How to Stay Safe in an Ice Storm

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Freezing rain can wreak havoc for days. Make sure your loved ones are protected.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A home survival kit
A car survival kit
A full gas tank
Defensive driving skills
Fire safety

Step 1: Have a survival kit

Prepare a storm survival kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries; a battery-powered radio; water; foods that require no cooking or refrigeration; a manual can opener; first aid supplies; and a battery-operated cell phone charger.

Step 2: Prepare a car kit

Prepare a survival kit for your car that includes all the items in step one, plus flares, blankets, warm clothes, sand or kitty litter, a small can and waterproof matches for melting snow, and a shovel.

Tip: If your car becomes stuck, tie a bright cloth to your antenna so rescuers can see you.

Step 3: Fill up your car

Keep your gas tank filled to avoid ice buildup in the tank and fuel lines.

Step 4: Avoid driving

Don't drive. If you must get in the car, go slowly and keep your distance from others. SUVs with four-wheel drive might drive well on ice, but they cannot stop better than any other car.

Tip: Make sure someone knows your travel timetable and the route you're planning to take.

Step 5: Stay with your car

If you get stranded in your car, stay put. Run the motor 10 minutes every hour; if it's dark out, turn on the interior lights as the engine runs so rescuers can spot you. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping the windows open a crack and making sure the exhaust pipe is clear. Move your limbs occasionally to keep your blood circulating.

Step 6: Walk with caution

If you are outside, walk slowly, taking short steps. Stay away from utility poles and downed power lines, and avoid walking under trees; ice can cause branches to break off.

Tip: Be especially cautious around cars; ice may prevent them from coming to a stop at intersections.

Step 7: Watch for fire hazards

Beware of common fire hazards: Don't use an outdoor grill inside, and if you're using space heaters, keep them away from anything flammable. Never leave a candle unattended. Place fireplace ashes in outdoor covered metal cans.

Step 8: Check on the neighbors

Check on your neighbors, especially elderly ones. They are the most vulnerable during power outages.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• hothowtos
• safety
• first
• aid
• extreme
• weather
• blizzard
• snow
• saying
• secure

[OfficialCarmenGort]

yes! it's spring!!!

let's make videos on how to stay safe in an ice storm!!

[jackbonjour]

if i check on my old niebour he will start yelling" i was in world war 2 no stupid cold water will hurt me" and then he slams the door at my face

[theweatherchayz]

I LOLED at the cloths coming in a box

[noodlesRawsome24]

@OfficialCarmenGort It may be in the Southern Hemisphere, but up here, we are freezing.

[Songwon80]

Im just watching this cause im dont know to do.

And i live in the southeast so this cant real happen

[greenpie891]

why am i watching this i live in calfornia.....

[Windows7Fan1]

Lol When I started this video, there was a ad of an Intel processor so I was like, What kind of prank is this until it said Close ad -__-

[HeyItsTyler2000]

did you notice its left 4 dead 2 music?

[iAreAless]

well i live in california :D

[DocPYV]

Defensive driving skills??? Uh-huh...

[angretnagators]

Oh haha! Ordinary rain storm has out of nowhere wind and KABOOM! there's your ice storm. Altough this happen in Louisiana in springish!

[altima1fuga2]

what if no one in your family can drive? so now what?

p.s. cool, SUV's with four-wheel drive can drive better on snow.