Tip of the Day!
Jan 9, 2006 10:11:45 GMT -5
Post by The Mayor on Jan 9, 2006 10:11:45 GMT -5
If we have learned anything from the bizarre weather of the last few years it should be to be prepared. With the upcoming holidays people will be traveling in winter weather. Others will need to travel when the weather is treacherous just to go to their jobs and conduct normal business. What we all need to remember is that winter travel isn’t normal. Precautions need to be taken and with a little preparedness you can survive getting caught in a blizzard. There are basic items that make up a survival kit we should all keep in our vehicles if we will be traveling, even just across town, when the weather is cold and snowy.
If you have a cell phone, take it with you. It could save your life.
The Coffee Can Survival Kit
Start with two 3 pound coffee cans (at least one needs to be metal, not plastic) with lids. One will be used for sanitary needs. The other can be used to store supplies and as a place to burn a candle for heat if you are trapped.
In your coffee can store :
Candles and matches
Nonperishable food such as, candy, nuts, dried fruit and beef jerky
A cup or mug to gather snow to melt for drinking
Red flag or bandanna to tie to the antenna
Other items you may want to add are:
Extra winter clothing such as mittens, overshoes, caps
Flashlight with extra batteries
First-aid kit with pocket knife
To complete your preparedness you need an
Emergency Kit
Keep a sleeping bag or extra blankets in your vehicle if there is the slightest chance you could be caught out in a blizzard.
Your emergency kit should contain:
A shovel
Windshield scraper
Battery powered radio
Extra batteries
Road salt and sand
Booster cables
Emergency flares
Fluorescent distress flag
Keep your cars fuel tank above half full at all times. Before storm season arrives, have your car winterized. Check your car battery, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashers, exhaust, heater, brakes, defroster and tires. If needed, add antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil. Keep your car in good repair and check regularly throughout the season.
If you must be on the road during a winter weather advisory or winter storm watch, do so in daylight. Don't travel alone. Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.
If you are stuck
Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
Pull off the road and turn on your hazard lights.
Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
Huddle with other passengers and use your coat as a blanket.
Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers.
In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, floor mats, newspapers or extra clothing for covering--anything to provide additional insulation and warmth.
Do not eat unmelted snow because it will lower your body temperature.
If you have a cell phone, take it with you. It could save your life.
The Coffee Can Survival Kit
Start with two 3 pound coffee cans (at least one needs to be metal, not plastic) with lids. One will be used for sanitary needs. The other can be used to store supplies and as a place to burn a candle for heat if you are trapped.
In your coffee can store :
Candles and matches
Nonperishable food such as, candy, nuts, dried fruit and beef jerky
A cup or mug to gather snow to melt for drinking
Red flag or bandanna to tie to the antenna
Other items you may want to add are:
Extra winter clothing such as mittens, overshoes, caps
Flashlight with extra batteries
First-aid kit with pocket knife
To complete your preparedness you need an
Emergency Kit
Keep a sleeping bag or extra blankets in your vehicle if there is the slightest chance you could be caught out in a blizzard.
Your emergency kit should contain:
A shovel
Windshield scraper
Battery powered radio
Extra batteries
Road salt and sand
Booster cables
Emergency flares
Fluorescent distress flag
Keep your cars fuel tank above half full at all times. Before storm season arrives, have your car winterized. Check your car battery, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashers, exhaust, heater, brakes, defroster and tires. If needed, add antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil. Keep your car in good repair and check regularly throughout the season.
If you must be on the road during a winter weather advisory or winter storm watch, do so in daylight. Don't travel alone. Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.
If you are stuck
Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
Pull off the road and turn on your hazard lights.
Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
Huddle with other passengers and use your coat as a blanket.
Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers.
In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, floor mats, newspapers or extra clothing for covering--anything to provide additional insulation and warmth.
Do not eat unmelted snow because it will lower your body temperature.