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The cause of all the chaos was a slow-moving deep depression of 963 millibars out in the North Sea with storm force northerly winds on its north-west flank bringing extremely cold and moisture laden clouds from the Arctic. With temperatures at sea level reported as low as -10C there could only be one result, vast quantities of snow blasting south from the Northern Isles into the north of Scotland and extending as far as the southern Cairngorms. The storm engulfed isolated dwellings, trapped motorists, derailed trains, and put TV transmitters, telephone lines and power cables out of action. There were some spectacular sights: trains and road vehicles were buried in mountainous drifts; farm houses and shooting lodges were buried to chimney pot level and others plastered with snow to resemble iced wedding cakes; electricity pylons lay crumpled like match-sticks and telegraph poles by the hundred were snapped in half. Hundreds of people were placed in dangerous survival situations and regrettably 4 people lost their lives.
Probes located two cars buried under fifteen feet of snow but unfortunately the three occupants were already dead. (Two days later some distance away a lone driver was dug out of his car alive after 80 hours under the snow. He was a ladies underwear salesman who had used his samples to supplement his clothing thereby saving himself from at worst, death or at least, serious frostbite.)
Some basic preparation and common-sense safety tips will help ensure safety during bad weather. Always have a flashlight, a battery operated radio and, of course, fresh batteries. Have some bottled water handy, as well as food items that don’t need refrigeration or cooking to prepare and make sure you have a non-electric can-opener.
Tips from the Red Cross on preparing for high winds and possible power outages:
Prepare for High Winds:
* Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs.
* Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.
* During the storm, draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.
Top Safety Tips for a Power Outage:
* Assemble essential supplies, including: flashlight, batteries, portable radio, at least one gallon of water, and a small supply of food.
* Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Due to the extreme risk of fire, do not use candles during a power outage.
* Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information. Do not call 999 for information – only call to report a life-threatening emergency.
* Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.
* Turn off electrical equipment
you were using when the power went out. Leave one light on so you know when the power comes back on.
* Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
* If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
* Stay focused on the risks of smoke and carbon monoxide. If you do not have one buy a carbon monoxide alarm, they are available at most hardware stores. If you have one, check the battery to make sure it is working. If the alarm sounds: get to fresh air by going outside. Contact the fire department before you go back inside your home.
Winter’s on the way again, and many people across the UK will still remember how last year's severe weather struck quickly and caused major disruption to thousands of lives.
But the good news is that it’s easy to make sure you’re prepared for the worst – by preparing a basic ‘grab bag’ for use in emergencies.
In Scotland the Red Cross, in partnership with the Scottish Government, has launched a Ready for Winter campaign. We’re promoting a simple message: spend a little time now gathering some essential items in a handy bag, and you’ll be prepared if sudden bad weather means you get stranded at home or – even worse – while on the move.
What should go in your bag at home?
* Torch
* Battery radio
* Toiletries / first aid kit
* Long-life food and bottles of water
* Important documents (eg. insurance policy)
* List of emergency contact numbers (see right for downloadable templates)
* Spare keys to your home / car
* Pencil, paper, penknife and whistle
What should go in your travel bag?
* Torch
* Battery radio
* Mobile phone
* Cash and credit cards
* List of emergency contact numbers (see right for downloadable templates)
* Winter boots, warm clothing and waterproofs
* Ready-to-eat food, bottled water and warm drink in flask
Motorists:
Stop and offer roadside assistance if you see someone's car has broken down during severe weather; you could be saving someone's life.
In areas where heavy snow is likely to fall, always carry a blanket in your car. Also, carry a torch, a brightly-coloured headscarf, matches, some chocolate bars, a flask of hot soup, a mobile phone and a sign that says HELP in big bright letters. If you break down or get stuck in snow, don’t leave your car – it will get noticed before you will. Put the HELP sign in your window, tie the headscarf to your car's aerial, turn off the engine and curl up in the blanket. Don’t run your car's engine for more than a few minutes at a time and make sure its exhaust isn’t blocked.
Originally posted by Skippy1138
reply to post by jrmcleod
101 Flags?? You wouldn't last a week in New England....just sayin'.....