The season for snowfall comes every year. Before the start of winter, preparing ahead can help reduce damage from the snow to a minimum . First, let us do what we can to prepare.
- 1. Check and prepare ahead
- Just like earthquakes or typhoons, heavy snow has caused disaster in recent years. Let us gather information from the radio, television, internet, and other sources.
- Depending on the amount of snowfall, public utilities (electricity, water, gas, etc.) can be suspended. Thus, prepare food, water, and fuel (kerosene). Do prepare disposable pocket warmer, spare batteries, flashlight, power generator, cassette stove, portable radio, etc.
- Snow removal tools such as snow scoops are often sold out during snowfall, so be prepared early. Also, do a maintenance check of the scoop before snowfall. A wide plastic scoop is recommended since it can carry a lot of snow. However, frozen or heavy snow can break plastic easily, so use a metal scoop instead. Also, if you use a metal scoop with a sharp point, it can easily break when it is frozen.
- 2. How to prevent the water heater(boiler) from freezing
- When a boiler is frozen, hot water cannot be used all throughout the winter. In order to prevent this, let us practice some precautions.
- To avoid the boiler from freezing, do not unplug the electrical cord.
Wrap and cover the exposed pipe of the boiler with towel or heat
insulation tube or tape to prevent freezing.
- 3. Precautions when going outside(snowfall/ fallen snow)
During or after a snowfall, check and verify the weather forecast for heavy snow or a blizzard. Let us think and decide if [going outside is necessary] or [go home as soon as possible] is needed to be done.
Refrain from going out when it is unnecessary. If you need to go outside, remember the following points below in order to take care of yourself:
- Do not walk to the frozen part of a road. Be careful not to fall down from an irrigation canal. Use the footprints on the road as landmarks and walk on them.
- Do not run. Narrow your stride when walking. Do put your toes and heels on the ground at the same time.
- Give extra time than usual when going outside
- Wear anti-slip shoes when going outside. Wear gloves and keep both hands free to be ready for use.
- Do not go near the eaves under a roof because snow may fall from the rooftop.
- 4. Important Reminders about Snow Removal
Most fatal deaths caused by heavy snow is when a person falls off the roof top when removing the snow.
- It is advisable to ask for help from your family or neighbors to clear the snow together.
- If you find a cut cable wire before clearing out the snow, do not go near or touch it. Instead, call the electric company right away.
- Wear anti-slip shoes and be careful not to fall.
- When removing snow from the roof, use multiple safety lifeline or anti-slip ropes and harnesses properly for your safety.
This time, we learned about how to prepare for snow. Many of us tend to think that we will not let ourselves be involved in disasters. However, many unexpected disasters occur every year. Disasters are not just someone else’s problem. The knowledge and preparation done by each individual is essential to reduce the damage brought by a calamity.
