While the danger from winter weather varies from country to another, nearly all people, regardless of where they live, are likely to face severe winter storms at some point.
From a moderate snow to full scale blizzard, a storm's effect may last for days at a time including low temperatures, strong winds, icing, snow and freezing rain.
During a winter storm, people often die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. And so preparation is key to survival.
Here are some tips.
Prepare your emergency kit:
- Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
- Sufficient heating fuel (you may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove).
- Flashlights and batteries. Make sure you have good quality flashlights and lamps with fresh batteries.
- Blankets and warm clothing.
- Prescription medications. Like food, it is always wise to have enough to last you a few days.
Prepare a family communication plan:
Your family may not be all together when the severe storm strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another in cases of emergency.
Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
How to keep yourself warm during weather of low temperature:
- Before you settle in a nest of blankets, seal up any drafts, put towels at the bottom of any door that has a gap, or around loose windows. Close the curtains or pin a blanket up over them to keep the heat in.
- Dress in layers. Put on a thin layer of cotton clothing close to your skin, and cover as much as your body as you can, and wear a hood. You lose a lot of heat from the top of your head, so keep it covered.
- Stay in bed. Put as many covers as you have left over onto your bed, and hop in. Keeping your body heat in an enclosed space like the sheets will help you stay as warm as possible.
Stay updated on current information:
- Watch the news or listen to the radio
- Use social media platforms to stay updated
- If the landline service is down due to the weather, use SMS messaging
If a blizzard traps you in the car:
- Pull off the highway, turn on hazard lights.
- Remain inside your vehicle and do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.
- Run the engine and heater no longer than 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Make sure to open a downwind window for ventilation when the engine is running. This will protect you from potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat, and radio - with supply.
- Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
- Eat regularly and drink fluids to avoid dehydration, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Once the blizzard passes and you can see clearly outside, leave the car and proceed on foot.
How to set up your car for an emergency:
Place an emergency kit inside your car. This should include first aid supplies and other tools you deem necessary (flashlight, shovel, extra batteries, water, snack food, tow chain or rope, booster cables, emergency flares.)
To winterize your vehicle, check the following items:
• Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing. • Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
• Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
• Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
• Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
• Install good winter tires - Make sure the tires have adequate tread. Your vehicle must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
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