Surviving a blizzard!

Surviving a blizzard

A blizzard can happen within minutes and turn a perfectly calm day into the North Pole. So whether you’re in the car or camping or in your house always refrain from getting on the road again till the sun comes up.A blizzard is most commonly undercooked because they only occur in winter season and it’s a common occurrence for people to experience snowfall. It’s a daily routine for them to go to work, clearing out the snow and playing in the snow. However Snowstorms can be quite brutal at times and cause severe injuries and complications if they aren’t treated with precautionary measures. The problem with people is that they are easily fooled into a false sense of security when something is a normal day occurrence. Now tsunamis for example are something people may fear because that’s a natural disaster that doesn’t happen every day. But in winters it snows consecutively for weeks so people think that this isn’t something harmful.

No matter how advanced technology may have become there still always room for error. You can’t control the weather nor can you predict it with absolute surety. Hence Always be prepared for the worst to happen. In my article below I have mentioned a few tips to help your prepare and get through a snowstorm or blizzard if it catches you if guard.

Food and water

In winters always make sure you have extra food supplies that can last a few days. You don’t know when the storm is going to end and how long you’re going to be trapped in your house. If you’re going to wait till the last moment and head out right before the storm or during the storm then might as well take clothes and a blanket with you because you’re not coming back.

Heat source

If your home has fireplaces ensure you know how to utilize it securely. At the point when a winter storm warning is issued keep enough firewood inside to keep going for a couple of days.  If you have generators make certain to have enough fuel to keep it running for a couple of days. Keep the generator totally outside, not indoors. Running a generator inside can bring about carbon monoxide poisoning and death.

Think everything through

One thing you’ll need if a snowstorm or blizzard hits is running water. Water channels tend to freeze in temperatures beneath 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Prevent this by wrapping your pipes with foam protection. In the event that the temperature is dropping leave your taps running just a bit, enough for minimal drops of water to fall so not a lot of water is wasted.

Avoid leaving the house

Do not attempt to leave your home in any condition. If you need to check up on a neighbor or a friend that’s nearby maybe 5 minutes away then that’s sort of okay. But don’t attempt to be Rambo and start searching for everyone making sure their good because it’s a waste of time. You won’t find them and chances are that you may get lost to.

Stay hydrated

Drink loads of water in the event you don’t have electricity and no access to heat for a long period

Shoveling

Recent studies and surveys have shown that people die from heart attacks every year while shoveling the snow out of their driveways. The reason being people may not realize it but snow is pretty heavy specially when you’re just lifting up heaps of it at once and chucking it out of the way. For people who are over 40 or not physically active and do not visit the gym it’s unhealthy when you start lifting up 50 pounds of snow at once. Your heart isn’t used to that much load being out on it. It’s recommended you take help from neighbors or take it slowly and steadily.

However these tips for when your safely surrounded by the walls of your house and your right next to the comfort of your family. However many people often get stranded during a storm and have no clue what to do. So here are a few things you should follow when you’re out on the road during winters.

Wait out the storm

If you have gone camping or you’re on the road and massive chunks of snow start falling on you than it’s a waste of time trying to get away. Do not send a person out for help and don’t try to be Sherlock and think of cheeky ways to get home. Simply stay in your car and wait for the storm to pass. Make sure you keep starting your engine every few minutes. Don’t turn your car of for a long time, because it won’t start because of the extreme cold. Your engine won’t get the heat it needs to start up.

Never leave your house empty handed

In winters never leave your house empty handed, even if you just have to make a quick run to the grocery store which is 5 minutes away.  What if the storm hits, you don’t want to be stranded out there with no food, water or emergency supplies now do you? Carry a first aid kit and a bug out bag with you even if you don’t use it. Keep one separately just for the car. You don’t know how long or for how many days you’re going to be stuck, and in that severe temperature you have very minimal chances of surviving without food and fluids.

Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear

Check to make sure your exhaust pipe does not have any snow accumulated around it or inside of it. A sealed car can cause carbon monoxide to build up and cause poisoning and death.

Change out wet clothing

If you have a bit of snow on yourself and your clothes are wet, then its urgent you change. This is because frostbites can happen easily and you need to keep your body warm.

Author Bio:

Barney Whistance is a passionate Finance, Heavy Machinery and Lifestyle blogger who loves to write about prevailing trends. You can find him using Twitter and LinkedIn.