2009/2010 Northeast Ohio Winter Outlook and Preparedness Guide

Ohio Winter Weather Safety Week November 14 - 20, 2009

Visit our winter weather section during Ohio Winter Weather Safety Week for additional winter safety tips and information

Now that the leaves are turning, temperatures are getting colder, and snow has already made an appearance in some communities, Stark County residents are turning their thoughts to winter weather preparation.

While the winter season can be a beautiful time of the year, it can also present life-threatening danger to those not prepared for the threats.

Winter in Northeast Ohio, and paticularily Stark County, can be brutal. Each year, dozens of Americans die during the winter season due to exposure to cold, auto accidents, fires, over-exertion, and other winter weather fatalities and you have a significant threat. Health risks such as hypothermia and frostbite, can lead to loss of fingers and toes or cause permanent kidney, pancreas and liver injury and even death.

But, getting through winter in Stark County can be easy if you prepare properly to avoid these extreme dangers. You also need to know what to do if you see symtoms of these threats.

A major winter storm in northeast Ohio can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and very cold temperatures. You can become trapped at home or in a car without electricity, heat, and fresh water. You may even loose your ability to communicate via landline or cell phone if these utilities become cripled due to loss of power and downed lines or cell towers.

Extremely cold temperatures, heavy snow, ice, and localized flooding can cause hazardous conditions and hidden problems. Further, the aftermath of a major winter storm can leave a lasting impact on your community for days, weeks, months, and even years after the event.

This preparedness guide explains the dangers of winter weather and suggests life-saving action YOU can take. With this information, YOU can recognize winter weather threats, develop an action plan and be ready when severe winter weather threatens.

Remember…your health and safety - and the health and safety of your loved ones, is up to YOU. Winter in Stark County, Ohio can be fun and exciting. Or, it can be life-threatening. All it takes is a little preparation and common sense to make winter in Northeast Ohio a pleasurable time for you and your family.

Winter Weather Awareness Week Topics
November 15 - 21, 2009

11/16 Ohio Winter Weather Climatology
11/17 NWS Winter Storm Watch/Warning/Advisory Forecast Terms
11/18 Be Prepared! Before the Storm Strikes
11/19 Be Safe! During and After the Storm
11/20 Wind Chill
11/21 NOAA Weather Radio

Source Materials for this Guide include: NOAA; The National Weather Service; FEMA; Ready.gov; American Red Cross

WINTER SURVIVAL GUIDE CONTENTS

Introduction

Preparing for Winter Weather in Northeast Ohio

Winter Weather Terms

Disaster Supply Kit For the Home

Survival Kit For the Car

Copyright © 2010 StarkCountyWeather.com - All Rights Reserved

Although every effort has been made to provide timely and accurate weather information on this web site, the information presented here is for personal use only and should not be used to make critical life or death decisions, or descisions relating to the protection of property. If you find yourself in the path of threatening or severe weather listen to official information and advisories provided by your local Emergency Management Agency and your local National Weather Service Forecast Office. Disclaimer