Bomb Cyclone: 7 Tips For Surviving The Harsh Weather

NEW YORK, NY — As the Northeast of the United States is engulfed in a "bomb cyclone" — a particularly nasty bout of winter weather — state and local authorities are warning residents to be cautious and follow common sense safety tips throughout the perilous parts of winter.

While the winter can be a lovely season, and blizzards can be great opportunities to curl up with a good book near the fire, the cold weather presents serious challenges and can prove deadly. As protracted periods of cold weather and heavy snow drag on, the dangers can increase.

Here are seven helpful tips for staying safe as the bomb cyclone hits:

1. Stay inside.

The roads are treacherous as the cold sweeps across the country — and not just because of the snow. Ice is a major cause of auto accidents in the winter, and the cold temperature itself can turn otherwise run-of-the-mill car trouble into a deadly situation.

Walking, too, can be dangerous. Slipping and falling in winter storms can happen to anybody at any age, and crossing streets or walking in the road is more dangerous than usual when drivers face low visibility and icy conditions.

Your best bet is to stay inside as much as possible until the worst of the weather passes.

2. Stock up on food.

Having nonperishable food is a major asset during harsh winter weather. If the storm lasts longer than you expect, you'll be thankful to have extra food on hand — and having it already in your house will help you follow tip #1 — staying inside. Many or all grocery stores will likely close down if the weather is bad enough, meaning you might not even have the option to restock if conditions take a turn for the worse.

3. Keep pets indoors.

Like humans, the animal members of your family are best kept inside during terrible weather. Several stories have already been reported this winter of dogs freezing to death after being left outdoors. Remember that their fur coats may not be enough protection from the elements.

It's also worth remembering that, even when the winter weather isn't as bad, rock salt and other ice-melting chemicals found on the sidewalks can be damaging to dogs' paws or poisonous if ingested. Make sure to avoid walking a dog over salted areas unless they have protective booties.

4. Have backup heat options.

If you lose power, you may lose heat to your home. Having lots of blankets and warm clothing can help you ward of the cold temperatures for a while if you need it. If you're without power for an extended period of time, you may need to relocate to a neighbor's house or community shelter to escape the cold.

Using a backup generator to provide heat can also be beneficial if your heat goes out, if you have access to one. Fireplaces or wood stoves are also good options for heat if you lose power.

5. Be careful with space heaters and candles.

Electric space heaters can also be a good way to supplement your home heating system, if necessary. But experts warn that they can also be dangerous and cause home fires.

Never leave a space heater on unattended, and do not allow animals or young children to go near them. If your space heater is old or faulty, consider not using it at all. And if you use candles, make sure that you keep an eye on them and place them far from any flammable objects.

And remember: Never, never, never use gas grills or coal stoves indoors; they produce poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can be fatal in an enclosed environment.

6. Take it easy when shoveling.

You may have to shovel your driveways or walkways when the big storm hits. If you do, make sure to take it easy. Many Americans die every year straining themselves while shoveling snow.

The National Safety Council offers the following tips for avoiding undue exertion while shoveling:

• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
• Take it slow and stretch out before you begin
• Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it's lighter
• Push the snow rather than lifting it
• If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion

7. Check up on relatives/neighbors

Cold weather can be especially perilous for elderly people. Give any relatives or neighbors are call or a drop-in if possible to ensure that they're keeping warm and have everything they need.

In many cities, you can also call 3-1-1 if you see homeless people in danger on the streets.

AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty