Winter storms tend to move from West to East and can produce strong winds, heavy snowfall, freezing rain and bitterly cold temperatures as they impact a given area. Heavy snow and ice can make the roads very treacherous and interrupt the power supply.
Do:
- Eat and drink. Food gives your body energy to produce heat. Drinking fluids helps keep you hydrated.
- Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chill.
- If you have to travel in a snow storm, do it by day, and make sure to let people know where you are going. Otherwise, stay inside and wait it out.
- If you are in your car, stay there. To keep warm, run the motor about ten minutes each hour for heat. Open the window a crack to bring in fresh air every so often.
- Tie a red or other bright cloth to your car for rescuers.
Don’t:
- Don't go outside in a blizzard. If you absolutely have to, dress for it, and tie a rope between buildings so you don’t get lost.
- If your caught outside, don’t eat snow: it will lower your body temperature. Melt it before you drink it.
- Don't try to drive in a snow storm. Disorientation can happen quickly.
- Don't try to walk home. Stay with your car. Otherwise you could get lost.
- Don't over-exert yourself shovelling snow after the storm.
