It is that time of year when frequent winter snowstorms are making their way across the U.S. Most of the time, you will be able to prepare ahead of time for a significant snowstorm, but what happens when things take a turn for the worse and you are caught off-guard. These tips can help you and your family if you find yourself caught in a winter storm.

Caught Outside

Find shelter.
If there is no shelter nearby, 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.
Try to stay dry and cover all exposed body parts.
Melt snow for drinking water, but don’t eat snow that has not been melted as this will lower your body temperature.
From time to time, move your arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm. However, 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 could cause a heart attack. Sweating could also lead to a chill and hypothermia.

Caught In Vehicles

Stay in the vehicle! If you leave your vehicle, you can quickly become disoriented in wind-driven snow and cold.
Run the motor for 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 the pipe getting clogged, which could lead to gas poisoning.
Do what you can to 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 the snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate that you need help.

Caught Inside

Stay inside.
When using heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and properly ventilate. If you have a gas furnace, make sur it is not blocked by a snow drift as soon as it is safe to go out. If you have an upstairs gas furnace which vents out the roof, your may need to turn off the upstairs until the snow melts off your roof.
If your heat goes out, close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting heat. Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors. Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat. Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Drink lots of water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.

Even the most experienced winter weather enthusiast can find themselves unprepared for a winter storm, but these simple tips can help make sure you and your family stay safe from Mother Nature’s fury.

Source: NWS
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Winter Safety: What To Do If You're Caught In A Storm