The White Death
“Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable.” ~ General George S. Patton
The quote by General Patton brings home the point that the best way to prepare for certain events is to learn from our previous experience and the experience of others. As my father has often said over the course of my life, “Why re-invent the wheel?” Two hundred years ago when a sever winter storm would descend on a region of the country and people would parish for lack of preparation and fore warning. Today, with all the sophisticated technology available at our fingertips with weather apps for our smart phones or tablets and the various TV outlets that focus on nothing but the weather, there is almost no excuse for a person to be caught unaware of an upcoming sever weather event. I’m not saying that unexpected things don’t happen, but what I am saying is that there is usually enough lead time for something like a sever winter storm for people to be prepare.
There are dozens of websites that can help guide a person on how to prepare for all kinds of natural disasters. From the Red Cross to the government’s FEMA website and there are guidelines for every type of natural disaster. Today, many in our region are faced with dealing with a winter storm that could bring snow and ice which holds the potential to upend normal services like loss of power or to a lesser extent, the cancellation of school and other community events. The key to minimizing the potential for danger during hazardous conditions is simply planning ahead and being prepared. Some people panic and run to their local grocer and buy a week’s worth of food for a 12-hour weather event. Others panic and don’t do anything in hopes that the possible event will pass over head and miss them all together. I would rather err on the side of going to the grocery store than do nothing but in both cases, the preparation for sever weather is incomplete on both accounts.
The Red Cross website is an excellent source of information to read for preparing for hazardous weather. I will share the link so that you may read all the information in detail, but I will just hit some of the highlights…
Right before a blizzard / winter storm…If you do nothing else:
· Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
· Be prepared to evacuate if you lose power or heat and know your routes and destinations. Find a local emergency shelter.
· Check emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
· Be sure you have ample heating fuel.
· If you have alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood- or coal-burning stoves, or space heaters, be sure they are clean and in working order.
· Check that your fire extinguisher(s) is in good working order, and replace it if necessary.
· Bring your companion animals inside and ensure that your horses and livestock have blankets if appropriate and unimpeded access to shelter, food, and non-frozen water.
Staying Safe During a Winter Storm or Blizzard
· Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers.
· Listen to a local station on battery-powered radio or television or to NOAA Weather Radio for updated emergency information.
· Move other animals to sheltered areas with a supply of non-frozen water. Most animal deaths in winter storms are caused by dehydration.
· Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
· Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration. Drink liquids such as warm broth or juice. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, accelerates the symptoms of hypothermia. Alcohol, such as brandy, is a depressant and hastens the effects of cold on the body. Alcohol also slows circulation and can make you less aware of the effects of cold. Both caffeine and alcohol can cause dehydration.
· Conserve fuel. Winter storms can last for several days, placing great demand on electric, gas, and other fuel distribution systems (fuel oil, propane, etc.). Lower the thermostat to 65° F (18° C) during the day and to 55° F (13° C) at night. Close off unused rooms, and stuff towels or rags in cracks under the doors. Cover the windows at night.
· Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone.
After a Winter Storm
· Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. Access to some parts of the community may be limited or roads may be blocked.
· Help people who require special assistance—infants, elderly people, those without transportation, large families who may need additional help in an emergency situation, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.
· Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved.
· Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of death during the winter.
· Check on your animals and ensure that their access to food and water is unimpeded by drifted snow, ice, or other obstacles.
· If you are using a portable generator, take precautions against carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution and fire.
Further information is available at:
I really encourage you to take time and read through all the various links on how to prepare and protect yourself and your loved ones. I wish everyone a safe weekend as we head towards the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Take your time on the roads if you have to be out and remember to take care of yourself and each other, remember, we’re all in this together.
Wm Reid
Best Home Care Services
325 N Eastern Ave
Connersville, IN 47331
765-827-9833
wmreid@bhcshealth.com