Be prepared for winter weather
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While large-scale blizzards are not as common in Tennessee as they are in the northern portions of the country, the area still sees its share of winter weather which is sometimes just as destructive as large blizzards.
One winter weather crisis which has plagued the Midsouth several times in recent years is the ice storm. Over the past decade, ice storms have inflicted hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to homes, businesses and utilities.
Ice storm advisories are issued by the National Weather Service for ice accumulations on surfaces of more than a quarter inch. Although a thin covering, the sheet of ice can make driving treacherous, if not impossible.
Weather experts recommend motorists only travel in emergency situations when an ice warning is issued. Ice storms are also known for interrupting power due to the added weight to power lines and trees which sometimes collapse onto power lines.
Along with making traveling treacherous, ice storms and the cold weather they bring can also pose a hazard to people exposed to the elements. The most daunting threat is hypothermia.
Hypothermia is the loss of body heat which results in a life-threatening situation. Warning signs for hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and exhaustion.
Hypothermia can be detected by taking the victim’s temperature. If it is below 95 degrees, medical care should be sought immediately. If medical care is not immediately available, the victim should be warmed slowly. The warming can be done by wrapping the person in a blanket, making sure to wrap the head and neck where much body heat is lost.
The core of the body should be warmed first because warming extremities first drives cold blood toward the heart and may cause heart failure. Do not administer alcohol or any very hot beverage.
Another risk in cold weather is frostbite, which is damage to body tissue caused by the tissue being frozen. Frostbite causes the loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance to the affected portion, which is normally an extremity such as fingers, toes or the nose. If medical help is not immediately available, the affected part should be slowly warmed. Frostbite can occur in 15 minutes or less.
Experts say wearing multiple layers of thin clothing is better than wearing a single layer of thick clothing. Hats are also necessary to avoid exposure since most heat is lost through the head.
Frostbite and hypothermia can happen despite temperatures being well above zero. One reason is due to the wind chill factor. Experts say as the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. The wind chill effect happens to both humans and animals.
While not as common as ice storms, blizzards and heavy snows have routinely hit the Midstate, stranding thousands in their homes for extended periods. For this reason, the EMA suggests during the winter that all households stock up on provisions to last at least three days should a person become homebound due to winter weather.
The provisions should include not only food and liquids and necessary medicines, but also heating fuels. The foods should be types which can be prepared without electric or gas appliances since power is often affected during large storms. It is also a good idea to have a battery-powered radio and flashlight available as well as candles and matches.
Along with preparing at home, motorists should also prepare their vehicles for emergencies. Besides making sure antifreeze levels are current, motorists should carry a winter kit with them when they travel. The kit should include high-energy foods, flashlight, tow chain, small shovel, a blanket and a distress flag or emergency flare. In addition, extra clothing should be stocked inside the vehicle. The kit is needed in case the motorist becomes stranded due to severe weather.
Should you become trapped in your vehicle during a heavy snow storm, you should pull to the side of the road and activate your flashing lights to ensure you are not struck by another vehicle. Flashing lights or a distress flag placed on your vehicle can also signal emergency crews.
If you keep warm by running your heater, make sure to lower a window to avoid possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Never leave your stranded vehicle during a heavy snow storm unless shelter can be seen from your location.