How to Survive a Blizzard

Winter is on the way, and one of the most dangerous weather conditions to attempt to survive is a blizzard. The very cold temperatures make hypothermia a risk. The poor visibility and heavy snow drifts can get people stuck very quickly. People can get into serious trouble during a blizzard before they know what has happened to them. For these reasons, it is very important to prepare ahead of time.

Most of the people who get into trouble during blizzards do so because they choose to travel. During the winter, the Great Plains and the mountainous areas in the United States can get battered with many blizzards. The news and the Weather Channel always tell people to stay inside and avoid venturing onto the roads during a blizzard.

Unfortunately, many people ignore these warnings and choose to travel. For some, the travel is a necessity. For others, it is not. Those who travel without a genuine need are taking their lives into their own hands, and risk hypothermia, frostbite and even death as a result. The best way to survive a blizzard is by staying at home.

Those who find themselves having to travel during blizzard conditions will do well to pack a blizzard survival kit before winter even hits. This will ensure that their vehicle is well-stocked with the necessities of life that can keep them from having a situation turn from bad to worse.

Other than air, the most important commodity that is necessary for human life is water. Those who are getting ready to travel when a blizzard warning in effect should pack plenty of water. Eating snow is not a viable option because of the very low water content and the cold temperature that will take energy to heat. Several liters of water will help people who are stuck in a blizzard survive.

Those who are getting into a vehicle to travel during a blizzard should also take some food. Eating food can give the energy necessary to go looking for help after the storm subsides.

A couple of other things that most people might not think of in terms of a blizzard survival kit are a flashlight and a phone charger. A flashlight can contribute to survival by providing light if a car or van battery goes dead. In this case, the phone charger would not be very useful. However, if the car will still provide enough of a charge, the phone charger can allow someone who is stuck the change to keep phone service, something that is expanding throughout the nation.

Those who expect to travel in a blizzard should also pack blankets in the trunk of the car. This will allow anyone who gets stuck the opportunity to keep warm in this difficult situation. One of the biggest threats during blizzard conditions is the cold temperatures that can cause hypothermia. Blankets will keep heat close to the body, and those who can stay close to fellow travelers can maximize body heat under blankets, reducing the threat of hypothermia.

Getting caught in a blizzard can be a dangerous, and even deadly, situation. Those who prepare ahead of time can take precautions to increase the likelihood of surviving getting lost in a blizzard. Of course, staying inside is the best defense against a blizzard.