More often than not, a snowfall results in an enjoyable winter wonderland. But not always. Just like weather during any other time of the year when tornados, floods, and dangerous thunderstorms may result, wintertime weather can also turn deadly.
And just as you’d want to be prepared to take the proper action and precautions during other severe weather events, it’s wise to do the same for severe wintertime weather. But wintertime weather is different from the extreme weather events that occur during other times of the year. So preparing for severe winter weather is also bit different.
The Department of Homeland Security offers some tips and suggestions for staying safe during winter weather events. They offer very detailed instructions grouped into three classifications: before, during, and after winter storm events.
You’d be wise to go here to read the DHS’s detailed recommendations for handling severe wintertime weather. But in a nutshell, here’s what they recommend:
Before Winter Weather
Preparing for winter weather involves making sure that you have plenty of the right kinds of supplies on hand, assuring that your car is properly prepared, and making certain that everyone in the family knows how to react.
Action tips include:
- Creating a stockpile supply of food and essentials
- Making certain there’s plenty of snow and ice removal equipment at hand
- Assuring plenty of heating fuel, blankets, and warm clothing
- Protecting pets from the extreme weather
- Winterizing vehicles
- Winterizing your home
- Assuring you have access to warnings and updates from NOAA weather radio, or commercial broadcasts over radio or TV
During Winter Weather
Staying safe during a winter weather event largely involves staying warm, staying dry, and avoiding overexertion during snow removal activities (a common cause of death during winter weather).
Action tips include:
- Staying indoors while winter storms are in progress
- Dressing properly if it becomes necessary to go outdoors during the storm
- Dress in layers loose fitting clothing
- Wear mittens instead of gloves (mittens are warmer)
- Wear a hat to substantially reduce the loss of body heat
- Protect your lungs during severe cold by breathing through a scarf
- Know what to do if you become trapped in your vehicle during a winter storm (the DHS site provides detailed instructions)
After Winter Weather
The end of a winter storm doesn’t necessarily mean that the danger is over. Many injuries and deaths occur after the worst of the weather has passed.
Action tips include:
- Finding alternate shelter if your home loses heat or power (you can text SHELTER plus your zip code to 43362 to find the closest public shelter in your area)
- Stay warm!
- Restock (as quickly as possible) any emergency supplies that were consumed during the event
- Assess how your family fared during the event, and evaluate whether you need to fine-tune your winter weather action plan
Stay Safe the EASY Way
Part of surviving a winter storm unscathed is dealing safely with the removal of snow and ice from your driveway and walkways. Unfortunately, many people are injured – and some even die – during snow removal activities each year.
The safest and easiest way to avoid those problems is to prepare for winter weather by purchasing snow removal insurance. Do that and follow the DHS’s tips as outlined above, and you’ll be well-prepared for the worst that Mother Nature might throw at you this winter.