By clothing-bag, 01/12/2022
Be Prepared: Winter Storm Safety Tips
Illinois is preparing for the arrival of a winter storm system that promises low temperatures and large accumulations of snow from this Tuesday until Friday.
While the authorities prepare with an early disaster declaration, they called on the population to take extreme security measures in their homes and behind the wheel.
In fact, they emphasized that if possible, you should avoid moving or staying abroad.
Snowfall is expected to begin this Tuesday shortly after 6 p.m. In fact, the heaviest snowfall is forecast to occur between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
According to the Weather Service projections, cities like Chicago, Joliet and Aurora would record about 8 inches of accumulated snow; however, Kankakee or Watseka would record up to 20 inches of accumulated snow.
What to do?
The Center for Disaster Prevention and Control issues a series of recommendations for winter weather.
For the home For starters, authorities warn, simply staying indoors is no guarantee of being safe.
Prepare the house for winter: Install insulation or thermal coatings and windows suitable for storms. Insulates and protects the water pipes that run outside the house. Cleans and maintains roof gutters. Repair any leaks or leaks in your roofs.
Check your heater: Have your heater checked and maintained by a professional to make sure it's clean and working properly. It is important that the heating has ventilation to the outside. Inspects and cleans fireplaces and fireplaces. An alternative source of heating with sufficient fuel is ideal. If you do not have a smoke detector, install one in your home. If you have a smoke detector, check the life of the batteries every month and replace them twice a year.
Avoid carbon dioxide (CO2) poisoning: If you don't have a carbon dioxide detector, install one in your home. CO2 detectors alert you to the presence of colorless, odorless, deadly gases. Check and replace the batteries of your CO2 detectors. You should do it twice a year. Be alert for symptoms of CO2 poisoning. The main ones are headache, dizziness, confusion, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting and chest pain.
In the car Winterize your car, preferably before winter sets in. Pay attention to the radiator and antifreeze levels. Check the quality of your tires. If necessary, install snow or all-weather tires. Keep the tank full to avoid ice or freezing of the ducts. Use a mixture of liquid suitable for winter in your cleaners. Keep a winter emergency kit in your car, in case you get stranded.
Playing in the Snow
It is common for children to play in the snow during the season. With these tips you can do it safely. The use of appropriate clothing, such as thermal clothing, windproof coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and winter footwear is essential. Spread sand or cat litter on slippery areas. Walk and make slow movements, preferably, so as not to lose control. Prevent children from playing alone, so that you can always tell if something has happened. Having a charged cell phone is a good option to notify in case of an emergency or accident.
Prepare for emergencies
Authorities recommend being prepared for any emergency, whether at home or in the car.In the car The experts recommend being prepared in case you get stranded during a winter storm.
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2:22In addition to maintaining the vehicle, they suggest having an emergency kit.
The kit must contain: Cell phone and portable charger. If possible, extra batteries. Extra items to keep you warm, such as hats, gloves, blankets or sleeping bags. Non-perishable foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration and water. Cables pass current. Flares or emergency lights. Air pump for tires. A bag of litter or kitty litter that you can use for traction. Compass and maps. Battery lamp and radio. First aid kit. Plastic bags (for hygiene).
At Home Authorities warn that staying indoors is no guarantee of well-being during the season. Protect your pets with these tips.
In addition to preparing the house, it is recommended to take other precautions.
This is what you need to know: Store foods that don't require cooking or refrigeration. Store water in clean containers. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged. Stay alert for announcements and weather forecasts. Keep out grills or barbecues. If you use an electric generator, place it at least 20 feet from the house. Install and check CO2 detectors. If your CO2 detectors go off, leave the house immediately and call 911.
This should be in your kit: Lamps and radios that are battery-powered or do not require batteries or power. It is suggested to have a "weather radio" from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Extra batteries. Basic and first aid kit. If you have small children, have supplies for them such as diapers. A bag of sand or kitty litter that will come in handy on slippery paths.
When Shoveling Snow:
Warm Up Shoveling snow can be a high-impact physical activity, so warming up is essential.
It is best to perform some preparatory movements for the muscles and joints, especially those that will be involved, such as legs and arms. Shoveling snow can be hard on the heart, so warming up your cardiovascular system is key. Walking around a bit, doing some jumps or jumping jacks can help get your heart rate up.
Eat right and avoid alcohol Since shoveling snow puts stress on your heart, eating properly is a key step. Before shoveling snow, avoiding heavy meals gives your heart relief, this will prevent additional burdens on your heart. Avoiding alcohol consumption also gives your heart a break. Also, not consuming alcohol allows you to stay alert and react to emergencies, such as hypothermia or heart attacks. Staying hydrated during activity is very important. The ideal is to drink water little by little, so that too much does not accumulate in the belly and increases the chances of feeling cold.
Push instead of lift When shoveling snow, look to push rather than carry. It is better to push the snow to the sides with your body than to lift it up. For this, analyze which is the best place to push the snow.
Choose the right shovel The right tool can make all the difference when it comes to shoveling snow. A plastic shovel, which is less heavy, helps to make this work lighter. Preferably look for shovels with a D-handle. The ideal bucket for shoveling snow is wide with a straight edge. Preferably small or medium in size, to move snow in small shovelfuls.
Dress appropriately Shoveling snow exposes the body to low temperatures, so dressing appropriately is important to protect your health.
In addition to layering, wearing thick or specialized hats, gloves, and scarves is helpful in keeping you warm.
Dressing in layers is very importantThe inner layer or first layer: should be tight and preferably thermal.The second layer or lining: ideally this layer should be made of a material such as fleece or wool. This layer should allow perspiration and be thick enough not to impede mobility.The third or insulating layer: This layer keeps you insulated from the wind or snow. Ideally it should be windproof or a down, waterproof layer.
Shoes Shoveling snow exposes you to slipping on the floor, so choosing shoes with non-slip soles is essential. It is ideal that the footwear is high, with a waterproof or insulating layer, so that snow or water does not reach your feet. Accompanying your footwear with thermal socks helps you stay safe from the cold. Spreading sand or kitty litter on slippery areas helps improve walking traction.
Pace, load and breaks Removing snow in short periods and when it's not too much is an excellent strategy. Ideally, shovel the snow after it has fallen, to prevent it from compacting and building up too much. While shoveling snow, take breaks preferably every 15 minutes, even if you don't feel like you need them. Trying to move large amounts of snow can compromise your health. The ideal is to do it with small shovelfuls and pushing, instead of loading.
Identify Problems
When shoveling snow it is important to anticipate some problems that may arise. Not doing it alone or having a phone in your pocket can make all the difference in an emergency. Also, you should be able to identify the symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite, or a heart attack.
Heart problems The main risk is in the heart. These are the symptoms of an attack: Pain or pressure in the chest. Pain or discomfort in the upper body, such as the jaw, arms, or back. Shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness.
Freezing and hot spots Exposed parts of the body can frostbite. This is how you can identify it: Skin redness. Gray or yellowish areas on the skin. Some parts feel extremely tight or "wax covered." Numbness or pain in the extremities. Go to the heating centers that the authorities have.
Hypothermia In extreme cases, cold can lead to hypothermia. Here are some signs: General confusion. Difficulty speaking. Tremble or shiver Hardening of the extremities. Less ability to react.
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