Snowstorm: our tips to avoid the worst
In many places in Canada, snowstorms strike hard throughout the winter. They are ingrained in our daily lives, but they remain dangerous, especially if you have to face a storm while driving your car.
Here are some safety rules you shouldn't take lightly if you ever get stuck in your car during a snowstorm.
Stay in your car, unless you have spotted a safe place within 90 m.
Keep your arms and legs moving to warm up.
Stay visible by attaching a brightly colored piece of cloth to the antenna, turn on the car interior lights (when the engine is running) and lift the hood of the car if the snow has stopped falling.
Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.
Run the engine and turn on the heater for only 10 minutes per hour.
Leave a window open (indirectly exposed to the wind).
Wait until the storm is over before leaving your vehicle.
Protect yourself, even at home
Even if a storm does strike while you're safe inside, it's best to take the best precautions to avoid getting caught out if the storm lasts too long. Here are some practical tips to help protect yourself from the consequences of the storm.
First, make sure you have an emergency kit that contains as many of the following as possible:
Drinking water (for 3 days)
Food (for 3 days, non-perishable food, easy to prepare)
Manual can opener
Hand crank flashlight
Battery or hand crank radio
Spare batteries
First aid kit
Medicines (for 3 days)
Multifunctional tool
Personal hygiene items
Copies of important personal documents (list of medications and relevant medical information, proof of residence, lease or deed of purchase, passport, birth certificate, insurance policies)
Cellular (and chargers)
Contact details of family and people to contact in an emergency
Cash
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, food, diapers)
Animal supplies (collar with identification plate, leash, food, transport cage, bowl)
Sand, salt, kitty litter or any other abrasive that makes walkways and stairs less slippery
Coats, gloves, mittens, hats, boots, additional blankets and warm clothing for all family members
Then think about protecting yourself by adopting the following behaviors:
Before traveling, always check the short-term and long-term weather forecast.
Avoid moving around when a weather warning is issued.
If you must be on the road, let a friend or relative know your route and have an emergency car kit ready.
Protect yourself against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing several layers of warm, light and loose clothing.
Beware of the wind chill factor.
Be gentle when working outside.
Take a cell phone
Watch for relatives and neighbors who are particularly vulnerable in cold weather: children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
If you have pets, keep them indoors. If this is not possible, provide a warm shelter and change the water to prevent it from freezing.
Finally, if you are taken home for a long time, watch out for carbon monoxide emissions by taking the following precautions:
Keep outdoor cooking appliances, camping stoves, and generators outside of your home, basement, and garage.
Install generators at least 20 feet (6 m) from the house.
Evacuate the house immediately and call 911 if the carbon monoxide alarm sounds or if you experience a headache, nausea, dizziness, or if someone passes out.
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