How to Survive a Severe Snowstorm

Posted on January 8, 2024 by resourcefulman

If you have to deal with a natural disaster, a blizzard is a good option. The death rate is relatively low: the worst blizzard in American history, the Great White Hurricane of 1888, claimed only 400 lives, and preparing for a snowstorm is easy. As long as you don’t do anything stupid and aren’t too unlucky, you’ll be fine when it snows heavily. Here are some tips and guidelines for surviving a blizzard.

Determine how at risk you are

As with most natural disasters, preparation is critical, and it starts with determining the level of danger you are in. Blizzards are most common in the upper Midwest and Great Plains of the United States, but theoretically they could occur anywhere in the country except the Gulf Coast. , coastal California and Hawaii, but with our new, exciting climate, who even knows if this rule will stick?

If you live in an area where snowstorms are possible, take a few minutes to plan for a potential snow disaster before it happens. Do the following:

Make an emergency kit in case of a snowstorm

Before a snowstorm, you need to prepare for several cold days without power. You should have a basic disaster survival bag hidden in an easily accessible place in your home in case of any disaster. According to the government , a standard emergency kit will contain:

Water and non-perishable food for several days
Extra cell phone battery or charger
A battery-powered or manually operated radio that can receive NOAA weather radio alert tones, and additional batteries.
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
A dust mask to filter contaminated air, as well as plastic sheeting and duct tape to cover in place.
Wet wipes, trash bags and plastic ties for personal hygiene.
Non-sparking wrench or utility shutoff pliers.
Can opener (if you have canned food in your kit)
Local maps
Extra clothes and blankets (although I bet you already know where they are in your home)

Here’s a handy grocery list you can take with you to the supermarket, complete with “extra credit” items like prescription medications and games to keep you occupied.

Follow the weather reports

Have access to multiple sources of information from the Internet, TV and radio, and be sure that you can get updates even if the power goes out. If a storm is coming, charge everything and make sure the things that need them – flashlights, radios, etc. – have working batteries.

Know the difference between advisories, watches, and warnings.

As cold weather approaches, you may hear different buzzwords for approaching storms on NOAA Weather Radio and other sources. Here’s a crash course on the relevant winter weather warnings fromthe National Weather Service and what they mean, with the most severe ones listed first.

Warnings

A warning indicates an 80% or greater likelihood that conditions will occur that pose a threat to life or property and that travel will become difficult or even impossible. In other words: “This storm is serious business.”

Blizzard Warning: A Blizzard Warning means the following conditions will occur or are expected within the next 12 to 18 hours: Snow and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for three hours or longer, and sustained winds speed of 35 miles per hour. or higher, or frequent wind gusts of 35 mph or higher.
Winter Storm Warning. A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of severe winter weather events has occurred or is imminent. This means five inches or more of snow/sleet over a 12-hour period, or seven inches or more of snow/sleet over a 24-hour period and/or enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or power lines. It could also mean a life-threatening or destructive combination of snow and/or ice accumulation and wind.

Watch

The watch is designed to provide enough time for you to plan for your safety. They are usually issued approximately a day before the predicted event, when the probability of its occurrence exceeds 50%.

Winter storm watch . A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is a potential for severe and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. This does not mean that severe and dangerous winter weather will occur – it just means that it is possible.
Blizzard Watch : This means conditions are favorable for a blizzard – low visibility and wind speeds of at least 35 mph.

Recommendations

Winter storm warnings indicate that less severe (but still concerning) weather conditions are possible. However, remember that storms can change from one condition to another, so keep checking. Visit the National Weather Service website for more information on weather warnings.

Stay home if there’s a snowstorm

If you only follow one rule for surviving a blizzard, make it this: don’t go outside during a blizzard. If you’re at home, you probably won’t be snowed in for more than a week (and even that’s unlikely), and you’ll be nice and cozy with food supplies and football pajamas. Death is outside.

What to do if you are at home during a snowstorm

If you are home during a blizzard or winter storm (and you should be), take these steps:

Stay inside (I really can’t stress this enough).
Don’t forget your pets. Bring them inside too.
If you have electric heating, turn it on as the storm approaches in case your power goes out.
Stay in a small, isolated room. To keep warm, stay in one room as much as possible.
Place towels and rags under doors to keep warm.
Be careful with alternative heaters such as kerosene. They can cause a fire, and if improperly ventilated, you can die from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make sure Jack Torrance doesn’t sabotage the radio and snowcat to keep you and Danny trapped in the Overlook.
Layer clothing: Wear several layers of lightweight clothing.
Close your windows at night but open them during the day to catch the warmth of sunlight.
Save batteries: Use your phone only to call authorities.

What to do if you’re stuck in your car during a snowstorm or blizzard.

Being trapped in a car during a snowstorm is bad, but not necessarily fatal. Here’s a detailed guide to car survival , but here are the basics:

Don’t panic: According to survival scenarios, being trapped in a car during a snowstorm isn’t that bad. It’s definitely better than being stuck in a snowstorm without a car.
Make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged . When you first realize you’re trapped, check your exhaust pipe to make sure it’s clean. You don’t want to die from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Let the outside world know you’re in trouble : Call 911 if you can. Tie a brightly colored fabric or ribbon to the antenna or door. If the snow stops, raise the hood.
Stay in your car . A car is a great survival shelter: a guy from Sweden lived in his car for two months , and it looks like he didn’t even have food or water. Walking in a snowstorm is a bad idea. You’ll get lost, cold, wet, and maybe even hit by another driver.
Pack: Wear as many layers as possible with the extra clothes you brought with you. Be sure to wear a hat. The head is where the most heat is lost (at least that’s what my mom said).
Create as little space as possible . If you have blankets or jackets, create a little “fort” for yourself. A smaller room is easier to heat. You can try lining your windows with newspapers or discarded fast food bags that you never cleaned up.
Run the car for 10 minutes per hour . Experts recommend starting your car and turning on the heater, hazard lights, and dome lights for about 10 minutes per hour. Just make sure you turn everything off to avoid draining your battery. Lower the window slightly while the engine is running to avoid the possibility of inhaling carbon monoxide. Besides the cold, your biggest danger is carbon monoxide.
Don’t play on your phone : I know it’s boring to sit in your car for so long, but only use your cell phone to call emergency services. However, don’t be surprised if the authorities tell you to “sit tight.” Despite advice from Facebook experts, you shouldn’t change your voicemail to indicate where you are.
If you run out of water, drink melted snow . You can get some hydration into your body by drinking snowmelt.

What to do if you are caught outside in a snowstorm

So you didn’t listen when I said to stay home, right? Now you’re walking blindly through a snowstorm and freezing to death. I won’t sugarcoat it: things are bad for you, and your survival depends on the severity of the storm. But here’s what to do:

Find shelter : Get out of the wind and snow. Don’t try to get home or anywhere else if there is a safe place where you can wait.
Cover your naked body : I imagine this could happen to you anyway, but just in case, cover as much as possible to keep warm and avoid frostbite.
Build a shelter. If you can’t find shelter, the National Weather Service recommends the following: “Build a shelter, windbreak or snow cave to block the wind. Light a fire to keep warm and attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.” I think they are very optimistic. During a serious blizzard like the “Baby Blizzard” in Minnesota in 1888, people died within yards of their homes because they were disoriented and blind to the snow, so in a real blizzard you probably won’t have time to build an igloo or something else. But learn wilderness survival tactics if you’re at risk of getting into danger .
Melting snow to obtain water. Melting snow to make water is fine, but don’t eat it frozen – it will lower your body temperature.

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