Snowstorm Safety: Tips For Shoveling, What To Pack In Your Car

Snow. It's cold, it's heavy, it's wet and it can create hazards for drivers along with slip and fall risks. With several inches of it expected to fall by the end of the day Friday in northern Illinois, police offer tips to help residents avoid the dangers of snow shoveling, including slips and falls, sprained backs, hypothermia, dehydration and heart attack.

According to the American Heart Association, before you pick up that shovel, you should:

• Avoid eating a heavy meal.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Use a small shovel, as lifting heavy snow can increase blood pressure.
• Learn the dangers of hypothermia and dress in layers.
• Know the signs of a heart attack: Chest discomfort, pain in the arm, neck or jaw; cold sweat; nausea; and shortness of breath. Stop immediately and seek medical help if you notice any of these symptoms.

Also important, if your car becomes snow covered, before you start digging it out, make sure the tail pipe is clear. Remove snow from car exhaust pipe(s) before sitting in car and letting it warm up. Failure to remove snow can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure there is ample room for air to circulate behind your car to allow any exhaust to dissipate and not build up around your car.

• Chicago Weather: Heaviest Snowfall Since 2015 Super Bowl
• How To Avoid Frozen Pipes During Illinois Deep Freeze
• Illinois Winter Storm Impacts Metra Schedules
• Trash Pickup Delay Due To Snowstorm: Waste Management
• Snow Day: School Closings Announce Ahead Of Illinois Winter Storm

Police also remind residents to help firefighters by clearing a three-foot radius around fire hydrants.

If you're heading out on the roads — and police advise against it if you don't absolutely have to leave your home — make sure you have a winter storm survival kit in your car. According to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, in addition to any medication you may need if you get stranded, your car should be stocked with:

• Cell phone and charger
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Knife
• High calorie, non-perishable food
• Water
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• A large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
• A smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand (or cat litter)
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope with loops (avoid chains and hooks if at all possible)
• Booster cables
• Water container
• Compass and road maps

Image via Pixabay