Winter Storms and the Dangers That Follow

By Jason Bottlinger on January 5, 2022

Nebraska is a beautiful place to live. But you’ll want to be prepared for big storms in the wintertime and always pay attention to the weather report. When blizzard conditions hit, they can last for days at a time, so it’s crucial to stock up on provisions and take other precautions to stay safe and warm.

Don’t go out during a winter storm unless it’s an emergency and you have no other alternative. Before traveling anywhere by car, you’ll want to check for travel advisories to see which roads are still open. If there’s a No Travel Advisory, stay home and do everything you can to stay warm. And dial 911 in case of emergency.

A blizzard may still occur when it’s no longer snowing, as heavy winds continue to whip fallen snow around in all directions. As the storm clears, you’ll want to take continued precautions when driving.

What to Do If You Get Stuck in Your Car

Taking the right steps before, during, and after a blizzard could save your life. Before leaving the house, it’s a good idea to make sure your car or truck is ready for winter and you have an emergency kit with provisions onboard.

When a major blizzard hits Nebraska, windstorms may hit speeds upwards of 50 mph, resulting in near zero visibility. If you get stuck while driving, tie a brightly colored piece of cloth to your antennae and then call for assistance and wait for help inside your car.

Driving in Snowy Weather

Driving during a blizzard should be avoided at all times. But when the weather begins to clear and after travel advisories have been lifted, there are still several precautions you’ll want to take. Driving in the ice and snow presents several challenges, but there are techniques you can use to make it a lot safer—and driving defensively can help protect you from negligent motorists.

Follow these tips for driving on snowy or icy roads:

• Reduce your speed.
• Turn your lights on to increase visibility.
• Give other drivers room to maneuver.
• Don’t use cruise control.
• Accelerate slowly.
• Don’t make sudden, jerky movements when steering.
• If you begin to slide, maintain pressure on brakes and steer away from the slide.

Even at slow speeds, drivers can completely lose control of their vehicles, so you’ll want to take it slow. And remember, roads can remain icy after a storm, even when the sun is shining—watch out for black ice.

Staying Warm Inside Your Home

During a blizzard, stay inside and do everything you can to remain warm. Use space heaters and create smaller spaces in your house to preserve heat. If the heat goes out, use layers of clothing and blankets to stay warm.

There are steps you can take before the storm hits to prepare your home in advance:

• Adjust ceiling fans clockwise so they push warm air downward.
• Stock up on provisions.
• Check your roof for leaks.
• Inspect your furnace and heaters.
• Clean out your gutters.
• Turn off outdoor faucets.
• Inspect your chimney.

Were You Injured in a Winter Storm?

If you were harmed in a winter storm or during its aftermath, call for emergency assistance right away. Make sure to follow all your doctor’s recommendations for a healthy recovery and keep records for all the medical treatment you receive, including ambulance rides and emergency room care.

Whether you were harmed in a vehicle crash, a slip and fall on an icy walkway, or any other type of accident related to harsh winter weather, it’s a good idea to use your cell to snap some photos of the accident scene. This will be very useful for your personal injury attorney when they conduct an investigation to determine whose negligence contributed to the accident.

You shouldn’t have to pay for your own medical expenses if your injuries were caused by another person’s careless behavior. At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., our team has a perfect A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau of Nebraska. You won’t have to pay us anything unless we win you a settlement—call (402) 505-8234 to schedule a FREE consultation today.