Blizzards can prove dangerous so be aware of what to do in case you get caught up in one. According to The National Weather Service, a "blizzard" is a winter weather storm that often produces heavy snowfalls, strong winds and low temperatures. They are also known by the name "severe-weather" because of their potential dangers.
Safety Tips for Blizzards
The first thing to do when you are caught in a blizzard is stay calm. This will allow you to assess the situation and determine the best course. Then wait for help.
Avoid driving in blizzards unless absolutely necessary. Because roads can become slippery and visibility can drop to just a few feet, this is dangerous. Driving in a storm can also be dangerous, as the wind can cause your vehicle to become uncontrollable.
In case of a blizzard, ensure you have enough supplies. Make sure to have water, blankets and jumper cables handy. A first aid kit is also a good idea.
Preparing for a Blizzard
You should prepare for a blizzard by making sure that your home is in good shape and that you have enough food, water and other essentials to last you for at least three days. A winter survival kit is a complete set of supplies that can be used in the event of a blizzard.
A survival kit should contain a flashlight, battery, candles, matches and a 3-day supply of water and food. It should also have a first aid kit and prescription medicines for you and your family.
Make a shelter
If you find yourself in a blizzard it is a good idea to look for shelter. This will protect you from the wind and keep your body warm.
You have a few options. Another option is to build an igloo, cave or other structure.
You can also make a shelter with branches from trees. They can be placed in a straight line and propped against a tree, or another solid object to block the wind.
Anyone who needs to escape a snowstorm is advised to build a shelter. A fire pit is a great way to get warmth and attention.
Do not get out of your vehicle during a storm, as it could cause you to become disoriented or lose your senses. According to National Weather Service: If you are stuck in your vehicle during a blizzard, try to stay inside and keep the engine running for around 10 minutes every hour. But don't run it continuously to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
FAQ
How to Navigate Without a Compass or With One
Although it doesn't give you a map of where you are heading, a compass can help you navigate back home if your bearings have been lost.
Three different ways you can navigate are available:
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By landmarks
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By magnetic North (using the compass)
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By stars
Landmarks are objects that you recognize when you see them. These can be trees, buildings, rivers, and so on. Landmarks provide visual clues to where you live.
Magnetic North is simply the direction in which the Earth's magnetic field points. If you look at the sky, the sun appears like it's moving across the sky. The earth's magnetic field actually causes sun to move around. Even though it seems like the sun is moving across a skyline, it actually moves around horizons. At noon, the sun is directly overhead. At midnight, you will see the sun directly below. The magnetic field of the earth is constantly changing. This means that the exact direction and orientation of the North pole magnetically changes each day. This can mean that you could be off track for a few days.
Stars can also be used to navigate. Stars rise and set above the horizon. These are fixed points that can be used to pinpoint your location relative other locations.
What are your options in a survival situation
There's not much time for you to think about what next. Make sure you're ready for anything. Make sure you know how to react when confronted with an unexpected problem.
You should also be prepared to think outside the box if you're in a difficult situation.
In a survival situation, you'll probably face problems like:
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Finding yourself in remote places
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Getting lost
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Food supplies are limited
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Water running low
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Facing hostile people
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Face to face with wild animals
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Finding shelter
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Predators being fought
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Lighting the fire
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Tools
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Building shelters
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Hunting
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* Fishing
What is the most important survival tool should you become lost?
The compass tells us which way north is. It also shows us the distance we have traveled since our origin point. The compass may not always help you find your way if you're travelling to a mountainous area. The compass can usually tell you where you are if you are on a flat surface.
You could also use a rock or a tree as a reference point if you don't own a compass. Even though you still need a landmark to help you orient yourself, it's a good idea to have one.
How long does it take to find help after becoming lost?
This depends on several factors:
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Wherever you are
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Which type of terrain are you in?
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No matter if you have cell phone reception
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It doesn't matter if someone has seen you.
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It doesn't matter if your are hurt
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You are either dehydrated or not
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It doesn't matter if water has been ingested.
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It doesn't matter if you have had food recently
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It does not matter if your clothing is appropriate
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It doesn't matter if you have a compass and a chart.
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How familiar can you be with the area
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How long have you been lost?
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How much time did you spend searching for help
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What is the average time it takes for people to notice what you are missing?
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It is amazing how quickly they search for you
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How many rescuers attract you?
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How many rescues did you receive
Why basic survival skills are important
It may not be possible to have food and water at all times, but being prepared can help you live longer.
It is important to learn how you can take care of others and yourself. You will not be able to handle a crisis if you don’t know how.
If you're going into the wilderness, you will need to be able to build shelters, make fires, and find food.
These are vital skills that everyone must have. These skills will allow you to be safe and healthy on your camping trip.
How to stay calm in a survival situation?
In most situations, patience and calmness will be your best friends. In a survival situation, it is easy to panic, especially if your only option is to stay put and not be contacted by anyone. You can be calm and patient no matter what happens.
It is important to remember that it is impossible to change the outcome. The only thing you can control is how you respond to it. You can feel good about yourself, even if your goals weren't met.
It is essential to keep calm and collected in an emergency situation. This includes being mentally and physically ready.
Mental preparation is about setting realistic expectations for yourself and setting clear goals.
Physical preparation means ensuring that you have enough water and food to last until help arrives.
You can now relax and enjoy the experience once you have done these two things.
Statistics
- Not only does it kill up to 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and parasites, but it will filter up to 1,000 liters of water without the use of chemicals. (hiconsumption.com)
- In November of 1755, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum intensity of VIII occurred about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. (usgs.gov)
- Without one, your head and neck can radiate up to 40 percent of your body heat. (dec.ny.gov)
- We know you're not always going to be 100% prepared for the situations that befall you, but you can still try and do your best to mitigate the worst circumstances by preparing for a number of contingencies. (hiconsumption.com)
External Links
How To
How to build a lean-to shelter
There are many types of lean tos in the United States. They are typically made from wood or metal poles covered by tarps, canvas, plastic sheeting, or corrugated roofing material. The roof is usually added after the walls, ceiling, and floor are built.
Lean-tos are temporary shelters that are built to the side of buildings when the weather isn't allowing for permanent shelter. You can also refer to it as a lean-to shed, lean-to cottage, or lean-to home.
There are many types o lean tos.
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A simple wooden frame covered in tarpaulin. This type lean-to can be found in rural areas.
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A lean-to tent consisting of a framework of poles supporting a tarpaulin.
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A leaning-to cabin, also called a "cabin - on-frame", is made up of a platform supported and supported by beams or posts.
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A lean to shed, also known as "shelter–on-a-pole” or "paddock shed", is a structure of poles and supports that has a cover.
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A lean to garage is also called "garage-onstilts" or "overhang". It consists of a steel framework that rests on concrete stilts.
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A leaning studio, also known as "studio -on–a-frame" or simply "studio -on–a-post", is made up of a framework with two parallel horizontal members ("posts”) and one perpendicular component (beam).
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A lean-to greenhouse, also called a "greenhouse-on-a-post," consists of three parallel horizontal members (posts), one perpendicular member (beam), and a canopy.