The
following was issued by the weather service this morning. They have been
telling of the potential for this storm to be a major mess for two or three
days now.
“The
national weather service in Denver has issued a blizzard warning which is in
effect from 11 pm this evening to 11 pm MST Friday. The winter storm watch is
no longer in effect. Snow will develop by late this afternoon and continue
through Friday night. Moderate to heavy snow will develop tonight and continue
through Friday evening then gradually decrease by Saturday morning. Total
accumulations of 12 to 24 inches will be possible over the palmer divide with 8
to 16 inches over the northeast plains. North winds will increase to 20 to 30
after midnight and continue on Friday with gusts up to 40 mph. Blizzard
conditions will develop after midnight and continue through Friday evening east
of a Greeley to Denver to castle rock line with visibilities near zero at
times. Snow and blowing snow will make
travel difficult if not impossible late tonight through Friday night across the
palmer divide and the northeast plains of Colorado. Pets and livestock exposed
to the harsh winter conditions should be moved to a protective location before
the onset of this storm.”
As
I understand it, many people are freaking out about it. Personally, I don’t
understand why. After all it IS winter and we live in Colorado. My family and I
have been ready for this since fall. I admit I did make an emergency trip to
the store yesterday to get an extra gallon of milk.
The
weather service also felt the need to issue the following additional
statements:
“Travel
will become extremely dangerous or impossible late tonight through Friday night
and is discouraged due to expected blizzard conditions. Consider delaying
travel until conditions improve later this weekend. Road closures are a
possibility over the plains and across the palmer divide.
A
blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are occurring or
imminent. Sustained wind and/or frequent wind gusts of 35 mph or higher will
combine with considerable falling and blowing snow to produce widespread
visibilities below one quarter of a mile. Travel will be extremely dangerous
and is discouraged in these whiteout conditions. If you must travel, have a
winter survival kit with you; keep extra food, water, a flashlight, and dry
clothing in your vehicle. If you get
stranded, stay with your vehicle and wait for help to arrive.”
As
for the suggestions in the above precautionary statement, the most important
one is ‘don’t travel if you don’t have to’. If you must travel, keep an
emergency kit with you at all times. This is in addition to the standard auto
kit you should have. These emergency kits can be purchased or assembled. If you
purchase one, you will still need to add dry clothing and maybe additional
supplies. Make sure you have enough for everyone who will be traveling with
you.
Here
is an easy to assemble list for a simple kit. You can store it in a backpack,
duffel bag, 5-gallon bucket, or whatever you find easiest to carry or
transport.
Extra
food and water such
as MREs or emergency food bars can help keep your energy up and also
minimize the likelihood of panic. The human body requires water to metabolize
food so make sure you have enough for everyone. It’s also good idea to have
water purification tablets, just in case.
Extra
clothes protect
against hypothermia. Multiple layers of clothes are generally warmer than a
single thick garment. By having the ability to simply take off a layer of
clothes, you can avoid overheating, which can cause sweat and dampen
clothing. A change into dry clothes is the fastest way to get warm if
you're wet. Extra clothing is also useful for protection from the elements,
including thorns, insects, sun, wind, and cold. If necessary, they can be cut
into bandages, used as a tree climbing aid, made into hot pads, pillows,
towels, or makeshift ropes.
A
first aid kit should
always be in your vehicle and don’t forget a supply of any prescriptions you
may need.
Matches,
lighters and fire starters (always
have three sources of flame) to light a fire, which can help prevent
hypothermia and signal for aid, should always be kept available. In an emergency,
a fire can also help increase your will to survive.
A
knife for
opening packages, building shelter, shaving wood for tinder, eating, field
surgery (after sterilization of course), cutting rope and clothing, etc. should
also always be kept in your vehicle. A multi-tool such as a Leatherman is also
a good thing to have in addition to your knife.
Flashlights
and headlamps protect
against physical injury when traveling in the dark. A flashlight is also useful
for finding things in the pack, observing wildlife in dark places and for
signaling. Extra batteries and bulbs are highly recommended. Lamps using LEDs
have become very popular, due to their robustness and low power consumption.
A
map and compass will
help you keep track of where you are. Losing your bearing in unfamiliar terrain
raises the risk of anxiety and panic, and hence, physical injury. Maps that
cover the area you will be traveling in or through in sufficient detail and
dimension (topography, trails, roads, campsites, towns, etc.) and the skill and
knowledge to use them are indispensable when traveling, especially when the
place of travel lacks signage, markings or guides. Even a basic compass can
help you find your way to safety.
Sunglasses to help prevent snow
blindness. Sunlight, especially when reflected in snow, can seriously limit
visibility, and jeopardize your ability to travel safely.
One
more VERY important thing to remember: your cell phone, whether ‘in service’ or
not, can always reach 911 as long as it has a charge. You may have to tell the
operator where you are so try to know the road you are on and the nearest mile
marker. See this page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9-1-1
Do
you know the hazards of each season in the place you live? You should. It’s
just common sense. Here are a few winter season links to help you out if you
don’t already know what to do:
My other sites
that compliment this blog:
·
Kaya Self Sufficiency
Facebook group ~ please feel free to join and share!
· Kaya Self Sufficiency Website
~ a constant ‘work in progress’ and I'm always adding to it, so keep checking back!
We have been waiting for each and every storm the weather man tells us about. The funny thing is we live in Washington state and you would think that since we get snow every year, we would all be ready for yet another winter season. I have to laugh when the extreme weather warnings come out and it calls for 3 or 4 inches of snow, like that is a lot for our parts...either way when we get snow it still amazes me how many people get in wrecks and drive like they have never seen the stuff.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in upstate NY and we typically did our shopping once a month... I'm almost always ready these days...
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