Each year, exposure to cold, vehicle accidents caused by wintry roads, and fires caused by the improper use of heaters injure and kill hundreds of people in the United States. Add these to other winter weather hazards and you have a significant threat to human health and safety.

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet, and freezing rain.

How to Protect Yourself in Winter Storms

Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most winter storm deaths are related only indirectly to the storms. Overall, most winter storm deaths result from vehicle or other transportation accidents caused by ice and snow. You should avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow, or dense fog. These are serious conditions, that are often underestimated, and they make driving and even walking outside very hazardous.

Make an Emergency Disaster Preparedness Plan with you family and review it every six months. Each member of the family should know what to do in case of an emergency, know where Survival Kits are kept and know how evacuate or shelter in place as the situation dictates.

If, you are evacuated go to a designated public shelter. Take any Emergency Disaster Preparedness supplies that you have with you so that you have enough food and water to last for at least 72 hours.

For information on designated shelters, contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter.

Don't Forget Those with Special Needs

You must not forget those with special needs such as infants and seniors and those unable to care for themselves. If someone on your list has physical needs and you may be unable to check on this person, appoint someone to check on them and report to you their status and condition.

Make sure that anyone with special needs has the items they would normally need to survive, such as adult/infant diapers, medical supplies, special foods and/or medications. If there is anyone that needs electricity to survive, like a respirator, be prepared with an alternative source such as a power generator. Also, it is a good idea to notify your local fire department (via a non-emergency business telephone number) in advance of this person's needs. They will do everything in their power to commit resources to this type of special need. Anyone with special needs or a disability should wear a medical alert tag or bracelet to help identify their individual situation.

Don't Forget a Plan for Your Pets

Due to health regulations, most emergency shelters cannot house animals. Find out in advance how to care for your pets and working animals when disaster or emergency strikes. You should not leave your pets behind. For more information, visit the Animal Safety section on www.redcross.org or visit the Humane Society Web site at www.hsus.org.

Preparing in advance will help you make informed decisions in the event of inclement weather, a disaster or an emergency. So make a disaster plan today and get prepared to survive.