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EAST COAST DIGS OUT
January 26, 2000 — The digging out started today from South Carolina all the way north to New England after a storm dumped up to two feet of snow in some places. All along the Eastern Seaboard people began the process of removing large amounts of snow off their cars and from their driveways. NOAA's National Weather Service has some tips below on how to cope with frigid temperatures left in the wake of the powerful storm. (Click image for larger view.)[NOAA Photo: In Arlington, Virginia, the digging begins. January 26, 2000]
PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE AGAINST WINTER WEATHER
The first step to a safe winter is to stay tuned to the weather by monitoring TV, radio or NOAA Weather Radio—the broadcast system that transmits local weather service warnings and forecasts around the clock. Every year hundreds of people die needlessly because they are unaware of winter weather advisories.
The wind chill factor can make those already cold temperatures seem even colder. Be prepared. Guard against the possibility of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. Hypothermia causes uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness or apparent exhaustion.
In your car, and at home, have a flashlight available, with extra batteries, keep extra food and water available, have extra medicine and first aid supplies, keep gas in your tank near full and try not to travel alone.
If you absolutely must leave the house, dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Make sure to wear a hat, mittens and cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
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