Dangerous Element: Safety Rules for Blizzards, Snowdrifts, and Storm Winds

According to Belhydromet, severe weather conditions are expected in many districts of the republic in the coming days: heavy snow, blizzard, snowdrifts on roads, and wind strengthening up to 24 m/s.

General recommendations: the "safe harbor" rule

The main advice from rescuers when receiving a storm warning is to stay at home.

Postpone trips to other settlements and long-distance walks.
If possible, switch to remote work.
Prepare a supply of candles, flashlights, and batteries in case of power outages due to wire breaks.

Safety outdoors (for pedestrians)

If bad weather catches you outdoors, remember:

Hazardous areas: stay as far away as possible from light structures, buildings with shaky roofs, overpasses, bridges, billboards, power lines, and trees (especially old ones).
Injury prevention: icy sidewalks combined with strong winds significantly increase the risk of falling. Move with short steps, leaning slightly forward.
Frostbite prevention: strong winds multiply heat loss from the body. Cover your face with a scarf or hood. If you feel cold, immediately enter any public building (shop, bank, pharmacy).

Protection of home and property

Squally winds and blizzards can cause serious material damage.

Windows and doors: tightly close all windows, transoms, balcony doors, and attic hatches.
Balconies: remove pots, boxes, and any objects from open balconies and windowsills that the wind can throw down.
Ventilation: close ventilation openings to prevent backdraft and snow blowing in.

Recommendations for drivers: the road test

Snowdrifts and blizzards are the most dangerous situation for a motorist. Visibility can drop to a few meters.

Parking: do not leave your car under trees, billboards, and near construction sites. The ideal option is a capital garage or underground parking.
If you are on the road:

Reduce your speed to a minimum and increase the distance.
If visibility becomes critical (a "white wall" effect), stop. Do this smoothly, pull over to the shoulder, and be sure to turn on your hazard lights.
Do not leave the vehicle: in heavy snow, it is easy to lose orientation even 10 meters from the car. Stay inside and wait for help.
Be careful with heating: if you are heating yourself in the car with the engine running, make sure that the exhaust pipe is not covered by snow. Carbon monoxide buildup in the cabin is deadly! Open a window periodically for ventilation.

What to do in an emergency?

If you witness an accident, a tree falling on a car, or find yourself trapped in snow, remain calm.

Unified emergency number: 112 or 101.
Clearly state your location and the nature of the problem, and follow the rescuers' recommendations.

Remember: no task is worth risking your life in the face of a raging element. Be careful and take care of yourself!