In connection with possible adverse weather conditions associated with heavy snowfall, the Ministry of Emergency Situations reminds that prolonged snowfalls lasting 16 hours or more lead to snowdrifts and collapses, and snowstorms not only cause harm to the population and agriculture, but often lead to loss of life. To ensure your safety and the safety of your homes, you need to observe the basic precautions:
In connection with possible adverse weather conditions associated with heavy snowfall, the Ministry of Emergency Situations reminds that prolonged snowfalls lasting 16 hours or more lead to snowdrifts and collapses, and snowstorms not only cause harm to the population and agriculture, but often lead to loss of life. To ensure your safety and the safety of your homes, you need to observe the basic precautions:
- During heavy snowfall, you should limit your movement on the streets, and do not let children go out alone, especially in rural areas. During a snowstorm, it is permitted to leave premises only in exceptional cases.
- When warned of a possible snowstorm, you need to stock up on water and food in advance.
- If your house is equipped with an independent heating system (gas cylinders, stove, etc.), you should create a fuel reserve.
- Close doors, windows (shutters), attic (ventilation) hatches tightly. Remove items from balconies, windowsills, and loggias that can be caught by the airflow; the same applies to objects in the yard or on the roof.
- Building owners need to monitor the snow depth on the roofs and clear snow as necessary to avoid damage.
- Motorists need to be especially careful! If a blizzard catches you on the road (in a car), stop and take shelter in a building. If your car gets stuck, give sound and light signals, hang a piece of bright cloth on a pole (antenna). Do not leave the car unless you are sure you will find help nearby. Try not to fall asleep with the engine running – you can be poisoned by exhaust gases entering the cabin, so you need to constantly ensure that the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow. Periodically, you need to get out of the car and clear the snow so as not to be buried under it.