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EDEN – Extension Disaster Education Network

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32 resources matching your filters

32 resources

Winter Weather

Heavy snow, freezing rain, and extreme cold can have a tremendous impact on individual communities or entire regions. Storms can last for days, resulting in power outages, blocked or closed roads, and flooding. Being prepared for winter storms includes understanding weather-related terms, winterizing homes and vehicles, and protecting family members, pets, livestock, and neighbors.

Preparing for Winter Storms

  • Vehicles should have snow tires or all-weather tires with good tread; carry tire chains in mountainous regions
  • Always keep the vehicle's fuel tank at least half-full during the winter months
  • Equip each vehicle with a winter car kit: shovel, blankets, extra mittens and hats, booster cables, flashlight and batteries, first aid kit, bright cloth flag, snacks, and water
  • Monitor NOAA for reliable winter storm warnings and wind chill information
  • Consider a battery or crank-operated weather-alert radio

Personal Safety

  • Dress in loose, lightweight layers with boots, hats, and mittens — mittens keep fingers warmer than gloves
  • Much of the body's heat escapes through the head — always wear a hat
  • When shoveling, avoid overexertion — cold weather puts an added strain on the heart
  • Watch for hypothermia symptoms: uncontrollable shivering, slow or slurred speech, disorientation, and exhaustion. A core temperature below 95°F is a common indicator
  • Watch for frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the nose. Seek medical help immediately — frostbite can cause permanent damage

Home Safety

  • Be prepared for potential power outages with safe alternate heating sources
  • Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning risk from portable generators and unvented heating sources
  • Address roof ice dams and attic condensation issues after heavy snowfall
  • Provide extra food and unfrozen water for outdoor pets; limit outdoor time for indoor pets

Farm Safety

  • Prepare livestock care plans for winter storms — preparedness may mean the difference between life and death for farm animals
  • After heavy snowfall, monitor snow loads on barn roofs

Travel Considerations

Statistics indicate 70 percent of injuries occurring during snow and ice conditions involve motor vehicle crashes. Travel during daylight on main roads where snow removal occurs first. Share travel plans with family. If stranded, remain with your vehicle with hazard lights on.

Never attempt to drive through standing or moving water — as little as 6–12 inches can cause a vehicle to float and lose control.

University of Kentucky

County-Specific Ag Weather – Ohio

Collection of weather related resources (NOAA) provided by University of Kentucky for any state that requests it.

Resource or Data CollectionWinter Weather+3KY
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Michigan State University

Pricing and Use of Immature Corn as Silage for Beef Cattle

Assists producers in determining optimum strategies for using field corn that did not mature due to drought stress, early death due to frost, etc.

ManualWinter Weather+1MI
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Purdue University

Winter Storms – Purdue University

The Purdue collection of winter storm resources from general preparation to response and recovery.

WebsiteWinter WeatherIN
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Oregon State University

Cascadia Action Steps: It’s Time to Get Ready

Cascadia Action Steps checklist shows how Oregon residents and guests can prepare to survive and rebuild after the expected Cascadia earthquake and resulting tsunami.

Fact SheetWinter Weather+5OR
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University of New Hampshire

Ice Storm ’98

The severe ice storm of January 1998 caused damage to many residential and forest trees in New Hampshire. Although storms of this extent are uncommon, trees are often exposed to severe weather condit…

Disaster Report (Response Summary)Winter WeatherNH
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University of Connecticut

Preparing Farm Operations for Extreme Summer Weather

Fact SheetWinter Weather+6CT
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52 Ways to Hazard-Proof Your Finances

The consequences of climate change are substantial and escalating due to the increased frequency and severity of weather events, rising sea levels, and higher temperatures (U.S. Department of the Tre…

Fact SheetWinter Weather+13WI
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University of New Hampshire

Safe Timber Harvesting

Provides general advice on cutting trees, includes a section on storm-damaged trees.

BookWinter Weather+1NH
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Purdue University

Gray Snow Mold

Describes gray snow mold and its effect on cool season turfgrass species in areas where there are extended periods of snow cover.

Fact SheetWinter WeatherIN
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University of Florida

Paw-sitive Preparedness: Tips for Animal Disaster Preparedness from UF VETS

With hurricane season in full swing, Dr. Larry Garcia, Clinical Associate Professor and Medical Director of UF’s Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service (VETS), is roaring the readiness alert on disas…

PodcastWinter Weather+6FL
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University of Alaska Fairbanks

Emergency and Disaster Homeowner’s Manual

Alaska has a limited road system, few urban centers, and many remote communities. Whether large or small, coastal or inland, connected by roads or accessible only by plane or boat, each community nee…

ManualWinter Weather+8AK
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Purdue University

Indiana Weather and Climate Synopsis by County

Provides weather forecasts, summaries, historical data and outlooks for Indiana counties. Produced by University of Kentucky.

Resource or Data CollectionWinter Weather+4IN
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University of Minnesota

Protecting trees and shrubs against winter damage

Explains causes of winter damage and corrective measures.

Fact SheetWinter WeatherMN
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Oregon State University

Survival Basics: Stress Less

Survival Basics: Stress Less is a 6-page handout that explores mindfulness techniques to help you prepare to respond with resiliency before, during and throughout stressful times.

Fact SheetWinter Weather+10OR
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University of Illinois

Winter Storm Resource Center

Web collection of information with state and national outlinks to current weather conditions at local airports. Includes forecasts, warnings, and meteorological calculator.

Resource or Data CollectionWinter WeatherIL
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Lights Out Cooking: A 72-Hour Emergency Preparedness Cookbook

When the power goes out, Lights Out Cooking: A 72-Hour Emergency Preparedness Cookbook helps you make simple, nutritious meals for your family. Use this cookbook to help your family stay safe, fed, a…

Conferences and EventsWinter Weather+7NE
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University of Connecticut

Extreme Weather Preparedness for Livestock Operations

The digital version is available at https://publications.extension.uconn.edu/publication/extreme-weather-livestock/

Fact SheetWinter Weather+5CT
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University of Minnesota

Ice dams

ICE DAMS Discusses causes and prevention of new ice dams; remedies for existing ice dams; and health implications of a water-damaged home. For general public, extension educators, and building contra…

Scholarly WorkWinter WeatherMN
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Oregon State University

Cascadia Earthquake Preparedness

Be aware. Be prepared. The last Cascadia Subduction Zone event Magnitude 8.0 to 9.1 was on January 26, 1700 (more than 320 years ago), and they happen about every 280 to 350 years. It is time to get …

Planning GuideWinter Weather+11OR
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Purdue University

Pink Snow Mold

Describes the effects of pink snow mold on all cool-season turfgrasses, particularly creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass on golf courses.

Fact SheetWinter WeatherIN
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Oregon State University

No Power? No Problem: Tips to Help You Thrive in the Face of Disaster

This publication focuses on how residents can cope with the loss of power to their homes. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses are likely to lose power during a disaster, but there are many …

Fact SheetWinter Weather+9OR
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University of Georgia

Home Emergency Management Guide

Guide to help people prepare for emergencies and provide information to help them during and after the emergency.

ManualWinter Weather+7GA
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Purdue University

Winter Weather and Safety Resources

INPREPared developed this site for Extension Educators, news media, and other to quickly prepare news releases, PSA’s, and social media outreach when severe winter weather is predicted. In addition t…

WebsiteWinter Weather+1IN
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University of Minnesota

Extreme Weather Resources

Information and resources to help prepare for and recover from the effects of extreme weather, including damage to homes, buildings, crops and lawns, as well as tools for financial recovery.

WebsiteWinter Weather+7MN
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