Winter Is Here

A blizzard is a severe snowstorm that lasts 3-4 hours, produces large amounts of snow, below-freezing temperatures, and winds over 35 MPH. The combination of the blowing snow from the hard winds creates low visibility, making dangerous, difficult road conditions. The low temperatures put people at risk of freezing to death. On average, the US will experience 19 blizzards a year. Meteorologists can predict one as it is forming days in advance by looking at the atmospheric conditions of the area. Here are some tips if you find out one is coming your way.

Blizzard Survival Supplies

If a blizzard is heading your way, be prepared to be stuck at home for a couple of days. Have at least a week’s worth of food and water on hand. If you take medications, make sure you have enough to last you. Be sure to charge your phone along with a couple of extra battery packs. Make sure each person in your home has two properly fitted hats and sets of gloves/mittens. Blackouts are normal, so have a safe alternative heat source ready to go in the event of one. Get a sturdy snow shovel and rock salt to clean up afterward. Get a traction mat or kitty litter to get your car out of the snow.

An Advisory, Watch, And A Warning

The best way to prepare for a blizzard is to know when it will arrive in your area. Meteorologists often announce it in levels. An Advisory is when snow, sleet, and/or freezing rain will cause an inconvenience in your daily activities. A Watch means the conditions are possible in the next three days, but things are still uncertain if a storm will form. A Warning is issued when the heavy snow starts occurring or will occur in the next 36 hours. Heavy snow usually means 6 inches in the next 12 hours and 8 inches in the next 24 hours. If you live in the mountains, it is 8 inches in 12 hours and 12 inches in 24 hours.

During The Blizzard

Blizzards will be a bug-in situation, meaning you’ll be staying indoors for a very long time. They can last anywhere from three hours to a week, so you’ll need things to do. Now would be a good time to bust out the Rainy Day Box. If you don’t have one, make one before the storm hits by visiting https://vocal.media/lifehack/making-a-speciality-kit. Stock up on warm beverage mixes like hot cocoa packets or tea bags to watch the snow come down like you would the rain. Brew a pot of your favorite soup or chili. Have a movie marathon or binge-watch your favorite show while you still have power. Get caught up on your reading or enjoy a puzzle.

Non-Snow Related Emergencies

Two things that will cause problems for your family besides the actual storm will be blackouts and ice. For a blackout have extra blankets and an alternative heating source to stay warm. Don’t call the power company repeatedly as this will only slow them down. Only call to report down lines in your area. After the storm, be careful walking outside to prevent slipping on ice. Everywhere you step, put salt down. When finished, wash your hands or gloves/mittens to prevent getting sick from the chemicals in it. If you don’t have rock salt, then use sand, kitty litter, or sugar beet juice in place of it.

Shoveling Snow

Once the storm breaks, you’ll need to head outside to begin the tedious task of removing the snow from your walks and driveway. You’ll want to do this while the snow is still fresh as it’ll be light then. Wear several layers of clothing and ice spikes to stay safe. Treat this like you would any other exercise by stretching beforehand. Pace yourself by taking frequent breaks. Bend at the knees, not your back, to prevent muscle strains. Only fill the shovel blade halfway. If using a snow blower, wear proper eye and ear protection. While shoveling, watch for signs of frostbite, hypothermia, and a heart attack. Signs of a heart attack are:

• Chest pain and tightness
• Excessive sweating
• Pain in the left arm, back, and neck
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Winter First Aid

The two most common medical emergencies during and after a blizzard are frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is when your skin and the underlying tissue begin to freeze. In low temperatures, it only takes 30 minutes for exposed skin to become frostbitten. Warning signs of frostbite are pain, numbness, and tingling skin that looks hard and feels stiff. To treat, warm the areas slowly under a warm tap for 30 minutes or until they feel normal. Hypothermia is when your body loses heat faster than it can produce. While waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive, you will need to warm up the patient slowly.