A blizzard is a severe winter storm characterized by strong winds and low visibility. Unlike a typical snowstorm, a blizzard includes sustained winds of 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) or greater, and blowing snow that reduces visibility to a quarter-mile (0.4 km) or less for at least three hours. These conditions can lead to whiteouts, making travel dangerous and isolating communities. Thorough preparation and informed actions are important to navigate these challenges.
Prepare Before the Storm
Proactive measures taken before a blizzard warning can improve safety and comfort. Assemble an emergency kit with supplies for at least three days. This kit should include one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food items that do not require refrigeration, a first-aid kit with any necessary prescription medications, flashlights with extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates, and a whistle to signal for help.
Prepare your home by sealing windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering and insulating the property to retain heat. Check heating systems and consider a backup heat source, such as a wood stove or propane heater, in case of power outages. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly with fresh batteries. For your vehicle, maintain a full gas tank, check tire pressure, and have a car emergency kit containing blankets, a shovel, sand or cat litter for traction, and jumper cables.
Establish a communication plan with family members or friends for check-ins if power or cellular service becomes unreliable. Charge all electronic devices, such as mobile phones and laptops, before the storm is announced to ensure they are ready for use. These devices can be used for receiving updates or contacting emergency services if needed. Keep non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic drinks on hand to prevent dehydration, as cold air can be very dry.
Actions During the Blizzard
Once a blizzard is underway, staying indoors is the most effective safety measure. Travel should be avoided due to extremely low visibility and hazardous road conditions. If a power outage occurs, conserve heat and energy. Closing off unused rooms, stuffing towels or rags under doors, and covering windows with curtains or blinds can help retain warmth within the living space.
Alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces or portable heaters, require careful use to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators should always be operated outdoors, at least 20 feet from any windows, doors, or vents. Charcoal grills and gas ovens should never be used indoors for heating due to the risk of carbon monoxide accumulation. Ensure proper ventilation when using any alternative heat source.
Maintain an adequate supply of food and water. Non-perishable items are best. Melting snow can serve as an emergency water source, but it should be boiled or purified before consumption to prevent illness. Stay connected to emergency services or family members through battery-powered radios for updates or by conserving mobile phone battery for essential communication.
What to Do if Stranded
Being stranded in a vehicle during a blizzard requires immediate action for survival. Remain inside the vehicle, as it offers protection from the elements and makes it easier for rescuers to locate. Leaving the vehicle can lead to rapid disorientation in whiteout conditions and exposure to extreme cold. If the car becomes stuck, avoid spinning the wheels, which can cause the tires to dig deeper into the snow.
To signal for help, turn on hazard lights and, if it is dark, the dome light. Tying a brightly colored cloth, preferably red, to the antenna or door handle can increase visibility for rescuers. After the snow stops falling, raising the hood can indicate a need for assistance. Conserve fuel by running the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour to maintain warmth.
When the engine is running, slightly open a window to ensure fresh air circulation and prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Clear any snow from the exhaust pipe to allow fumes to escape safely. To stay warm, wrap yourself in extra clothing or blankets from an emergency kit and periodically move your arms and legs to maintain blood circulation. Avoiding overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, can strain the heart in cold conditions.
Understanding Cold-Related Dangers
Exposure to extreme cold during a blizzard carries health risks, including hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the core body temperature to drop below 95°F (35°C). Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, and fumbling hands. In severe cases, shivering may cease, and the skin may appear pale or blue.
Frostbite is an injury caused by the freezing of skin and underlying tissues due to cold exposure. It most commonly affects fingers, toes, the nose, and ears. Initial signs include numbness, tingling, and skin that may look red, white, grayish-yellow, or patchy. As frostbite progresses, the skin can become hard, waxy, and cold to the touch, and blisters may form after rewarming.
If hypothermia is suspected, move the person to a warm place, gently remove any wet clothing, and dry them. Warm the person slowly by wrapping them in blankets or dry clothing, focusing on core body areas like the trunk and abdomen. If the person is conscious and able to swallow, offer warm, sweet, non-alcoholic drinks. For frostbite, move the affected person indoors and gently rewarm the area by soaking it in warm (100-105°F / 38-41°C) water for about 30 minutes. Do not rub the affected area or break any blisters, as this can cause further tissue damage. Seek professional medical attention for both hypothermia and frostbite as soon as possible.