Full Notification

Sheriff Greg Solano and Undersheriff Robert Garcia want to remind you to be prepared for winter weather. In 2007 snow storms in Santa Fe County stranded many in their homes for 3-4 days. Many were unprepared for the weather and the Sheriff's Office along with other responders provided food, shelter, supplies and evacuations for hundreds. During times like this emergency response can be delayed and may be unneeded if residents are prepared for possible heavy snow or other natural disasters. Remember that electricity could be knocked out for days and you should be prepared for such emergencies. Those with livestock should have adequate feed for at least 3 days on hand at all times. Here are some tips for winter weather.


1. Dressing for cold weather:

Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight
clothing.
Wear mittens instead of gloves. Wear a hat.
Remember that entrapped, insulating air, warmed by
body heat is the best protection from the cold.

2. Avoid Overexertion:

The strain from cold temperatures and heavy labor such as shoveling, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow may cause a heart attack in older and less physically fit individuals.

3. Winterize Your Vehicle Early:

Be prepared against the first blast of winter. Avoid automobile gas line freeze ups by keeping your tank greater than half full at all times.
Make sure that your car has adequate antifreeze.
Make sure that your tires have good traction and are inflated to the right pressure.
Make sure that your heater and defroster work properly.
Make sure that your battery is not more than 3 years old and that it can carry a full charge.
Make sure that you have a good ice scraper.

4. Carry a Winter-Survival Safety Kit in your vehicle:

Bring along blankets and a bright piece of cloth to tie on your antenna if you become stranded.
Flashlight with spare batteries.
Extra change of clothing to keep dry.
Non-perishable foods such as candy bars, canned goods, or high calorie food like Power Bars.
A can and waterproof matches (used to melt snow for drinking water).
A compass, shovel and sand, tow rope, and jumper cables.

5. Before traveling:

Check the latest forecast for Current Weather!
Check the latest road conditions before you head out into Winter weather.
Let someone know where you are going and when you think you will reach your destination.

During icy conditions there may be minor traffic accidents. To avoid delays without need of police assistance, drivers should get the following information:

A. Names

B. Addresses (residence and business)

C. Phone numbers (residence and business)

D. Driver's license numbers

E. Vehicle make, model and color

F. Vehicle license plate numbers

G. Insurance information (company name, policy number)

6. If you become stranded in your vehicle during a
Winter storm:

Stay in your car, truck, or minivan.
Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat.
Maintain proper ventilation by making sure the exhaust pipe is not plugged.
Leave the windows open slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or door handle.
Turn on the dome light at night, but only when running the engine.

7. At home, do the following before Winter becomes a
reality:

Have your furnace checked before you need to use it.
Seal any windows that you suspect allow cold air into the house with caulking or plastic.
Include a home safety kit that includes extra non-perishable food, medicine, and a battery operated radio.
Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy.
Keep candles and matches handy for extended periods of electrical loss.

Pets should be kept inside if possible. As an alternative, increasing their food by at least 50 percent will help them generate more heat.

Ensure you have medications, food, candles, water and other essentials in amounts adequate to last 3 or more days. Many times people can be snowed in for days at a time.

8. If you lose heat in your home:

Seal off any unused rooms by stuffing towels or rags in the cracks under the door.
Cover the windows with blankets or sheets at night if you have some extras available.
Use only devices that are designed for heating indoors during as emergency heat source and handle all safety precautions.

Be careful when using a space heater. Set the heater at least three feet from anything combustible and don't let clothing get too close to the heater.

Do not use kitchen ovens, stoves or barbecue pits as heaters.

9. Install and test smoke alarms in your home:

Have fire extinguishers checked to combat an accidental fire due to the use of alternative heat sources.