The Jambar
Winter storm Fern swept through more than 30 states and disabled the electrical infrastructure of more than a million customers across the south, according to an article from Reuters. The storm also caused the deaths of 69 people across 13 states, as reported at the time of print by The Weather Channel.
In the Youngstown area, many people reported snowfall totals from 10.5-15 inches, according to WKBN, which caused businesses and schools to close throughout the Mahoning Valley. There are many ways to prepare for emergencies caused by a snowstorm to keep friends and family safe.
Fern recorded wind chills down to negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and while these temperatures may not be as low as the infamous snowstorm of ’78 — with wind gusts recorded up to 100 mph and wind chills at negative 60 degrees Fahrenheit — the current snowstorm still poses risks to those unprepared.
There are many ways to prepare a home for a storm this large and cold. This can include insulating pipes near the exterior of the home, stocking up on nonperishable foods and water and having a backup power and lighting source in case the power goes out.
According to East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, car accidents are the leading cause of death in winter storms, with exhaustion-related heart attacks and hypothermia being second and third. The elderly are more susceptible to hypothermia than any other group, so check on elderly neighbors when given the chance.
If travelling is mandatory, there are also many ways to prepare your car. This includes filling up the gas tank before the storm, ensuring fluids are at proper levels and keeping an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, blankets and ice scrapers.
Fern was caused by arctic air dipping low into the Gulf Coast, causing the storm to stretch from New Mexico to New Jersey.
According to NBC, 185 million people were placed under winter alerts, with over 800,000 without power. More than 12,000 flights were delayed or cancelled across the nation.
Reports on the death toll vary, with CBS claiming over 100 people died across 13 states due to hypothermia, car accidents and cardiac emergencies. Ohio reported at least one weather-related death due to a car accident.
With cardiac emergencies being a major cause of death during winter storms, it is important to ensure family members take breaks when clearing snow, stay hydrated and use a smaller shovel to lessen the weight of the snow.
While this is the first major snowstorm of the year, it is not certain that it will be the last, and it is important to take safety precautions when preparing for the next one.