Snow can be a lovely part of winter, but when there’s too much, it can become dangerous. Light snow can quickly turn into a powerful blizzard. Unlike other types of storms in the United States, snow also brings the risk of extreme cold.
Snow poses multiple dangers. First, there’s the damp cold. When moisture mixes with low temperatures, it can lead to hypothermia. Snow can also restrict or even completely block your movement. If you get stuck in a car far from help during a snowstorm, it could be life-threatening.
Even the sheer weight of snow makes it very hazardous. With 20 pounds of pressure per cubic foot, a significant amount of snow can have enough force to crush cars, houses, and even people.
Winter’s Fury threats
While many places in the U.S. experience heavy snow, a few locations really stand out. The snowiest area in the country is the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. The south side of Mount Rainier holds the record with 671 inches of snow in a single season, which increases the risk of avalanches.
Across the United States, various regions have their distinct weather patterns, but few are as striking as Nor’easters. These are large cyclonic storms that typically form within 100 miles of the East Coast. They are known for their consistent and strong winds that push them inland. Nor’easters can affect the New England and Mid-Atlantic areas, and they result from the collision of cold arctic air with the warmer Gulf Stream, creating conditions for severe weather.
Nor’easters can form at different times, but they are most common between September and April when the weather cools down. This makes it possible for Nor’easters to coincide with snowfalls. These storms can bring flooding, hurricane-force winds, and blizzard conditions, making them highly diverse in the challenges they pose. Occasionally, tornadoes can also develop within these phenomena, making Nor’easters one of the most dangerous storms in the United States.
If you live in a snowy area, it’s a good idea to prepare your home for the cold. Here are some steps to ensure you are ready for winter weather:
- Add extra insulation to your attic.
- Ensure that all your doors and windows are properly sealed to keep out the cold.
- Consider installing stormproof windows for extra insulation and protection.
- Maintain your fireplace in good working condition and have an adequate supply of firewood.
- Keep an emergency generator on hand, especially if you live in an area prone to heavy snow, to meet backup power needs.
Shelter Solutions for Winter’s Fury
Facing the wrath of winter’s fury without proper preparation can lead to tragic consequences. Whether you reside in a snow-prone area or one that rarely sees snowfall, it’s crucial to anticipate the worst while hoping for the best. Even regions unaccustomed to snowfall can quickly become paralyzed by even moderate amounts of it. Local governments are often ill-equipped to handle such situations, resulting in power outages and freezing temperatures, creating a perilous situation. The key to survival is careful planning.
After stocking up on essentials for coping with winter’s fury, your next step is to hunker down and stay put. Prolonged exposure to the cold and snow must be avoided at all costs. Designate a warm room in your home as a central sleeping area, particularly if you have family members with you, as it can help conserve heat. Stay updated with weather forecasts and emergency alerts. Engaging in activities like playing board games may seem trivial but can significantly reduce stress and improve your state of mind. Carefully manage your food and supplies, as you might be stranded for days or even weeks, depending on the weather. Remember that harsh winter weather in 2013 witnessed a series of successive winter storms in many regions. Prepare for at least a week of indoor confinement, and possibly more if you have the space.
In the unfortunate event of being stranded outdoors, the priority is to seek shelter as swiftly as possible. Digging into the snow to create a small snow cave might seem counterintuitive, but it can provide protection from the biting wind and offer some warmth. Once it becomes safe, make every effort to reach a permanent shelter to ride out the storm.
If you find yourself trapped in your vehicle, the best course of action is to stay put. Keep doors and windows closed to retain heat. Run the car’s engine for short intervals to raise the interior temperature, and, if the snow is heavy, step out briefly to clear the windshield and lights. However, avoid prolonged exposure to the harsh outdoor conditions and return to the vehicle promptly. Those living in regions accustomed to heavy snow should also equip their personal vehicles with a scaled-down version of the aforementioned emergency kit.
Winter injuries are a genuine concern. Each year, numerous individuals report injuries resulting from slips on icy surfaces and even puncture wounds caused by ice. If you sustain an injury, cover the wound and seek immediate medical attention. In the case of puncture-style wounds, even if caused by ice, leave the object in the wound and seek prompt medical treatment.
While snow is notorious for creating hazardous conditions, ice can be an even deadlier manifestation of winter’s fury. Often invisible, it has led to numerous car accidents and severe falls. With this in mind, let’s delve into the various dangers of ice and how to effectively address them.
Avoiding Ice Dams
For residents in frigid regions of the U.S., having ice accumulating on the roof of your home or business is a common occurrence, known as an ice dam. When a thaw commences, a significant portion of this ice may break loose and fall to the ground. Being underneath falling ice can be, at best, a painful experience and, at worst, a lethal one. The most effective approach to dealing with an ice dam is to use a metal rake or shovel to break the ice free and allow it to safely descend. The best preventative measure against ice dams is to insulate your attic and ceiling to prevent warm air from triggering the melt and subsequent ice buildup.
In the right conditions, a tree can become entirely encased in ice, creating a visually striking but potentially harmful situation. Ice accumulation can harm the tree and pose a danger to those in proximity if the ice starts to fall. The key to safeguarding trees during an ice storm is occasionally braving the elements and gently shaking the tree’s limbs to dislodge any ice buildup. The frequency of this action depends on the severity of the storm, with safety always being the top priority. Avoid this task if the conditions outside are too perilous.
Ensuring Safe Power Supply
The accumulation of ice on power lines is akin to a ticking time bomb, counting down to a power outage at your home. The weight of the ice on these lines can often cause damage and, in some cases, disconnect them from their sources. If you notice ice accumulating on power lines, it is imperative to contact your utility company promptly. Should you come across a downed power line, do not approach it. Move away from it and immediately alert the authorities to the hazard.
Driving Safely Through Winter’s Fury: Avoiding Winter Driving Dangers
Winter’s fury often unleashes the treacherous menace known as black ice, which lurks on the road, appearing deceptively like a mere wet surface when, in reality, it’s a perilous sheet of ice. When driving in cold, wet conditions, exercise caution and provide yourself with the two most crucial elements: time and distance. Avoid rushing and leave more space between your vehicle and others than you typically would. Equipping your car with the right tires and chains, when necessary, can make the difference between a safe journey home and the laborious task of extricating your vehicle from a snowbank you’ve skidded into.
Avoiding Roadside Tragedy
Setting out on the road during the winter months takes on a gravity that other seasons do not carry. Snow and ice present an array of dangers, and drivers must be well-prepared before embarking on their journeys along the highways and byways.
Being equipped with an emergency kit and the knowledge of how to use it can be your shield against a potential tragedy. A well-considered winter vehicle kit should include the following items:
First-Aid Kit: Opt for a preassembled first-aid kit, such as those available from Adventure Medical Kits, and ensure it includes any prescription medications. Keep a vigilant eye on expiration dates and rotate items as necessary.
Extra Warm Clothes: Pack additional cold-weather clothing, including boots, in case you need to leave your vehicle.
Emergency Rations: Consider MRE-style meals as emergency food; they are easy to store and provide essential calories.
Stay Hydrated: Despite the snow, water remains crucial. Avoid eating snow, as it can lower your body temperature. If you’re stranded in a rural area, help may be distant.
Shovel: A compact, folding military-style shovel can be a vital tool if you become stuck in the snow, helping you break free.
Flashlight: A reliable, high-quality flashlight, like the SureFire G2x, is indispensable in all seasons. Many accidents and issues occur in the dark, and light is your lifeline.
Ice-Melt Pellets: A reasonably sized bag of ice-melt pellets or salt, or even cat litter, can be a savior when your tires lose traction due to ice. These items can help your tires regain grip and get you moving.
Tire Chains: In many regions across the country, having chains on your tires is mandatory for driving in specific areas. Even if not required, having chains on hand is a wise precaution in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Backup Phone Charger: A compact backup phone charger is now a common and space-saving item. In the event of being stranded, maintaining communication is imperative, and a dead cell phone battery can easily be avoided.
Mastering Winter Driving in the Face of Winter’s Fury
As we journey toward our destinations, it’s vital to adapt our driving techniques to align with the formidable challenges that winter’s fury can bring. Treacherous roads and limited visibility necessitate adjustments, as ignoring them could lead to dire consequences. Here are some tried-and-true tips for winter driving:
Adjust Your Speed: Tailor your speed to match the current road conditions. Even if there’s a hint of ice, err on the side of caution and reduce your speed.
Increase Following Distance: Allow extra room, not only for braking but also between your vehicle and others on the road.
Exercise Caution on Overpasses and Bridges: Be especially careful when driving over overpasses and bridges, as these areas tend to ice over before other parts of the road.
Clear Your Entire Windshield: Resist the temptation to scrape only a small, 6-by-6-inch porthole directly in front of the steering wheel. This limited view is insufficient for detecting potential hazards. Take the time to clear your entire windshield for a full field of vision.
Avoid Passing Snowplows: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation provides a compelling reason for refraining from passing snowplows: “Snowplows have wing plow blades that can extend anywhere between 2 and 10 feet beyond the width of the truck. This wing plow blade is often not visible due to the snow cloud kicked up by the snowplow. These wing plows can weigh as much as a compact car.”
Remember, when you confront winter’s fury on the road, your safety and that of others depend on prudent, weather-appropriate driving practices.
When you find yourself spinning on the icy road, it’s imperative to maintain your composure and refrain from abruptly slamming on the brakes. Many vehicles come equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), which tend to perform poorly on ice, frequently locking up regardless of their make or design.
Maintain Control: If your wheels become locked and you start sliding, regaining control can be challenging. However, it’s crucial to turn into the direction of the slide, doing so with gentleness and precision. Over-steering can exacerbate the situation, potentially causing you to spin in the opposite direction. Once you’ve successfully stopped the slide, ensure you are clear of any impending danger and resume your journey. If you become stuck and unable to move, call for assistance and, if it’s safe, retreat into your vehicle. Ensure that the exhaust pipe remains free of snow, and run the car sparingly to conserve fuel. A blocked exhaust pipe can lead to the accumulation of carbon monoxide inside the vehicle, which can be life-threatening.
Safe Exit: If you collide with an object, strive to remain calm. Wait until other vehicles around you have come to a halt before exiting your car. Assess the extent of damage and call for help if necessary. In the event that your vehicle overturns, orient yourself and gradually release your seatbelt before exiting. This is a situation where a seatbelt cutter or window-breaking tool can be invaluable. Such tools allow you to safely cut through a seatbelt and shatter car glass if necessary, facilitating your escape.
Preparation for Survival: Lastly, it’s vital to emphasize that prevention is your greatest ally. By ensuring your vehicle is winterized, you can mitigate many of the frustrations associated with winter driving. This includes checking your tires for adequate tread, adjusting your oil changes to suit the prevailing temperatures, testing your battery, and ensuring your anti-freeze is a 50/50 mix to prevent a frozen radiator. The watchwords for facing winter roads are preparation and education. Take your time and maintain heightened awareness. These actions will help you steer clear of potential dangers and reach your destination safely in the face of winter’s fury.
You may not have the power to change the weather, and weather forecasting can sometimes feel uncertain, but waiting until a storm is about to hit is not a wise approach. It’s important to be proactive and prepared for any snowstorm that nature might throw your way.
Being prepared in advance is the key to dealing with winter weather effectively. Unpredictable weather patterns make it essential to have a well-thought-out plan and the necessary resources ready.