BE PREPARED AND KNOW WHAT TO DO If caught in a winter storm inside, in your car or outside: When caught in a winter storm, there are life saving actions you can take to protect yourself outside, in a vehicle and inside your home or office. Stay Inside: When using heat from a fire place, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and properly ventilate. If Your Heat Goes Out Close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting heat. Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors. Cover windows at night. Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill. Stay in Vehicle If you leave your vehicle, you will become disoriented quickly in wind-driven snow and cold. Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat. While running the motor, open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid gas poisoning. Be Visible to Rescuers Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine. Tie a bright colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door. After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help. If outside Find Shelter: Try to stay dry and cover all exposed body parts. No Shelter: Build a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat. Melt Snow for Drinking Water: Eating unmelted snow will lower your body temperature. Exercise: From time to time, move arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm. Avoid overexertion such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow if you are not in good health. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 00:57:45 +0000
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