What to do if you are caught in a snowstorm

How to determine the beginning of a snowstorm

The Ministry of Emergency Situations warns people about the possible onset of a snowstorm via SMS. If the notification has not arrived, you can navigate by external signs. Most often, before a blizzard, there is a snow haze – this is when there are too many snowflakes in the air, and therefore visibility is not very good. There may be no wind.

What kind of blizzard can it be?

Very different. Classification helps to understand what the weather is threatening and how it can change. The fact is that drifting snow often ends in a blowing snow, which, in turn, ends in a general snowstorm.

• drifting snow – the slowest snowstorm, its speed is only 5-6 meters per second. There is no snowfall; the snow is carried by the wind 0.5–2 meters above the ground. So the appearance remains.
• At blowing snow wind speed can reach 9 meters per second. The snow rises several meters above the ground, the horizon is not visible.
• General snowstorm characterized by wind speeds of 10 meters per second. There is a lot of snow, the sky is not visible. And in general nothing is visible at a distance of several tens of meters.

As long as it doesn’t turn into a general snowstorm, you don’t have to worry too much. But if you are outside the city, you better hurry to get to a good shelter. As soon as the snowstorm clears, you will need to act quickly.

What to do if you get caught in a snowstorm while walking

First of all, find cover as quickly as possible. It doesn’t matter what it is, anything will do. If there is nothing nearby, proceed like this:

• Avoid holes and ravines. Snow will be swept into them, and this is dangerous for you.
• Contact your friends and tell them about your location. Also call the Ministry of Emergency Situations and ask for help.
• If you run out of energy, stop. Otherwise, you may lose orientation or make a necessary stop in a dangerous place.
• Sit in dry snow with your back to the wind. Put on all the things that are at hand. Take the longest stick you can find in your hand. A snow capsule will form around you, which will help you avoid frostbite.
• If you feel that any part of your body has begun to freeze, rub it with a cloth until sensitivity returns.

What to do if you are caught in a snowstorm in your car

Here, too, you need to try to find a place where you can wait out bad weather. Home, hotel or even a gas station – it’s better not to take risks and stop as quickly as possible. If you are on the highway and there is nothing nearby:

• Tell your relatives and friends about your location and intended route.
• Drive on big roads and highways. If your car breaks down, you can ask other drivers for help.
• Reduce your speed. Otherwise, you may not notice a car or person on the road.
• Turn on your headlights so other drivers can see your vehicle.
• If you have to stop, open a window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Do not go far from the car; it should always be within sight.

What to do if a serious snowstorm finds you at home

If you live in a large city, there is no need to worry. But if you are in a private house in some village, it is better to be prepared.

• Close doors, vents, windows. If there are shutters, use them. Or reinforce your windows by placing paper tapes on them in a crisscross pattern.
• Remove things from the balcony and window sills.
• Prepare a supply of food, water and essential medicines. This can be done if the snowstorm is just beginning, and the store and pharmacy are near the house.
• Follow the news. This way you will learn not only about the weather, but also about possible water or electricity outages.
• Don’t go outside unless absolutely necessary. If you still need to go out, warn family members or friends about your intended movements.