Blizzards & Winter Storms

"The wind and cold can sure give me the shivers!"

A blizzard forms when heavy snow falls and strong winds blow the snow around, making it hard to see. Blizzards are extremely dangerous because people can lose their way in the blinding snow. The strong wind can create a cold wind chill, making the temperature feel even colder. The cold temperatures and wind can bring on frostbite or hypothermia. Frostbite can permanently damage your skin, and hypothermia makes your body temperature dangerously low. The strong winds in a blizzard can also cause power outages, and cold temperatures can freeze water pipes.

"Stay put when visibility is low"

Never go outside or driving in your car during a blizzard. Because the blowing snow makes it hard to see, you may get lost in the storm. Some people have frozen to death only a few feet from safety because they couldn't see where they were. If you must drive in winter weather, make sure you can see the road clearly, that your battery has a good charge, that your antifreeze levels are high and that your brakes are good. Carry a winter emergency kit in your car with the following:

A shovel
A windshield scraper
Flashlight and batteries
Water and snacks
Matches
A blanket, a hat, socks and mittens
Road salt and sand
Jumper cables and emergency flares

"That's what we call a B-B-B-B-Blizzard!"

There's more to a blizzard than just snow. The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a snow storm in which the wind blows more than 35 miles an hour and visibility is ¼ of a mile or less for at least three straight hours. Even after the snow stops falling, the wind may keeping blowing so hard that you can't see very far. That is called a "ground blizzard."

Key words to the Song:

"This is not the time to go outside,
Or get in your car to take a ride,
Stay in where it's warm and you'll be safe from harm."

Talk with your Friends and Your Family:
1. Do you get snow and wind where you live? How about places where you visit?
2. How do you know whether or not it's safe to go outside in the snow or wind?
3. How can you protect yourself when the cold wind is blowing?
4. How do you know when it's time to go inside in cold or snowy or windy weather?

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