Tag Archives: blizzard

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

BE ON THE WATCH FOR WINTER STORMS!

Do you know the difference between Winter Storm Watch, Winter Storm Warnings, and Winter Weather Advisories?  Chances are, most of us don’t; only those who must be out in those conditions to work or get to work pay attention to the forecast.  If you don’t understand, please read on: 

WATCHES:  According to weather professionals, there is a 50% chance that severe winter weather will materialize:

  •       Winter Storm Watch:  Possibility of severe life-threatening winter weather conditions that include: heavy ice and/or near-blizzard conditions, or heavy snow. 
  •       Blizzard Watch:  Blizzard conditions may happen.
  •       Lake-Effect Snow Watch:  Heavy lake effect snow likely.
  •       Wind Chill Watch:  Potential of wind chills of -25°F or less, causing risk of hypothermia and rapid frostbite. 

WARNING:

  •       Winter Storm Warning:  Winter weather is expected to cause life-threatening public impact from winter hazards that include ice, near blizzard conditions, heavy snow, drifting snow and dangerous wind chills.
  •       Heavy Snow Warning:  When 7 inches or more of snow is expected in 12 hours or less, or 9 inches or more is expected in 24 hours or less. 
  •       Ice Storm Warning:  Issued for ½ inch or more of ice accumulation, which can cause damage to trees and power lines. 
  •       Blizzard Warning:  When blizzard conditions are about to happen or expected in the next 12 to 24 hours.  These include frequent gusts of or above 35 mph and falling, blowing and drifting of snow, reducing visibility to ¼ mile.
  •       Lake-Effect Snow Warning:  Potential of 7 inches or more of lake effect snow.
  •       Wind Chill Warning: Issued when the wind chill is expected to be -25°F or less.  In less than 10 minutes,  frostbite can happen.

ADVISORIES:

  •       Winter Weather Advisory: Hazardous combination of ice and snow that exceeds warning criteria.  These may be significant and/or life-threatening if proper precautions are disregarded.
  •       Snow Advisory: When forecasters are confident that the entire event will be snow and an average of 4-6 inches of snow is expected in 12 hours or less.
  •       Freezing Rain Advisory: These advisories are issued only when there is a high probability that the whole event will be freezing rain, resulting in very slippery roads.
  •       Snow and Blowing Wind Advisory:  Prediction of frequent gusts or sustained wind of 25 to 34 mph, accompanied by falling and blowing snow, which can occasionally reduce visibility to ¼ mile or less for three hours or more.
  •       Wind Chill Advisory: Given for wind chills of -15°F to -24°F.  

Brrrrrr!  For those of you who must work in these conditions, there are all types of warm weather gear you can layer to be more comfortable!  From winter liners for wearing  under hardhats or hoodies, tube style helmet liners, rainsuits, raincoats, cold weather work gloves, to Kevlar fiber heat sleeves that furnish insulation, check out Texas America Safety Company!  We are your winter warmth headquarters!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IT’S NOT GETTING ANY WARMER OUT THERE!

How much longer do we have to wait for Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of an early spring?  How many more weeks did you say?  How on earth our friends up north cope with this cold weather is a wonder.  Here in North Central Texas, one would think we have been holed up all winter!  “Cabin Fever” was spreading like wildfire last week, although it lasted only about four days.  However, we have been blasted by another round of cold air today.  It’s 15°, with very strong winds, as this is being written. 

Arctic fronts have hit many areas of the United States, bringing in colder weather than normal.  Many businesses and schools have not been able to open because of the ice and impassable roads.  Things that we take for granted – going to the grocery store or pharmacy – have been delayed.  Many services have been cancelled, temporarily, such as Meals on Wheels, deliveries of medicines, food to grocers, trash pickups, and deliveries of newspapers to rural areas.  Airline flights have been cancelled or delayed.   Physicians and hospitals report seeing more injuries than usual, due to heart attacks suffered from persons shoveling snow, persons falling off their roofs, snow-blower accidents, and broken bones from falls.  The American Red Cross reported that between January 1st and February 1st they missed out on more than 19,000 blood donations that had been expected.  Blood drives at schools, businesses and community events had been called off due to bad weather.  

In the past, we have featured articles about being prepared for winter, such as winterizing both you and your vehicle, things to carry on trips, and being prepared to leave early in case your drive takes longer because of inclement weather conditions.  Hearing stories this past week of persons who were stranded in their cars for hours made me realize how truly important it is to have your car packed with extra food, water, blankets, flashlight, cell phone, and other necessities.   There are many extra things that can help keep ones’ body warm: earmuffs, gloves, hats or toboggans, gloves, and even warming packs that you can put in your pocket, in addition to layering clothing with a water-repellent coat on top.  

Here is some information about winter deaths resulting from blizzards, from the United States Search and Rescue Task Force: 

Related to ice and snow:

  •          About 70% occur in automobiles.
  •          About 25% are caught out in a storm.
  •          The majority are males over 40 years of age.

      Related to exposure to cold:

  •         50% are people over 60 years of age.
  •         Over 75% are males.
  •         20% occur in homes. 

Actual harm to persons depends on specific situations, such as power outages.  Here is some information from one of our previous articles concerning loss of power:  If you live where there is a threat of storms that continue for more than one day, and might cause power failure, here are some ideas to help you stay warm and safe:

  •          Close off rooms to parts of the house that you don’t need to use.
  •          Do not be short of staples such as food and water.  Stock high-energy food that doesn’t require cooking or refrigeration.
  •          Have a flashlight and extra batteries.
  •          Keep extra medicine and baby supplies.
  •          A battery-powered NOAA weather radio can keep you informed of the situation.
  •          Have a first aid kit.
  •          Be sure you have extra heating fuel, as deliverers may not be able to come to your home for days.
  •          Winterize your home by caulking and weather stripping doors and windows, insulating walls and attics and installing storm windows.  If necessary,    cover windows with plastic.
  •          Fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters are excellent alternative energy sources, but be sure your house has proper ventilation. 

Try to stay warm and safe.  When the weather forecasters advise you to stay home unless you absolutely have to get out, pay attention to their warnings.  Let’s hope Phil’s weather forecast is right!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A WARM HELLO TO OUR FRIENDS IN THE MIDWEST!

After reading all the reports of the blizzard that has hit the Midwestern U.S., we Texans have nothing to complain about, when it comes to weather!  Our predicted low in the morning is around 27 degrees, (which I understand will be the coldest since February.)  Lest we forget our neighbors to the north, who include eight states that have been pummeled with 17” to 20” of snow, including: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, and Michigan.  Forecasts for Sunday night (December 12) throughout the Dakotas and parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are below zero.  Several other regions have had winter storm warnings or hard freeze watches.  

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Metrodome roof collapsed under the weight of the heavy snow Saturday.  Workers were trying to clear snow off the Metrodome roof late Saturday night, but work was canceled, for safety reasons.  Those crews were back on the roof Sunday a.m., but workers were not allowed inside the facility as a safety precaution.  The New York Giants were scheduled to play the Minnesota Vikings, but because their plane was rerouted to Kansas City, Missouri, and the mishap at the Metrodome, the game was rescheduled.  Plans are now for the game to be moved to Detroit Lion’s Field, played Monday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m., ET. 

We have recently done articles on having your car winterized, what to carry in your car in case of being stranded, and other winter safety reminders.  Those of you who are somewhat used to the colder temperatures can send us some good advice, we are sure!  We’d like to take a minute to mention other hints that might help you stay warm, from one of our earlier posts! 

Layering the right types of clothing with a waterproof top layer is a smart way to protect yourself from the elements, and will allow you to remove a layer as needed.  This is a good idea, especially for those workers who must be outdoors on a daily basis.  Stretching and warming up the muscles before work will also help one avoid muscle cramps in cold weather. 

Eating small, hot, and even spicy foods give the nervous system a warm signal that encourages blood flow to the extremities.  Drinks with caffeine constrict blood vessels, making the extremities colder.  Alcohol is dehydrating and suppresses shivering, the involuntary muscle contractions that help the body warm itself.  Tobacco also constricts blood vessels and cools the body by reducing circulation.  (It goes without saying that alcohol shouldn’t be consumed while working, anyway, but if you are outdoors for hunting or sports,  this won’t warm you up!)  

There are products made especially to help keep you warm.  Keep these in mind when looking for just the right thing:

Many of us in the south don’t have a clue what you folks up north must contend with in winter months.  We see accidents on icy highways, often caused by people that don’t know how to drive on ice.  You can teach us a thing or two about how to survive these conditions.  We wish you safe driving and traveling when your job demands it, but please drive with care, and stay warm!