How to Survive a Blizzard

Blizzard. Be prepared for winter's inclement weather.

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By georgelarson
eHow Community Member

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You versus Mother Nature is a struggle no matter how well prepared you might think you are. Mother Nature is always there and her extreme climates can still take you by surprise. Getting blasted by a hurricane or flash flood has disastrous results but a blizzard can catch you blind sided. Have your winter survival kit in your vehicle and follow these tips to help you survive being caught 'snow blind'.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Winter survival kit
Knowledge of weather forecast.
Remember that Mother Nature wins.

Step 1

A warm blanket will help you wait out the blizzard.

--Blizzard and Winter Weather Survival Tips--

When you need to venture out in a snowstorm be prepared in case you have car problems, get stuck or have to pull over because of the storm. As part of your 'winter survival kit' carry a blanket in your back seat to stay warm. Do not put it in your trunk since you may not be able to access your trunk for many reasons. Ensure that the blanket is heavy enough to provide plenty of warmth.
Step 2

Keep this kit in your car, not the trunk.

--Winter Survival Kit Essentials--

Other items you should have in your survival kit include:
-Warm clothing, boots, long underwear, heavy socks, mittens, ski mask.
-A source of heat, such as a candle or can heater.
-Matches
-A metal container for melting ice or snow.
-A radio and flashlight with extra batteries.
-Food including hard candy, jellybeans, raisins, nuts, candy bars, dehydrated fruit, and jerky.
-Something to read to help keep you awake.
-Toilet tissue.
-Bright red or orange cloth and whistle to signal help.
-A cell phone fully charged. At least have the phone charger with you when you venture out in bad weather.

You may have heard that eating fresh snow is not a good idea since it lowers your body temperature. That part is true. You need to stay hydrated, though, so melt the snow first and then drink it.
Step 3

Stay inside your car until help arrives.

--Blizzard Safety--

Stay inside your car! If you venture out to try to find help you may become disoriented with the heavy snowstorm. Use your car to stay warm by running the motor and the heat for ten minutes out of each hour. Conserve your gasoline and make sure that the exhaust pipe is clear of any snow. Keep yourself warm by moving your arms and legs and snuggle with any other passenger(s) to take advantage of body heat.