How to Heat in a Blizzard

Blizzards are dangerous winter storms that combine blowing snow and wind that result in little or no visibility. Blizzards can knock out power and shut down roadways, leaving you stranded and struggling to stay warm. Although weather services can often predict severe storms in advance, they are often unable to predict the severity and duration of a storm. If you live in an area prone to severe winter storms or plan on traveling in an area where you may be caught in a winter storm, it is important that you are prepared.

Things You'll Need

• Blankets
• Three-day supply of drinking water
• Dry food, such as granola bars
• Wood
• Matches
• Hand warmers
• Extra clothing
• Winter hat and gloves

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Instructions

• 1

  Cover all exposed body parts. If you are caught outside during a blizzard, take care to cover all exposed body parts to delay the onset of hypothermia. If you are without extra clothing or blankets, find an area protected from the storm and huddle tightly with others in your party or by yourself to generate heat from your body. Try to stay as dry as possible.

• 2

  Do not eat the snow. Eating snow will cause your body temperature to drop. If you are stranded for an extended period and are in need of hydration, melt the snow first to increase the temperature of the water before drinking it.

• 3

  Build a shelter to protect you from the wind and snow. If you do not have access to a shelter, you can build a lean-to or snow cave to protect you from the elements. The most important thing you can do to survive in a blizzard is to get out of the storm and stay dry. If you can, build a fire in your shelter to generate heat.

• 4

  Run your engine for ten minutes, every hour, if you are stranded in your car during a blizzard. Because you may be stranded for an extended time, you need to conserve gas while trying to stay warm. Running your engine for short periods will allow your car to provide much needed heat, while saving fuel. Wrap yourself in blankets or extra clothing and use commercial hand warmers to help keep warm while your engine is off. You can also generate heat by exercising vigorously by waving your arms, stomping your feet and wiggling your toes and fingers to increase circulation.

• 5

  Plug cracks and openings in doors and windows with towels, sheets, blankets or clothing, if you are stranded in your house with no heat during a blizzard. Plugging open spaces will save precious body heat and keep cold drafts from entering the house, causing the temperature to drop. If possible, start a fire in a wood-burning stove to produce heat. Close off any rooms that are not being used and cover the windows at night.

• 6

  Eat and drink. Eating provides the body necessary energy to produce heat, while drinking keeps the body from becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to disorientation and loss of the ability to function properly.