In 1923, Clarence Birdseye discovered the value of freezing when he accidentally left some food outdoors during a nasty storm in Alaska. Today, lots of people make discoveries as a result of surprise winter storms. Things like being snowed in, frozen pipes, car accidents and a few fractures due to skids, slips and falls on ice. It's no secret that severe winter weather can threaten your home and your safety. But, you can avoid winter surprises with a weather radio that is tuned to the national weather service by learning some winter weather advisories. A winter storm watch tells you heavy weather is on the way. A storm warning means bad weather is only hours away. Specific advisories help you prepare. A blizzard warning indicates winds of 35 miles per hour or more, with blowing snow and limited visibility. Others, such as for severe wind chill, sleet, freezing rain and fog, tell you what to prepare for.