AFTERMATH OF A BLIZZARD
Following a heavy blizzard, the cleanup task begins. Mailboxes and fire hydrants
are dug out first, and then the snow plows get busy. Before the proliferation of
motor vehicles in civilized countries, our modern, frenzied snow-removal pro-
grams would have been considered ridiculous. Decades ago, sled-type runners
replaced wheels on vehicles until the snow melted in the spring, but today, mil-
lions of dollars are spent every year to clear snow off of streets and highways.
An incredible variety of plows, blowers, and shoveling devices keeps our mod-
ern transportation system moving.
Sometimes, despite all of our snow-removal machinery, a blizzard defeats us.
We clear a spot, and a few minutes later it is drifted in again. Nature forces us to
take a day or two off and slow down. It’s difficult for some adults to tolerate this,
but children don’t seem to have a problem with it, especially if school is canceled.
STAYING SAFE
People can die in snowstorms and blizzards. Some insist on travel when roads
are impassable, some attempt to shovel a sidewalk or driveway in spite of the
fact that they never get any exercise, and once in a while someone actually gets
lost between a house and a barn or garage.
When people are injured or die in winter storms, there are usually complicat-
ing factors. Most people who lose fingers, toes, or limbs in blizzards suffer from
frostbite. Death is nearly always the result of hypothermia. Frostbite occurs
when skin actually freezes, or when the circulation is restricted because of
excessive cold. Hypothermia is an abnormally, and pathologically, low body
temperature. If a blizzard is in progress, it is unwise to venture out in it, but in
some cases people believe they have no choice. Proper clothing then becomes
crucial for protection against frostbite and hypothermia.
The chief warning sign of frostbite is numbness or whiteness of the skin,
especially in extremities such as fingers, toes, and ears. For protection against
frostbite in the fingers, mittens are better than gloves. Feet can be kept warm
with two or three pairs of socks, soft shoes, and rubber boots (“galoshes”) worn
outside the shoes. For ear protection, a thick fur cap works well. A parka with a
hood is better. It is important that hands, feet, and head be kept dry.
Hypothermia causes confusion and drowsiness. The risk of hypothermia can be
minimized by dressing in layers, as well as by taking all of the precautions for
guarding against frostbite. It also helps to make sure you have had enough to eat.
The body’s demand for calories is increased in cold weather. All high-calorie foods
CHAPTER 7 Winter Weather
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