During the winter, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds individuals to be prepared for winter storms and extreme cold. While the danger of severe winter weather varies across the country, everyone can benefit by taking a few easy steps now to prepare for emergencies.

Make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a winter storm hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm or warning is issued. Terms used to describe a winter storm hazard include the following:

Freezing rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
Winter Weather Advisory means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
Winter Storm Warning means that severe weather conditions have begun or will begin very soon.

For further information about winter weather preparedness, go to the following FEMA sites:

Checklist to Use Before a Winter Storm or Extreme Cold 

Checklist to Use During a Winter Storm