Winter Storms Photo Gallery

Winter 2007, White County Indiana

General Winter Safety

FEMA: Winter Driving

How to Stay Safe around Ice-Covered Trees
Each iced tree situation needs careful assessment before you do anything. Sometimes, it's better to do nothing, especially if the situation is beyond your skills. (Source: University of Maine Extension)

Ice Safety (PDF: 473 KB)
Ice fishing, sledding, snowmobile riding, ice skating, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing are just some of the most popular winter sports. With these activities come safety precautions, especially when ice over water is involved. (Source: Ohio State University Extension)

Snow Blower Safety
Depending on snow levels, experts estimate 4,000 to 6,000 injuries per year from snow blowers. These potentially dangerous machines need to be used carefully and with respect for their moving parts. (Source: North Dakota State University Extension)

Ice Dams
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas. (Source: University of Minnesota Extension)

Portable Generator Hazards (PDF)
Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can also be hazardous. (Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Winter Planning and Preparation

FEMA: Are You Ready?
A guide to help prepare for winter storms and extreme cold. (Source: FEMA)

Preparing for Winter in English and Spanish (Word)
Documents that offer tips for winter preparation in the Midwest. (Source: University of Minnesota International Student Services, United Way First Call for Help)

Factsheet: Ten Things to Prepare for Winter Storms (PDF)
This factsheet will help you learn ten tips on how to prepare yourself, your home and your family for the upcoming winter weather. (Source: Purdue Extension and FEMA).

Winter Storms: the Deceptive Killers (PDF: 2.14 MB)
This preparedness guide explains the dangers of winter weather and suggests life-saving actions you can take. (Source: NOAA, American Red Cross and FEMA).

Tree Windbreaks for Farms and Homes (PDF: 17.3 MB)
Evergreen windbreaks can block up to 75% of the winter wind around the home, resulting in a reduction in winter heating costs up to 15-25%. Learn more about the benefits of windbreaks, how to create a windbreak plan and proper preparation of the planting site. (Source: Purdue Extension)

Wind and Snow Control for the Farmstead
The cold, strong winds and large snowfalls of recent Midwest winters have caused many farm families to re-evaluate the need for "controlling" these energy-wasting disturbances

Hoosier Farmland Wildlife Notes: Windbreaks for Farms and Wildlife (PDF: 114 KB)
A home or farmstead windbreak is a strip of vegetation, generally consisting of multiple rows of trees and/or shrubs that shelters a residence and related structures from the negative effects of wind. (Source: Purdue Extension)

Factsheet: Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes (PDF)
Before the onset of cold weather, it is important to prevent freezing of water supply lines and pipes. This fact sheet provides information and suggestions about how to prevent water pipes in the home from freezing and how to thaw them if they do freeze. (Source: American Red Cross)

Attention Freezer Owners
During power outages, the safety of your food may be comprised. This article gives tips and suggestions to reduce your risk. (Source: Ohio State University)

When the Power Goes Off
Helpful information on dealing with protecting your food during power outages. (Source: University of Missouri Extension)

Recovery

Storms and Trees (PDF: 212 KB)
Ice and windstorms take a toll on trees, utility wires, and homes every year. Reducing storm damage can be done through a few easy steps: planning, proper pruning and preventing root damage. (Source: Purdue Extension)

Winter Injury of Ornamentals
Extreme cold, drying winds, bright sunlight or a sudden drop in temperature are common causes of winter injury to trees and shrubs. (Source: Purdue Extension)

Check Sewer Vents for Ice Accumulations
If areas of your home are beginning to smell like a sewer, it may be your house's way of telling you some of its vital systems aren't working properly. (Source: North Dakota State University Extension)

Solve Winter Home Moisture Problems
Humidity in the warm air of your house will condense on cold surfaces just as humid summer air condenses on the outside of the glass holding your icy beverage. (Source: North Dakota State University Extension Service)

Turf Grasses & Winter Weather

Gray Snow Mold (PDF: 225 KB)
Gray snow mold affects all cold season turf grass species in areas where extended periods of snow cover occur. (Source: Purdue Extension)

Pink Snow Mold (PDF: 202 KB)
Pink snow mold is a disease that may affect all cool-season turf grasses but appears to be the most damaging to creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass on golf courses. (Source: Purdue Extension)

Winter Weater Education for Kids

FEMA for Kids: Winter Storms
Interaction and educational activities for youth, such as: important terms, winter storm math, snowman games, ad the Disaster Twins' Blizzard Story. (Source: FEMA)

Be Ready 1-2-3: Ready Rabbit (Winter Storms) (PDF: 171 KB)
The "Be Ready 1-2-3" materials help young children, ages 4-7, learn through activities and demonstrations led by "expert" Ready Rabbit. (Source: American Red Cross)

Billy and Maria Learn About Winter Weather: Part 1 (PDF)
A printable coloring book describing the steps of preparing a disaster supply kit. (Source: NOAA)

Billy, Maria and the Snowflake: Part 2
A printable coloring book about how snowflakes are made and frostbite. (Source: NOAA)

Billy and Maria Learn about Winter Storms: Part 3 (PDF)
A printable coloring book about how winter storms develop and hypothermia. (Source: NOAA)