Safety Steps for Blizzards

Car

• If at all possible, stay off the road during a blizzard, as it is unsafe to drive. If you find yourself caught in a blizzard while driving, stop at the nearest hotel to wait it out. If you end up stuck on the side of the road, do not keep your car constantly running. Instead, turn it on for 10 minutes each hour to warm up, and then turn it back off. Remove the snow from the tailpipe, otherwise there will be no way for hazardous fumes to escape the car.

Food

• You will likely be notified of the onset of a blizzard with plenty of advance warning, so stock up on food in case you are stuck in your house for a few days. Purchase staples such as bottled water, powdered milk and packaged foods that you can eat if your power goes out.

Stay Inside

• It can be tempting to go outside and play in the snow, or check out the effects of the blizzard, but do not do this. Snow piling up on power lines, tree branches and other surfaces can make it dangerous to be walking around outside, as heavy objects can cave under the pressure and fall down on you.

Power

• Prepare an emergency kit in case your power goes out. Include flashlights, batteries and candles so you will be able to see without electricity. You will also need to include plenty of blankets to keep you and your family warm if the heater in your home is generated by electricity. Keep this in an easy-to-reach place, so it is convenient to find if you lose power.