms that can produce strong winds, heavy rain, and/or snow. Winter storms can cause utility disruptions, flooding, landslides, and unsafe driving conditions. The cold weather that comes in the winter can lead to health problems, including hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning from misuse of generators/stoves, and heart attacks from overexertion. Read below to learn how you can ensure you and your loved ones’ safety this winter.
The best way to be prepared is to stay informed. Signup to receive local emergency alerts at AlertSCC.org and always be aware of your surroundings, especially when storm or flood alerts are issued. Find active disasters information for Santa Clara County using the news link above. Track hazardous weather using the Winter Weather Resources below.
Make an emergency plan with your household. Plan for how you will prepare for winter storms and the potential flooding, landslides, extreme cold, and power outages that may accompany them. Learn more about disaster planning at www.ready.gov/plan
Have supplies ready in the event you must evacuate or shelter in place. Think about what you’ll need to survive comfortably (i.e. food, water, clothes, important documents, hygiene items, portable chargers, flashlights, batteries, etc.). Learn more: www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
Never try to drive through flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown! 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry away an adult, 12 inches can carry away a small car, and 18-24 inches can carry away most large SUVs, vans, and trucks.
Flooding isn’t typically covered under homeowner’s insurance. Flood insurance can cover damage caused by storms, tsunamis, mudflow, and flooding, including structural damage and associated cleanup costs; but a basic policy doesn’t usually cover building contents. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Visit floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-4FLOODS for more information.
Extreme cold can cause frostbite, injury to body tissue, and hypothermia, dangerously low body temperature. To avoid health problems related to extreme cold:
NEVER:
If you suspect CO poisoning, warn others and leave the area, opening windows and doors on your way out. Call 911 or a health care professional right away. Click here to learn more.
If you are travelling by car this winter season and are travelling to or living in an area at risk of experiencing winter storms:
Click the check mark next to the titles below to open the list of resources.