Blizzard Safety Tips

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Whew. Here in Kansas City, we are preparing for our second round of serious winter storm conditions. Anywhere from 6-12 inches are expected in the next 24 hours. Similar conditions are sweeping across the Midwest. On top of large amounts of snow, this storm is bringing strong winds and a large threat of ‘white-out’ conditions. This is extremely dangerous for driving- if you end up off the road, it could be hard for authorities to spot and help you because of limited visibility and the high probability that your car’s tracks will be covered by snow.

If you live in any areas affected by this storm, please avoid ANY AND ALL unnecessary travel. 

If for some reason, you must travel, please make sure you have the following items with you in your car and review these tips for how to stay safe and get help if you do become stranded… 

What to have in your car:

  1. Materials to keep you warm: Blankets, a pillow, and warm clothing. Make sure to include a hat and gloves and extra socks! It is also wise to include a waterproof layer like a raincoat.
  2. Non-perishable food:  Nuts, canned tuna, crackers, dry cereal, fruit cups, granola bars and WATER.
  3. A flashlight: Not only can this help you see, but it can also help you send signals and be seen in white-out conditions
  4. Extra batteries
  5. A pair of sturdy boots: In case you do need to leave the car for any reason- plus, they are very warm and waterproof. You may need them to stomp messages in the snow
  6. A whistle:  In white-out conditions, it may be hard for authorities to see you and your car’s tracks may get covered in snow. Bring a whistle; if you can’t be seen, you can still be heard. If you can be heard, you can be rescued
  7. An orange or red flag: This flag will come in handy to signal to authorities that there is someone in the car in need of assistance
  8. Matches
  9. Any prescription medicine you need: Update your emergency kit to keep it current with your most needed (and non-expired!) medications
  10. A snow shovel
  11. Ice scraper
  12. Jumper cables
  13. Extra gas
  14. Fuses: There are several kinds- make sure you have the right ones for your car
  15. Basic tools: including pliers, screwdrivers, and an adjustable wrench. Also include electrical and duct tape.
  16. A fire extinguisher
  17. A knife
  18. Road flares: Another great way to make sure you are seen in white-out conditions

What’s the best way to avoid getting stranded? Staying off the roads in the first place. If you don’t have an important reason for driving, DON’T.

What to do if you are stranded in your car:

  1. If you have a cell phone, call for assistance and provide authorities with your location but try not to drain down the battery by using the phone for anything but contacting help!
  2. Do not panic
  3. Stay in the car
  4. Use the supplies you do have conservatively
  5. If it is daytime: place a red or orange flag on your antenna. If it is nighttime: leave your dome light on, only when the car is running
  6. Occasionally check your tailpipe to make sure it’s free of snow. Clean the pipe to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when the engine is running
  7. Do some minor exercising inside the vehicle to keep up circulation
  8. If there is more than one person in the car, take turns sleeping. If you are alone, DO NOT sleep while the engine is running!!!
  9. When the snow stops, try stamping HELP signal in the snow beside your vehicle.

Stay warm and safe everyone!

Protect Yourself During Flood Season

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With winter winding down (finally!) – our thoughts are turning to spring and summer, and some of the damaging rain and storms that come with the changing seasons. Certain areas of the US are already seeing flooding from some of these storms, so we wanted to share some tips from the FEMA website for staying safe during a flood.

How to react if a flood is occurring near your home:

  • Listen to the radio or TV for information
  • Be aware of flash flooding, if there is a possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas prone to flash flooding.

If you must evacuate, attempt the following:

  • Secure your home as much as possible. Bring outdoor items indoors, and move essential items to a higher floor
  • Turn off utilities and the main shutoff points. Disconnect as many electrical appliances as possible. Do NOT touch electrical equipment if you’re in standing water.
  • Do not walk through moving water. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to make you fall.
  • Use a stick or cane to check ground firmness where you are walking
  • Do not drive in flooded areas. Flood waters can sweep you and your vehicle away quickly

Driving in Flooded Areas

  • If you find yourself driving in flood conditions, be aware that only 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars and can cause stalling
  • A foot of water will float many vehicles
  • Two feet of rushing water is enough to float away even heavy SUV’s and Trucks

We hope you never need to use these tips, but it pays to be aware of the dangers of flooding before they happen!

If you happen to have your own website or blog, you can add some cool widgets provided by FEMA by going to their site here and downloading them.

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