Snow, Ice, Numerous Accidents — Stay off Roads Today, WV Officials Warn

• Find Shelter: Try to stay dry and cover all exposed body parts.
• No Shelter: Build a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.
• Melt Snow for Drinking Water: Eating unmelted snow will lower your body temperature.
• Exercise: From time to time, move arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm. Avoid overexertion such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow if you are not in good health. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.

Stay in Vehicle

• If you leave your vehicle, you will become disoriented quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.
• Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
• While running the motor, open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid gas poisoning.

Be Visible to Rescuers

• Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine.
• Tie a bright colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door.
• After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.

Stay Inside: When using heat from a fire place, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and properly ventilate.

If Your Heat Goes Out

• Close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting heat.
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
• Cover windows at night.
• Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.