BLIZZARD PACKET ANSWERS

Why does Buffalo, NY, get a lot of snow each winter? Location! East end of Lake Erie Arctic winds sweep down from Canada picking up huge amounts of moisture from the Great Lakes When they hit land, they dump this moisture as snow

What had the winter been like before the blizzard struck? Hard winter Already received 12.5 feet of snow for the season. Temperature did not make it above freezing since Christmas

Describe the conditions during the blizzard. Wind speed 68 mph Wind gusts up to 80 mph Temperature 10 degrees below zero Windchill factor hit 60 below Visibility dropped to zero Snow began piling in drifts that reached 25 feet high

Why was Buffalo cut off from the outside world after the blizzard? Downed telephone lines Halted cars, trains, & planes Buried snowplows

What did it mean for the city when President Carter declared a state of emergency? Allowed the government to give aid to the city Flew in soldiers and snowplows from military bases etc.

What precautions could people in the northern cities take to avoid injury or death in winter storms? Stay inside Stock up on food and water Have plenty of blankets and warm clothing Purchase a generator (and gas!) Run the generator OUTSIDE never inside!!!!!

What is a blizzard? When winds of 35 mph or more blow large amounts of snow, creating poor visibility.

When there is zero visibility, what does it look like outside? WHITE! Can get lost at very short distances No orientation

What is the windchill factor? Wind makes a difference in how cold we feel Meteorologists have developed a table that tells how cold the temperature and wind combined will feel to bare skin

What causes sleet to form? When raindrops freeze or when rain freezes on falling snowflakes, pellets of ice form Pellets of ice are called sleet

When do ice storms occur? When raindrops freeze or when rain freezes on falling snowflakes Takes place when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit

Why are ice storms so dangerous? Makes roads & sidewalks slippery Streets turn into sheets of ice Trees and power lines often fall under sheer weight of the ice

Which type of avalanche is more powerful? Why? A wet-snow avalanche Carries boulders and trees down with it

Which type of avalanche is more predictable? A wet-snow avalanche Forms in the spring and follows a known path

Name three ways avalanche danger can be lessened. Conditions near populated areas or resorts can be monitored. Avalanche warnings can be issued if dangerous conditions exist. Explosives can be used to clear snow before dangerous buildups occur. Barriers can be set up to divert avalanches from buildings Protective tunnels can be built over sections of roads or railroad tracks

Why are so few people buried by an avalanche rescued alive? They have to be rescued within an hour before they run out of air to breathe

What do YOU think!!! Our means of predicting avalanches has greatly improved. Yet deaths from avalanches in the Rocky Mountains and the Swiss Alps are on the increase. Why do you think this is true?

What do YOU think!!!! You are planning a cross-country skiing trip in the Rocky Mountains. What should you do before you go to avoid avalanche danger?

What is hypothermia? Hypothermia is low body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to cold.

What is the correct first aid for people suffering from mild hypothermia? They should be bundled up warmly Be placed in a warm shelter If severe hypothermia, should be taken to the hospital immediately

Which two groups of people are in greatest danger of hypothermia? The very young and the very old

Name two signs of frostbite. Numbness Skin looks white or grayish yellow Usually affects feet, hands, and ears.

Name three things you should do before winter arrives if you live in a cold-weathered area. Have appropriate clothing on hand Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving (antifreeze in radiator) Have furnace checked (running properly) Keep an emergency supply of canned food and extra batteries on hand

Describe how to dress appropriately if you must go outside in very cold weather. Layers of clothing (keeps you warmer than one coat) Cover your head and hands (prevents loss of body heat) Cover your mouth (Protects your lungs)

Why is it important to avoid overexertion when working outside in the cold? About a third of deaths from winter storms occur from exhaustion or overexertion Many people suffer heart attacks or strokes after shoveling snow or using a snow blower

What should you do if you are trapped in your car during a blizzard? Tie something bright colored on your antenna Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, so fumes do not backup in the car Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour Keep one window on the side away from the wind open a crack to let fresh air in. Don’t run the motor with the windows closed (CO poisoning) Keep moving your arms and legs to keep warm

Why is it safer to stay in your car rather than to walk for help if you are stuck during a blizzard. You may get lost during the blizzard (visibility is poor!) Outside, you have no protection from the cold Rescuers can find you more easily in a car

What do YOU think!!!!!!! Why do you think that one third of deaths from winter storms are caused by overexertion?

What do YOU think!!!!! Why do you think victims of hypothermia may not be able to do the right first aid for themselves?