Winter Storms

❄️ Winter Storms & Extreme Cold Preparedness

South Orange Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

South Orange residents are no strangers to harsh winter weather. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can cause serious disruptions and safety hazards. Use this guide to prepare your household, protect your property, and stay safe.

🧭 Getting Prepared

🗺️ Know the Terms

Stay familiar with key winter weather alerts:

  • Winter Storm Watch: Possible winter weather within 48 hours
  • Winter Storm Warning: Hazardous weather is expected
  • Wind Chill Advisory/Warning: Dangerous cold with risk of frostbite/hypothermia

📻 Stay Informed

  • Purchase a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries.
  • Sign up for South Orange Alerts

🧤 Prepare Your Home

  • Stock rock salt or pet-safe ice melt and sand for traction.
  • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel for oil, propane, or wood systems.
  • Maintain an alternate heat source (e.g., fireplace, kerosene heater) with proper fuel and ventilation.
  • Insulate walls and attics and install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.
  • Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows to retain heat.

🚗 Winterize Your Vehicle

  • Check antifreeze levels and use snow tires or chains.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full.
  • Carry a winter car emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, flashlight, shovel, ice scraper, and jumper cables.

🌨️ During a Winter Storm

  • Monitor weather updates via TV, radio, or the South Orange website.
  • Dress in layers of loose, lightweight, warm clothing.
  • Wear mittens instead of gloves, and always wear a hat.
  • Avoid overexertion while shoveling snow.

⚠️ Health Watch

  • Frostbite Signs: Numbness, pale skin, stiffness — seek immediate medical help.
  • Hypothermia Signs: Confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness — seek emergency care.

🔥 Heating Safety

  • Refuel kerosene heaters outdoors, and keep them at least 3 feet from anything flammable.
  • Keep ventilation open when using:
    • Gas lanterns
    • Kerosene heaters
    • Portable stoves
  • Never use charcoal grills or gas BBQs indoors — they produce deadly carbon monoxide.
  • Plug generators directly into appliances, not your home’s electrical system.

💡 Tip: Leave one light switch turned on so you’ll know when power is restored.

🚘 Caught in Your Car During a Blizzard?

  • Pull over safely, turn on hazard lights, and hang a bright cloth or distress flag from the antenna.
  • Run the engine 10 minutes per hour for heat, keeping a window cracked and the exhaust pipe clear of snow.
  • Stay inside unless absolutely necessary. Huddle with passengers, move around to stay warm.
  • Conserve battery power — don’t run interior lights or radio continuously.
  • Once conditions improve, proceed carefully or await rescue.

🐾 If You Have Pets

Include pets in your emergency planning. Create a pet survival kit with:

  • Collar, leash, ID tags, and proof of vaccination
  • Pet medications (check expiration dates)
  • Carrier or crate
  • Food and water (2-week supply minimum)
  • Waste supplies (newspapers, trash bags)
  • Veterinary records (needed for boarding or shelters)

Remember: Most emergency shelters do not allow pets without proof of vaccinations.