Friday 27 February 2015

I just blogged at My Emergency Preparedness Blog - Surviving A Blizzard

The national weather service has predicted this year to be comparatively colder than the previous years. This drastic drop-down of temperature will naturally result in extreme weather conditions like, snow storms and blizzards. There is however prior warning given by weather advisers, people are being informed through television, radios and the internet is usually full with the news of weather forecast; in case of any extreme weather conditions.


The national weather service declares snow storms as deceptive killers, for being a direct or indirect reason of many deaths. Every year many deaths occur due to these storms, either being directly affected by them or in some other way like affecting health. The dangerously low temperatures, very low pressure and cold winds unfavorably affect every living specie and particularly human health.


 


 


 


Common Health Issues Caused by Blizzards:


cold


If you are experiencing winds blowing at a very strong speed almost over a speed of 35 miles per hour or more then this is exactly what we’re warning you from. Every year, several deaths are reported caused by accidents during a blizzard.


Zero Sight:


Blizzards usually cause zero visibility due to complete whiteout conditions. With below freezing point temperatures the human body is more likely to suffer from diseases like hypothermia and frost bite.


Hypothermia:


Hypothermia is a condition where the body suffers from extreme dropdown of temperature, causing breathing issues. When the body is affected by hypothermia, where the body temperature falls down below the normal 35 C; it starts malfunctioning, directly affecting the nervous, respiratory and cardiac system. Some people suffer from complete heart failure if their hypothermia is left untreated.


Frost Bite:


Another general health problem people suffer from during blizzards is a skin condition, known as frostbite. When a body tissue (mostly skin) is frozen to a point of blood vessel contraction eventually leading to reduced oxygen and blood flow to other body parts. Due to prolonged exposure to extreme cold frost bites usually results in numbness and change in color of affected body parts.


Carbon Monoxide Inhalation:


With every winter storm there are high chances of unintentional inhalation of carbon monoxide caused by extremely harmful fumes from snow clogged vehicle exhaust system.


 


preventative measuresPreventive Measures:


People residing in areas with a Blizzard warning, should take preventive measures to avoid severe health conditions during or after the storm has passed.


  1. In case of a possible blizzard, you should be prepared beforehand. Make sure you have your medicinal stock in check.

  2. In case of a power breakdown make sure you have alternative heat and power resources, stocked in home and your car as well.

  3. Keep your body fully nourished and healthy in order to make your metabolism strong enough to stand extreme weather conditions.

  4. Have an emergency kit ready with all kinds of essentials you might need in case of any unfortunate circumstances. Make sure you have one emergency kit in your home at a very easily approachable place and another in your car. Every individual should be aware of where this emergency kit is kept.

  5. When the temperature drops down there’s always a possibility of low oxygen level, you should have other oxygen resources, specifically if you have people suffering from any breathing issues like asthma.

  6. Shift children and elderly to a room stocked with every kind of essentials and heat sources even before the storm hits.

  7. Dress accordingly, with extra pair of sweaters and blankets in your emergency room.

  8. Vehicle owners should ensure their exhaust pipes are not clogged with any sort of restriction like snow or anything other than that. Not just vehicles but all combustion appliances, in which fumes a thrown out should be checked before you use them.

  9. Keep your mobiles and other communication resources charged and fully functional so as to be in touch with people who can help in case of emergencies.

  10. Keep your emergency contact numbers written somewhere and specially your doctor’s number at speed dial to consult for any medical advice, if needed.

 


These preventive measures are simple and can easily be adopted by people living in areas that might receive heavy snow storms.


 


Author Bio


Monica is a passionate blogger for Ostanding, a Custom Roller and Roman Shade dealer based in CA. Follow @ShopOstanding  for more updates.



The post Surviving A Blizzard appeared first on American Preppers Network.



Surviving A Blizzard

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