Traffic Alerts

Winter weather can lead to traffic accidents and other delays on local roadways. These incidents are reported in real-time on Lake County PASSAGE.

• www.lakecountypassage.com
• PASSAGE Highway Advisory Radio 1620 AM
• Variable message signs
• LCTV (Comcast cable channel 18 or 30 and AT&T U-verse channel 99)

Winter Weather Kit

• Get an Emergency Supply Kit which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
   
• Thoroughly check and update your family's Emergency Supply Kit before winter approaches and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:
   
  • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
  • Sand to improve traction
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
  • Also include adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

Prepare Your Home

• Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and windowsills to keep the warm air inside.
   
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
   
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
   
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
   
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
   
• Hire a contractor to check the structural stability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
   
• If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to leave. In addition, check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
   
  • Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
  • Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
  • Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
  • Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
  • Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
  • Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
  • Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
  • Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
  • Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
  • Tires - make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions.
  • Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify winter weather

• Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
   
• Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
   
• Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
   
• Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
   
• Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
   
• Blizzard Warning means heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill.
   
• Frost/Freeze Warning means below freezing temperatures are expected.

Health Concerns

Hypothermia
Hypothermia can be fatal if not detected promptly and treated properly. It occurs when the body temperature drops to 95 degrees or below. A 3.6 degree drop from a normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees may seem trivial, but it’s drastic for vital organs. The most common victims are older persons who have difficulty keeping themselves or their homes warm in cold weather. Senior citizens should take caution that they don’t turn their thermostats down too low to save money. Infants less than 1 year of age are also at risk because they lose body heat more easily than adults, and cannot make enough body heat by shivering. The condition can develop over a period of time. Even cool indoor temperatures of 60 degrees can eventually trigger hypothermia. Symptoms include shivering, drowsiness, slurred speech, hallucinations and slow and shallow breathing. If you notice these symptoms in a person, take his or her temperature. If it is 95 degrees or below, call a doctor or ambulance, or take the victim directly to the hospital. Those who have inadequate heating at home should visit malls or other public places to stay warm. As always, check on neighbors who live alone and never leave infants or pets alone in cold cars. When outdoors, be aware of the added effect of wind chill. For example, 20-degree air temperature combined with a 20 miles per hour wind, has the effect of 10 degrees below zero on the human body.

Frostbite
When spending long periods of time outdoors during cold weather, be alert for signs of frostbite. It initially occurs in the nose, ears, fingers and toes, and can happen at any temperature below 32 degrees. Frostbitten skin is whitish, and stiff and feels numb rather than painful. Children are especially susceptible to frostbite because they can become so engrossed in their play that they overlook discomfort. To prevent frostbite, wear hats that cover the ears, scarves or masks to cover the face, and several layers of clothing to trap body heat. Mittens are better than gloves. To treat frostbitten skin, do not rub the area, since friction can cause further skin damage. Seek medical attention immediately. Warm the affected parts of the body with warm water for 20 to 40 minutes. Wrap the frostbitten area in blankets, sweaters, etc.