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How to stay safe in a snowstorm

T-L Photo/JOSIE BURKHART With winter weather in Ohio, it’s important to know what to do when you get stuck in a snowstorm, which includes keeping an emergency supplies kit in your car and keeping warm.

WITH WINTER weather here and snow piling up, local residents should know how to be prepared to keep themselves safe during a snowstorm.

According to the National Weather Service, the local area can expect another 1 ½ inches of snow today and warmer temperatures this weekend followed by more cold. So far, more than 5 inches of snow has fallen in the region since storms started last week. Some areas in western Belmont County still have more than 6 inches of snow on the ground.

This is the 13th coldest weather on record in the period from Dec. 1 to Jan. 14 in West Virginia during the past 77 years, NWS meteorologists said. However, despite the mild winters of more recent years, the amount of snowfall this season is closer to what is considered a “normal” winter in the Ohio Valley area.

While there will be some melting with temperatures potentially reaching 40 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend, some of the snow on the ground will be compacted. This means some snow will remain until temperatures rise for a longer period.

If trapped outside during inclement weather, the most important thing to remember is to stay warm, according to the NWS. People should know what to do when caught in a blizzard, not just when they’re on the road in a vehicle but when they’re stuck outside as well.

If someone is outside when a storm hits, the NWS suggests finding shelter that will keep you dry. Cover all exposed body parts to avoid frostbite or hypothermia.

If there is no shelter nearby, an individual outdoors will need to get crafty. The NWS says to build a “lean-to, windbreak or snow cave” for protection from the wind. It also suggests building a fire for heat and to attract attention.

Building a fire can be intimidating, but Self Reliance Outfitters has a step-by-step guide on how to do it. One will need rocks, dry logs and sticks piled together for the base, preferably finding a spot that has the least amount of snow and wind. Pine needles, dry leaves, dry grass and bark shavings can be used for the fire as well. A helpful hint is to cut away the wet exterior of materials if they aren’t dry. Tools will then be needed to start the fire, such as a ferro rod or lighter, and once it’s lit people can consider using small sticks, cotton balls, dryer lint, fuel or petroleum jelly to keep the fire going.

“The goal is to start the fire 1-2 inches above the ground,” Self Reliance Outfitters states on its website. “This will help you avoid the snow and frozen ground, so your fire can start quickly and generate the most heat.”

The NWS notes that eating unmelted snow will lower your body temperature, so always melt it before using it for drinking water.

The NWS also suggests exercising occasionally by moving arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

To stay safe in a vehicle during a snowstorm, the NWS emphasizes staying in the vehicle because leaving it could cause disorientation in wind-driven snow and cold. Run the motor of the vehicle for 10 minutes each hour for heat, but be sure to open the window a little bit for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Snow should also be cleared from the exhaust pipe to avoid CO poisoning.

Another tip from the NWS says to be visible to rescuers by turning on the dome light at night when running the engine, tying a bright-colored cloth to the antenna or door and after snow stops falling, raising the hood to signal for help.

Another helpful tip from the agency is to let someone know where you are going and which route you will take so you can get help in case of getting trapped in a storm. It emphasizes not leaving the house without a fully charged phone and car charger.

Keep an emergency supplies kit with you in the car as well that includes water, food, flashlight, first-aid kit, batteries, whistle, maps, blankets, an ice scraper and extra clothes.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency says to bundle up and dress in layers when going outside and to try to have as little skin exposed as possible. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than 10 minutes. Symptoms include a loss feeling in exposed skin and a white or pale appearance of fingers, toes, ear tips and tip of noise.

People can call 911 when trapped in a blizzard or the American Automobile Association at 800-222-4357 or a local towing company if your car is stuck in the snow.

Niamh Coomey contributed to this report.

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