Winter storms in Western New York (WNY) are a force to be reckoned with, bringing blizzards, heavy snow, and icy conditions that can significantly disrupt daily life and pose serious safety risks. Understanding and heeding travel advisories, especially during a Travel Ban Wny, is crucial for your safety and the well-being of our community. These severe weather events increase the risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks due to overexertion. This guide provides essential information on how to stay safe during winter storms in WNY, with a focus on understanding and responding to travel bans.
If you or someone you know needs shelter during a winter storm, please call 2-1-1 immediately for assistance and to locate warming centers in your area.
Understanding Winter Storm Warnings and Travel Bans in WNY
When a winter storm warning is issued for Western New York, it signifies that severe winter weather conditions are expected. Local authorities, including county and city governments, may declare a travel ban WNY to restrict non-essential travel during the peak of the storm. A travel ban is put in place to:
- Ensure Public Safety: Limit the number of vehicles on roads, reducing accidents and allowing emergency services to operate effectively.
- Facilitate Snow Removal: Enable road crews to clear streets quickly and efficiently without navigating around traffic.
- Prevent Stranded Motorists: Reduce the risk of drivers becoming stranded in dangerous conditions, especially in rural areas or during whiteout conditions.
What to Do When a Travel Ban WNY is in Effect:
If you are under a winter storm warning and a travel ban WNY has been issued, it is imperative to take immediate action to ensure your safety:
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Find Shelter Immediately: If you are not already home, seek shelter right away. Call 211 to locate the nearest warming shelter if needed.
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Stay Off the Roads: This is the most critical directive during a travel ban WNY. Do not drive unless it is a dire emergency and you are authorized essential personnel.
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Clear Exterior Vents: Ensure exterior exhaust and furnace vents are clear of snow and ice to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
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Stay Indoors and Dress Warmly: Stay inside your home and have layers of warm clothing readily available.
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Bring Pets Inside: Protect your pets by bringing them indoors. They are also susceptible to cold weather dangers.
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Monitor Emergency Information: Listen to local news, radio, or use official apps for emergency information and alerts regarding the travel ban WNY and storm updates.
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Locate Utilities: Know the location of electrical boxes and water shut-off valves in your home in case of emergencies.
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Prepare for Power Outages: Winter storms can cause power outages. Have flashlights, batteries, and a backup power source if possible.
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Use Generators Safely: If using a generator, operate it OUTSIDE ONLY and away from windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Watch for Hypothermia and Frostbite: Be vigilant for signs of hypothermia and frostbite in yourself and others. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear. Learn more about hypothermia and frostbite.
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Check on Neighbors: If it is safe to do so (and not violating the travel ban WNY if you are on foot and nearby), check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to ensure they are safe and warm.
Staying Informed During Winter Storms in WNY
Access to timely and accurate information is vital during winter storms and travel ban WNY situations. Utilize these resources to stay informed:
- Ready Erie App: Download the free Ready Erie App for notifications, emergency shelter locations, evacuation maps, and preparedness planning tools specific to Erie County.
- BUFFALERT System: Sign up for the City of Buffalo BUFFALERT System to receive emergency alerts and severe weather warnings directly impacting Buffalo and surrounding areas.
- Local Media: Listen to commercial radio and television stations for the latest winter weather updates, including information on travel ban WNY status and conditions.
Emergency Preparedness: Plan Ahead and Build Your Kits
Proactive preparation is key to weathering winter storms safely, especially when a travel ban WNY might be implemented.
Make a Plan
Develop and practice an emergency plan for your household. This plan should include:
- Emergency Alerts: How you will receive alerts and warnings, including notifications about travel ban WNY.
- Evacuation Plan: While less common in winter storms, know your evacuation routes in case of other emergencies.
- Communication: How you will communicate with family and friends if separated.
- Emergency Kits: Ensure your emergency kits are updated and readily accessible.
Learn how to make a plan before an emergency. Resources are available in multiple languages.
Build Emergency Kits
Having well-stocked emergency kits for your home and car is essential for self-sufficiency during a winter storm and travel ban WNY.
Home Emergency Kit
Emergency home kit
- Build a comprehensive emergency kit for your home.
- Establish a food pantry and consider using the Emergency Eats Cookbook for meal ideas during power outages.
- Maintain a supply of necessary medications and first-aid supplies.
- Keep warm clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags readily available.
- Have a portable radio, flashlights, and ample extra batteries.
- Exchange contact information with neighbors to support each other during emergencies.
- Find more items to include in your home kit.
Resources for home kit preparation are available in multiple languages.
Car Emergency Kit
Emergency car kit
While the goal during a travel ban WNY is to avoid driving, having a car emergency kit is crucial for general winter driving safety:
- Build an emergency kit for your car.
- Maintain a full gas tank during winter months.
- Ensure your vehicle has tires with good tread for winter conditions.
- Know how to use jumper cables and keep them in your car.
- Never drive through flooded areas.
- If a power line falls on your car, stay inside and wait for trained professionals to remove it.
- Discover more items to include in your car kit.
Car kit resources are also available in multiple languages.
Health Effects of Extreme Winter Cold
Extreme winter cold, especially when combined with wind chill, can pose serious risks to your health. Understanding these risks is important for taking preventative measures, especially during a travel ban WNY when outdoor exposure may be unavoidable in some situations.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning: A Silent Danger
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly. It is produced by burning fuel in various devices. CO can build up indoors to dangerous levels quickly.
Symptoms of CO poisoning can be mistaken for the flu:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
If you suspect CO poisoning, get to fresh air immediately and call 911. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially near sleeping areas. Learn more information about CO and CO poisoning.
Vulnerable Groups During Winter Storms
Certain populations are more vulnerable to the dangers of winter storms and may require additional support, particularly during a travel ban WNY:
- Seniors: May have difficulty maintaining body heat and may be more isolated.
- Pets: Susceptible to cold and require indoor shelter.
- Homeless Individuals: Lack adequate shelter and are at extreme risk.
- People With Disabilities: May have mobility or communication challenges.
- Individuals with Chronic Diseases: Conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, kidney disease, and multiple sclerosis can be exacerbated by cold weather. Ensure you have sufficient medication and follow your doctor’s advice.
Conclusion: Winter Safety is a Community Effort in WNY
Winter storms and travel ban WNY situations require community cooperation and individual preparedness. By staying informed, preparing your home and car, understanding the risks, and heeding travel advisories, you can protect yourself and contribute to the safety of Western New York. Always prioritize safety and check local alerts before venturing out during winter weather. For more resources and information, consult the additional links provided by Erie County and the City of Buffalo.
