Winter Survival Guide

As snow removal professionals, we all know the feeling, listening, or reading the weather reports and watching the radar screen as the storm clouds draw closer and closer. While residents prepare for staying in, you are preparing for going to battle with the latest winter storm. You know the winter and have worked in it time and again, keeping your community open for business. You’ve inspected your rig and are ready to take on the storm. Though, what happens should you have a break down or get stuck? Whether it is your first storm or your 100^th, as a snow removal contractor, you must be prepared for anything the dangerous conditions can throw at you. Prepare for the worst with the following checklist before facing your next storm:

You’ve prepared and supplied your rig with all the necessary items should you get stuck or stranded while restoring order. It is important to know what to do and how to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Keep these tips in mind during your next snow removal job:

• • Make sure someone knows your travel plans and route

  • Keep your gas tank filled, preferably over halfway

  • Keep your body heat protected and dress in layers but avoid sweating!

    • Providing yourself more warm clothing than needed will keep you prepared to better control your body heat.

  • In the event you break down, stay in your vehicle!

    • • Should you find yourself stranded outside, snow is an insulator! Use it to your advantage.

  • Stay hydrated but avoid eating snow

    • Melting snow in your mouth or body will lower your body temperature, fastening the rate of hypothermia.

If you find yourself in a survival situation. Be sure to know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite and how to lessen the rate of injury. Hypothermia is the result of the core temperature of your body dropping below 95°F. Causing vital signs to slow and organs to shut down. Frostbite occurs when skin or areas of the body are damaged from freezing temperature. The lists below include signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite and tips to survive if you are showing signs.

Hypothermia

Symptoms:

• Shivering/shaking or complete lack of the impulse to do so

• Weak pulse, shallow breathing, Tiredness, lethargy

• Slurred speech, irrational thoughts & behavior, and confusion

• Lack of coordination

• Trouble moving correctly

• Irritable behavior and attitude changes

Survival Tips:

• Get into shelter and out of weather

• Remove any wet clothing & stay dry

• Warm your chest, neck, head, and groin

• Be as still as possible, using the least amount of energy as you can.

Frostbite

Symptoms:

• Loss of feeling or feelings of pins and needles in exposed area

• Swelling

• Hardening or waxy skin

• Skin redness (mild) or pale in color (becoming severe)

• Pain in area

• Scabs or blisters

Treatment:

• Replace wet clothing with dry layers

• Rewarm the skin

• Elevate injured area

• Separate and cover each individual area

• Keep frostbitten area still and do not rub it!

Along with these winter survival items & tips, you should also keep a set of spare emergency parts for your plow. If you are a BOSS Snowplow owner, you can get an Emergency Parts Kit available for both BOSS Straight Blades and Power-V plows. The parts kit includes a cutting-edge bolt kit, eye bolt kit, power unit solenoid kit, hydraulic fluid, hose, trip return spring, 12 volt relay, dielectric grease and ratchet strap. However, BOSS owner or not, it is recommended to have a set of spare parts on hand for your snowplow.

Remember, being prepared for any situation is the key. Don’t wait until you need what you could have packed ahead of time. Stay safe and happy plowing!