What is a Winter Storm?
Winter storm means a weather disturbance involving a combination of snow and sleet, freezing rain as well as strong gusts of wind. These storms can lead to poor road conditions, intermittent electricity blackouts and freezing weather. Knowledge about the effects of winter storms is very important if one is to survive this seasonal hazard.
Types of Winter Storms
Snowstorms
One of the most frequent forms of winter storms is a snowstorm. They bring lots of snow and at times cause very poor visibility and hence movement from one place to another is very challenging. The thicknesses of accumulations vary from the order of an inch to the order of a few feet.
Blizzards
Blizzards are snowstorms with frequent gusts of wind exceeding 35 miles per hour and poor visibility that lasts for three hours or more. These conditions make blizzards especially dangerous.
Ice Storms
An ice storm takes place when a layer of ice forms on the surface of the earth. This may cause slippery roads, downed trees and even electrical power loss.
Preparing for a Winter Storm
Monitor Weather Updates
Get appropriate and accurate information about weather from media or other weather related information centers. Allow yourself to be aware of winter storm warning, watch or advisory in your region.
Stock Emergency Supplies
The important items to have to prepare for are water, non perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. Do not forget warm clothes and blankets are desirable items.
Winterize Your Home
It recommended wrapping pipes around your house backyard with insulating materials to avoid their freezing, close spaces between windows and doors to avoid heat to escape, and confirm that the heating system in place is well functional.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Make sure you have your winter emergency kit in your car at all times and this includes a snow scraper, jumper cables, sand or cat litter and a spare tire.
Surviving During a Winter Storm
Stay Indoors
If at all possible, the meal should be eaten while inside the house during the winter storm. Stay off the road in bad weather to avoid facing harsh weather and other bad conditions on the road.
Use Safe Heating Methods
Accommodation should use space heaters with precautions to avoid the materials that can easily catch fire. Never use any of the outdoor appliances such as grills or generators indoors since they emit CO.
Dress in Layers
Put on light-colored bulky clothing to keep warm in layers in order to trap heat. Protect your personal parts which are most prone to frostbite by wearing gloves, hat, and scarves.
Limit Outdoor Exposure
Cold injury particularly frostbite and hypothermia are conditions that can develop very fast when exposed to cold climate. As much as possible avoid going outside, if you do, ensure that you use minimal time and put on the appropriate attire.
Staying Safe After the Storm
Clear Snow Safely
Exercise while shoveling in moderation because if one gets exhausted, his/her heart will have to work harder. Take breaks often, and use your hands to push snow rather than to move it.
Check on Neighbors
Check on elderly or any other neighbor who you might think needs help or are in need of some assistance.
Inspect Your Property
Search for signs of ruin because of heavy snow, as much as ice as well. If you have any roofs or gutters you should try to clear them and remove the ice that has accumulated to avoid damaging your house.
Winter Storm Safety Tips for Drivers
Drive Cautiously
When it is inevitable to drive, it is appropriate to drive slow and keep off the principle of car distances. Black ice is usually not seen so be wary.
Stay in Your Vehicle
If you find yourself stuck, it is advisable to stay inside the automobile. Use periodically for warming, but it is necessary to clear the exhaust to avoid leakage of carbon monoxide.
Signal for Help
One may use a red cloth or flick the hazard lights in order to inform the nearby drivers that they need help.
The Long-Term Effects of Winter Storms
Economic Impact
Winter storms have the potential to bring extensive economic losses ranging from disruption of transportation networks to damage to infrastructure.
Health Risks
Cold weather harms human health by resulting in serious conditions that include hypothermia and frostbite.
Environmental Consequences
Importantly it is seen that excessive amounts of snow and ice may harm the practices of species and in the same way harm the geography.
Conclusion
Winter storms as they are require preparedness, proactive monitoring as well as flexibility. Knowing all the threats will help you to prevent them from happening and will keep you safe and your dear ones as well. Be wary, be prepared and most of all be safe when going out during the winter season at the end of the work day.
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