Snow Storm Safety (2024)

FAQs

Snow Storm Safety? ›

Stay indoors during the storm. If you must go outside wear several layers of lightweight clothing, including gloves, a hat and a scarf to cover your mouth and protect your lungs. Know the hazards of wind chill. Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.

The weight of snow can cause roofs to collapse and knock down trees and power lines. Homes and farms may be isolated for days and unprotected livestock may be lost. In the mountains, heavy snow can lead to avalanches.

Drinks lots of water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcholohic drinks to prevent dehydration. Cold air is very dry. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.

The NWS advises not to leave your vehicle to walk for help during a blizzard. You could get disoriented. You should run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat, it says, but open the window a crack for fresh air.

Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead. A good following distance is about eight to 10 seconds from the other vehicle, depending on your tire tread, weight of your vehicle, road slope, amount of snow on the road, and visibility. You may want even more.

With a population of almost 300,000 people the city of Aomori in Japan is known as the snowiest city in the world with an average of 312 inches falling every year - that's 26 feet of snow!

Staying inside your vehicle is an important way to survive a snowstorm in your car. Your vehicle provides the most effective protection against both the effects of the cold weather (such as hypothermia and frostbite) and against the danger of being struck and injured by another vehicle.

If you're stuck, stay in the car unless help is visible within 100 metres. Keep warm by running the engine and heater every 10 minutes. Ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow or you could be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and open a downwind window for ventilation.

During a blizzard or snowstorm, when temperatures are below freezing, a person can only survive for about three hours without shelter from wind and moisture, two of the ways a person's body loses heat.

How can you be safe in a snowstorm? ›

These storms can cause transportation, heat, power, and communication disruptions. They also can close schools, stores, and workplaces. Winters are getting warmer and shorter because of the climate crisis. But, because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, heavier snowfalls are more likely to occur.

Choose foods like energy bars and protein and fruit bars not requiring refrigeration or freezing, said Sands, who trains students in disaster and emergency preparedness. Dry cereal, granola, peanut butter, dried fruit and non-perishable pasteurized milk are also good to have as you hunker down.

Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket; inner layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots. Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches. Learn safety precautions to follow when outdoors. Work slowly when doing outside chores.