Winter Weather

Learn about winter weather risks, and how to keep you and your family safe from extreme winter weather conditions. 

• Be Prepared (PDF) Basic Winter Weather Safety Tips.
• Dressing for Cold Weather   National Weather Service link to pdf document.
• Learn How to Avoid, Spot, and Treat Frostbite and Hypothermia.
• Winter Weather Awareness - National Weather Service. Winter Weather Awareness Week.   When visiting the site, be sure to click on each day of the week for additional winter weather safety information made available during the winter weather awareness week.
• Winter Weather Definitions (PDF)   Learn important severe winter weather terms such as watch, warning, blizzard, wind chill, and more.
• Winter Weather Safety - National Weather Service
  
• Snow Storms and Extreme Cold 
  Learn what actions to take when you receive a winter weather storm alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a snowstorm or extreme cold.
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Protect Your Family.   Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a common by-product of appliances that run flammable fuel. CO is caused from incomplete combustion of any type of fuel. CO can be emitted from furnaces, hot water heaters, space heaters, gas ranges, ovens, and dryers, and exhaust from running vehicles. A clogged chimney or improper venting can cause problems as well.
• Road Conditions - Click Here - or Call 511.  Visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation travel information map before traveling. Know the road conditions!
• Snow Removal - Snow Emergency Route Information
  Take this link to Bismarck Public Works snow emergency route map and snow removal priorities.
• Wind Chill Chart -  National Weather Service
• Winter Weather Travel Tips - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Winter Weather Tips for Traveling - "Getting Traction"  

Walk Like a Penguin - when the sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots are icy.  

• Walk flat-footed and take short steps.
• Spread your feet slightly, and point your toes outward somewhat, like a penguin.
• Keep your knees relaxed or loos (don't lock your knees)
• Keep your center of gravity over your front leg.   Bend slightly forward
• Walk slowly.  "Waddle" to keep yourself upright
• Extend arms out at your sides to help maintain balance.

  

Walking like a penguin is recommended by the medical community including Mayo Clinic and Sanford Health:

• Walk Like a Penguin:  Sanford Health article
• Walk Like a Penguin:  Mayo Clinic article