Introduction
Blizzards can occur at any time of the year and often bring high winds, low visibility, and heavy snowfall. They can last for several hours or even days, leaving communities cut off from essential supplies and services.
If you live in an area that is prone to blizzards, it is important to be prepared in case you find yourself without power. Below are some tips on how to survive a blizzard without power.
- Dress in layers: Wear loose-fitting, layered clothing to stay warm. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon will insulate your body better than natural fibers such as cotton.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty. Dehydration can occur more easily in cold weather because your body does not need as much water to stay cool.
- Eat high-energy foods: Eating foods that are high in calories will help your body generate heat. Good options include nuts, peanut butter, dried fruit, and granola bars.
- Limit your activity: If possible, rest instead of engaging in activities that will make you sweat. Sweating will cause your body to lose heat more quickly.
- Close off unused rooms: If you have a multi-room house, close off any rooms that are not being used to conserve heat. At night, sleeping in one room together as a family to stay Warmth reduces the risk of hypothermia — a condition that occurs when your body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).
- FEMA also recommends having emergency supplies on hand in case you lose power during a blizzard. These supplies should include enough food and water for each person in your family for three days, as well as a battery-operated radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
Tips for Before the Blizzard
A blizzard is a severe winter storm characterized by strong sustained winds of at least 35 mph and heavy snowfalls of at least three inches. Blizzards can create whiteout conditions, making travel very dangerous. If you find yourself in the middle of a blizzard, follow these tips to stay safe:
-Find shelter immediately. If you are in your car, pull over and stay put. Do not try to outdrive a blizzard.
-If you are outside, look for a nearby building where you can take refuge. Otherwise, make a makeshift shelter out of whatever materials you have on hand, such as a tarp or blanket.
-Once you are in the shelter, stay there. Do not go back out into the storm until it has passed.
-If possible, disconnect all electrical appliances so they don’t become overloaded when power is restored.
-If the power goes out, conserve heat by closing off rooms you are not using and covering windows with blankets or newspapers.
-Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy in case you need to signal for help or navigate in the dark.
-You may need to ration food and water if services are disrupted for an extended period of time.
Tips for During the Blizzard
A blizzard is an extreme weather event that can bring high winds, cold temperatures, and heavy snowfall. If you live in an area that is prone to blizzards, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips for surviving a blizzard without power:
-if possible, stay with friends or family who have power
-stock up on non-perishable food items
-have plenty of bottled water on hand
-dress in layers of warm clothing
-use battery-operated lanterns or flashlights for light
-keep a Radio tuned to your local emergency station for updates
Tips for After the Blizzard
After a blizzard, it is common for people to experience power outages. This can be a major inconvenience, especially if the power is out for an extended period of time. Here are some tips to help you survive a blizzard without power:
-Stay warm: Dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Wear mittens or gloves and a hat or scarf to cover your head and face.
-Eat regularly: Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day. Avoid foods that require refrigeration.
-Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
-Keep informed: Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for updates on the storm and power outage.
-Keep your mobile phones charged: Charge your mobile phones and laptops before the storm hits, and only use them when necessary to conserve battery power.
-Stay inside: Stay inside as much as possible to stay warm. If you must go outside, dress warmly and take breaks often to avoid hypothermia or frostbite.
-Be cautious with generator use: If you are using a portable generator, be sure to follow all safety instructions. Do not use generators indoors or near open windows where carbon monoxide can enter your home.