Blizzards and Winter Weather

Blizzards and Winter Weather Related Information:

Those of us that live in warm climates tend to take the sizzling summers and mild winters for granted. However, there are cities and countries all around the world that can suffer really severe winter, with blizzards and freezing temperatures causing chaos and destruction. Sub-zero temperatures, ice, snow, hail and snowstorms can cause illness injury, death and destruction in many places.

Winter weather can pose a series of dangers, not least of all treacherous walking and driving conditions and freezing temperatures that can cause all manner of illnesses. Black ice on the roads results in numerous car accidents each year, and the freezing temperatures can destroy crops, kill wildlife and other animals, and cause costly damage in homes.

However, one of the most feared and dangerous aspects of winter weather is the blizzard. Blizzards are very heavy snowstorms that are accompanied with fierce and freezing winds. Each year, many people die in their homes, their cars and on the streets from hypothermia caused by the freezing temperatures and fierce blizzards. Others die in car accidents caused be the treacherous roads as they try to make their way home through the hazardous weather conditions. Even building and structures suffer damage caused by the bellowing winds that accompany these blizzards.

It is important for residents of areas that are prone to severe winter weather conditions to be vigilant during the cold season. Winter storm watches can provide valuable notice of impending seasonal storms, giving you time to prepare and stock up before the hazardous weather arrives. Winter storm warnings and blizzard warnings are usually to advise that the weather conditions are on their way and that you should take shelter in preparation.

It is vital for people that live on areas normally affected by severe winter weather to be fully prepared. Blizzards and snowstorms can affect essential services such as gas, electricity and phones. You should therefore ensure that you have a back-up plan. Prepare your home for winter weather by ensuring that you have easy access to the following:

• Plenty of packaged food and bottled water (as you may not be able to get out and about to buy more food)
• Flashlight and batteries
• Essentials such as toilet paper, medicines, baby supplies etc.
• A first aid kit
• A back-up heating supply
• Blankets and warm clothes
• A portable radio with batteries

Also, make sure that your car is equipped to deal with winter weather by having your tyres checked regularly and keeping the antifreeze tank and water topped up. Keep your gas topped up in case you run out or it freezes during the colder weather. Also keep some essential supplies in your car in case you get stranded, such as:

• Blankets or warm clothes, and boots
• Flashlight and batteries
• Portable radio and batteries
• A tool kit
• Tinned or packaged food with plenty of energy, along with a tin opener
• Water
• Compass and road map
• Matches with which to melt the water if necessary

Winter weather can be extremely severe in some areas, and it is vital that you prepare for it as you would any other emergency. The last thing you want in severe conditions is to find yourself stranded and frozen. By taking the proper precautions and exercising some common sense and advance planning, you can help to ensure that the winter weather and blizzards do not get the better of you, and that you and your family are kept as safe as possible.