How to Survive a Blizzard Outside
Blizzards can be a dangerous and life-threatening experience, especially if you find yourself caught outside during the storm. Knowing how to survive a blizzard and keeping a clear mind can drastically increase your chances of staying safe and maintaining your well-being. In this article, we will discuss essential tips and strategies for surviving a blizzard outside.
Blizzards are severe winter storms characterized by heavy snowfall, strong winds, and low temperatures, which can create hazardous conditions for those exposed to the elements. Whether you are caught in a blizzard while hiking in the wilderness or stranded in your vehicle, it is crucial to understand the risks and take appropriate actions to protect yourself and potentially save your life.
Understanding Blizzards
Causes and Dangers
Blizzards are caused by a combination of cold air, heavy snowfall, and strong winds. When these factors come together, they can create a dangerous and challenging environment for anyone caught outside ThoughtCo. The primary dangers of a blizzard are reduced visibility, extreme cold, and the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Additionally, deep snow can make travel difficult or impossible, which can lead to people becoming trapped or stranded in the storm.
Another hazard associated with blizzards is the potential for avalanches. This occurs when the weight of accumulated snow becomes too much for the underlying layers, causing a large mass of snow to break away and rush downhill. Avalanches can be extremely dangerous and often bury people or destroy structures in their path.
Recognizing Blizzard Conditions
Being able to recognize the signs of an impending blizzard can be crucial in ensuring your safety. Some common indicators of blizzard conditions include:
- Heavy snowfall: Rapidly accumulating snow can make visibility and travel difficult, and increase the risk of avalanches.
- Strong winds: Winds of 35 mph (56 km/h) or greater are a key component of blizzard conditions, as they cause blowing snow and reduce visibility to less than one-quarter mile (0.4 km) for at least three hours wikiHow.
- Extreme cold: Temperatures below freezing can quickly lead to frostbite and hypothermia, so being properly dressed and prepared for cold weather is essential.
By keeping an eye on the weather forecast and paying attention to these warning signs, you can better ensure your safety during a blizzard.
Preparation and Planning
Weather Forecast Awareness
Staying informed about the weather conditions is crucial for blizzard survival. Make use of local and national resources to understand the risks of winter storms in your area. This includes monitoring news channels, weather apps, and government-issued alerts to stay updated on any impending blizzard situations.
Essential Gear and Supplies
When venturing outdoors during a blizzard, it’s essential to have the appropriate gear and supplies to ensure your safety. Some key items include:
- Warm clothing: Dress in layers, including a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Make sure to protect your head, hands, feet, and face from the cold.
- Footwear: Wear insulated, waterproof boots with non-slip soles to keep your feet warm and dry, and to maintain proper footing on icy surfaces.
- Emergency kit: Carry an emergency kit containing items such as a flashlight, extra batteries, a whistle, a pocketknife, a first aid kit, and a backup communication device, like a fully charged mobile phone.
- Food and water: Pack non-perishable food items and water to sustain yourself in case the blizzard lasts longer than anticipated.
- Navigation tools: Equip yourself with a map, compass, and GPS device to help navigate your way through the harsh conditions.
Proper preparation and planning, including monitoring weather forecasts and packing essential gear and supplies, can significantly improve your chances of surviving a blizzard outside. By taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure your safety and well-being during a winter storm.
Finding Shelter
Seeking Existing Structures
One of the first things you should do during a blizzard is to look for existing structures that can provide shelter. This could be anything from a cave or a cabin to a dense stand of trees or a rock outcropping. The goal is to find a spot that will shield you from the wind and snow, helping to preserve your body heat and protect you from potential hypothermia. Existing structures can also provide added insulation and minimize exposure to the elements.
Creating an Emergency Snow Shelter
If you can’t find a suitable existing structure, you may need to create your own emergency snow shelter. Two common shelters that can be built quickly and effectively in a blizzard are the snow cave and the snow trench.
Snow Cave: To build a snow cave, locate a snowdrift or compacted snowbank that’s at least four feet deep. Begin by digging a tunnel into the snow, gradually sloping upwards to trap warm air inside. Once you’ve dug a few feet in, start excavating a dome-shaped space for you to huddle in, ensuring you leave walls at least a foot thick for insulation. Make a small ventilation hole in the ceiling to allow fresh air into the cave. A properly constructed snow cave can provide a warm, draft-free shelter with temperatures hovering around 32 degrees Fahrenheit (Eureka Tents).
Snow Trench: If constructing a snow cave isn’t feasible, consider digging a snow trench instead. Start by digging a long, narrow trench into the snow, about two feet wide and as deep as necessary to shield yourself from the wind. Lay your backpack, branches, or other materials over the top of the trench as a makeshift roof, and cover with snow. This type of shelter also helps trap heat and keep you warm while protecting you from the elements (Krebs Creek).
Regardless of the type of shelter you create, be sure to stay as dry as possible, as wet clothing can quickly sap your body heat. With the right shelter, you’ll have a better chance of surviving a blizzard in the wilderness.
Section 5: Personal Safety Measures
Staying Warm and Dry
It is crucial to stay warm and dry during a blizzard to avoid hypothermia and frostbite. Wearing multiple layers of clothing is the key to retaining body heat. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your body. Follow this with an insulating layer, such as fleece or down, for added warmth. Finally, add a waterproof and wind-resistant outer layer to protect against the elements.
Covering exposed skin is vital in preventing frostbite. Wear a hat or headband to cover your ears, and protect your hands with insulated gloves or mittens. Opt for thick socks and waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Remember to bundle up in a scarf or balaclava to cover your face and neck as well.
Hydration and Nutrition
Maintaining proper hydration and nutrition during a blizzard is essential. Cold weather can suppress thirst, making it easy to become dehydrated. Carry a thermos with warm, non-alcoholic beverages to encourage regular hydration.
As for nutrition, consume high-calorie foods to fuel your body and generate heat. Pack portable and non-perishable snacks such as energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, and crackers. Make sure to eat small, frequent meals, as consuming large amounts of food at once can divert blood flow from the extremities, increasing the risk of frostbite.
Following these simple guidelines can greatly improve your chances of surviving a blizzard outside. Paying attention to your body’s needs and taking appropriate measures for warmth, hydration, and nutrition will help you stay safe during extreme winter weather.
Section 6: Signaling for Help
Visual Signals
When you’re caught in a blizzard and need help, it’s important to make your presence known to rescuers through visual signals. Create large and clear markings in the snow that are easily visible from a distance. For example, you can spell out the word “HELP” using stones, logs, or bright-colored clothing in a highly visible area source.
Additionally, use contrasting colors against the snow to increase visibility. Placing dark or brightly colored materials on top of the snow, such as jackets, tarps, or fabric, can catch the attention of rescuers source.
Audio Signals
In a blizzard, the noise from the wind can make it difficult for rescuers to hear your calls for help. Use alternative methods to create loud noises that can carry through the storm. One option is to use a whistle or an air horn, which can produce a piercing sound that can be heard over greater distances than shouting.
As a last resort, if you don’t have a whistle or an air horn, you can use makeshift tools to create noise. For instance, striking two metal objects together or banging on pots and pans can produce a loud sound to alert someone of your presence.
Section 7: Survival Do’s and Don’ts
Essential Tips
When caught in a blizzard outside, your primary focus should be on finding shelter. It’s important to get out of the wind and snow as quickly as possible to prevent further exposure to the elements source.
Always dress in layers, with moisture-wicking fabrics close to your skin and insulated, waterproof outerwear. Remember to cover your hands, feet, and head to prevent heat loss source.
Melt snow for drinking water instead of consuming it directly, as eating snow can lower your body temperature source.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid venturing out alone in a blizzard or making long trips without informing someone of your plans. You’ll have a better chance of rescue if people know your whereabouts source.
Don’t drive around barriers onto closed-off roads or attempt to travel through dangerous conditions. If your car is stuck, it’s safer to remain inside and wait for help than to try and shovel out in severe weather source.
Lastly, avoid sweating or overheating, as it can lead to hypothermia. Remove layers when necessary, and keep yourself as dry as possible source.
Conclusion
Surviving a blizzard outside requires a combination of preparedness, proper shelter, and conserving energy. By seeking shelter immediately and taking steps to insulate yourself and your surroundings, you can increase your chances of staying warm and staving off hypothermia.
Constructing a snow cave or trench can serve as a temporary shelter, while having the right gear and a heat source will further help you stay warm. Remember to also stay hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate the risk of hypothermia.
Although blizzards can be life-threatening, applying these survival techniques can improve your odds of making it through such extreme conditions. As always, preparedness is key, so make sure to have essential supplies in your vehicle and on your person before venturing into winter wilderness areas.
