Office of Homeland Security - Emergency Management

2/17/08: NOAA "ALL HAZARDS" RADIO IS THE BEST WAY TO RECEIVE WARNINGS DAY OR NIGHT - 2/17/08: KNOW WHAT HAZARDS COULD AFFECT YOUR FAMILY - 2/17/08: EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE AN "ALL HAZARDS" FAMILY PLAN -

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Cherokee County Hazards

Disaster Prevention

Are You Ready?

Winter Storm

Even in Georgia, winter storms can be killers. Each year, dozens of Americans die due to exposure to cold. Add to that number, vehicle accidents and fatalities, fires due to dangerous use of heaters and other winter weather fatalities and you have a significant threat.

Threats, such as hypothermia and frostbite, can lead to loss of fingers and toes or cause permanent kidney, pancreas and liver injury and even death. You must prepare properly to avoid these extreme dangers. You also need to know what to do if you see symptoms of these threats.

A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. People can become trapped at home or in a car, without utilities or other assistance. Attempting to walk for help in a winter storm can be a deadly decision. The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or region for days, weeks or even months.

Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees and topple utility poles and communication towers. Ice can disrupt communications and power for days while utility companies repair extensive damage. Even small accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorists and pedestrians. Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces.

Be Prepared Before the Storm Strikes

At Home and Work
Primary concerns are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.

Have available:

Flashlight and extra batteries.

Battery-powered NOAA Weather

Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.

Extra food and water. Have high energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.

Extra medicine and baby items.

First-aid supplies.

Heating fuel. Refuel before you are empty. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm.

Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove, space heater.