Battling Draco: Everything You Need to Know to Survive West Des Moines' First Winter Storm of 2012

It’s been almost a decade since the Des Moines metro area saw as much snow in a single day as it did from Draco, he first major winter storm to hit West Des Moines in almsot two years.

The National Weather Service says West Des Moines received about 8 inches of snow, but locally higher amounts have been reported.

If you’ve become so accustomed to mild weather – and with only a couple of measurable snowfalls since the winter of 2010-2011, who hasn’t? – Patch put together this handy guide to everything you need to know to survive more typical Iowa winters. And by handy, we mean print it out and tape it to your refrigerator door.

How do I know when a snow parking ban is in effect in West Des Moines? The city announces on its website when the emergency snow parking ban is in effect. While you’re there, sign up to have a plethora of city-related notifications emailed to your inbox. We’ll also pass along weather-related notices from the city on West Des Moines Patch and through social media. Follow us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook.

How long do I have to shovel my sidewalks? All sidewalks adjacent to private property are the responsibility of the property owner. Property owners are given 24 hours after the end of a storm to do this. All complaint calls about private sidewalks not being shoveled that are received after the 24-hour period should be made to the Police Department Code Enforcement office at 222-3304.
Specific answers to snow and ice removal questions are found on the Public Works Department’s website. To report specific problems, use the city’s online service desk or call (515) 222-3480.

Getting Around Town: City crews are responsible for clearing more than 700 lane miles. As a matter of policy, West Des Moines aims to have arterial streets cleared by 4 a.m. in most storms; however, depending upon the severity of the storm, deviations may occur. All remaining streets and cul-de-sacs are the second priority, and alleys and parking lots are cleared last.

Getting Out of Town: Travel 511, a website hosted by the Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa State Patrol, provides real-time updates of travel conditions around the state. Content includes links to mobile phone apps also providing real-time updates, Twitter feeds and other helpful information.
Getting the Patch App: In a blizzard or wet, heavy snow, don’t trust your connection to Patch to a vulnerable power line. Download the mobile app for your iPhone or Android.

How do I report a power outage? Either establish an account at MidAmerican Energy Co., where you’ll be able to search for outages by city or county, or simply report an outage by phone: (800) 799-4443.

What you need to be aware of if you must be in the elements: Be Ready Iowa provides this guide to understanding some of the risks of exposure:

• Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can be permanently damaging. Symptoms include: loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and earlobes.
• Hypothermia can be brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 90°F. Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.
• If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person’s trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put the person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.
• Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine or alcohol in it.Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart. Both can hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.

The Polk County Department of Emergency Management also offers a plethora of information, including Weather Wise Jargon:

• Winter Weather Advisory - cold, ice and snow are expected.
• Winter Storm Watch - severe winter weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible within the next day or two.
• Winter Storm Warning - severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin.
• Blizzard Warning - heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill.
• Frost/Freeze Warning - below freezing temperatures are expected.

When people die because of winter weather, it is usually in:

• Traffic accidents
• Fire from improper use of heaters
• Over-exertion and exposure.

Staying safe in your home:

• Make sure your emergency supply kit is stocked and winter storm ready.
• Consider buying rock salt to melt ice on walkways and sand to improve traction.
• Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off.
• Consider emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove, kerosene heater, or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room of your house warm enough to be livable.
• If you have a fireplace, store a supply of firewood.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply. Insulate walls, attics, doors and windows.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.
• Do not overexert yourself or work outside for extended periods of time.
• Test your home for radon.

You should plan for sheltering at home in case of a big snow storm. To do this have ready:

• 1 gallon of water per person per day,
• Food and manual can opener,
• A week’s supply of prescription medication,
• A battery powered radio, with extra batteries,
• Extra batteries for hearing aids or other assistive devices,
• Flashlight with extra batteries,
• A list of contacts with family members, friends, doctors,
• and first aid supplies.
• Any items you normally use that you would need for 3 days should an emergency occur should also be included.
• If you have a pet, you will need 3 days supply of food and water for each pet.
• Staying Safe in Your Car:
• A winter kit for your car should include:
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Maps
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Necessary medications
• Tire repair kit
• Flares
• Several blankets
• Sleeping bags
• Extra newspapers for insulation
• Plastic bags (for sanitation)
• Matches
• Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap
• Rain gear and extra clothes
• Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels
• Small shovel
• Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
• Booster cables
• Set of tire chains or traction mats
• Cards, games, and puzzles
• Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
• Granola bars, canned fruit and nuts
• Non-electric can opener
• Bottled water