How do you behave during snow storms?

Arab Weather website - You may find yourselves trapped in the heart of a snow storm, especially since the Arab region during this period of the year is witnessing a significant drop in temperatures, and snowfall in mountainous and even desert areas. The US Meteorological Service has published a list of precautions and instructions that must be followed in such circumstances, whether you are inside or outside the home, and even in the car.

outside

You must seek shelter, try to keep dry and cover all exposed parts of the body, when there is no shelter nearby build a shed of brushwood or a cave of snow for protection from the wind, and light a fire for heat and attention. Put rocks around the fire. If you feel thirsty, melt the ice and then drink. Do not swallow the ice because it will lower your body temperature.

Don't forget the exercises, you have to move your arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep the blood moving in them and keep warm. Avoid heavy exertion such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow if you are not in good health. Stress from the cold and hard work may cause a heart attack, and sweating leads to cold and hypothermia.

In the car

If you must drive during a storm, you should take some precautions, the first of which is to drive slowly.

Tell some people where you are going, so they know in case of an emergency, and don't leave the house without carrying a fully charged phone, car charger and emergency kit.

If you are driving and it starts to skid, keep calm, ease your foot on the gas pedal and turn the wheels in the direction you want in front of the car. If you have an ABS anti-lock braking system, apply firm pressure on the brake pedal. Never brake on an ABS-equipped vehicle.

If you are having trouble seeing due to weather conditions, park the car on the side of the road until visibility improves. Turn off the lights and use the parking brake so you don't accidentally get hit by a car.

If leaving the car you will quickly become disoriented in the windy snow and hail, stay in the car, and run the engine about 10 minutes every hour for heat. While the engine is running, open the window slightly to let in fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Clear snow from exhaust pipes to avoid gas poisoning, and leave an open space for rescuers to see.

If the car stops, turn on the ceiling light at night when the engine is running, tie a bright colored cloth, preferably red. After the snow has stopped, raise the hood to signal that you need help.

Inside

If you are somewhere you should stay indoors and use the heat from a fireplace, wood stove or heater, keep a fire extinguisher and ventilate the place properly.

If the heater goes out, close nonessential rooms to avoid wasting heat, put towels or rags in cracks under doors, close curtains to keep some heat in, drink plenty of fluids because it provides energy for the body to produce heat. Stock up on non-alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration, and don't forget to wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.