From the 24th, it is expected that the temperature will be as low as once in 10 years nationwide, and there is a risk that the road surface and water pipes will freeze.
In the past, there have been cases of people getting caught up in long-term stranded situations and getting seriously injured.
When the temperature is low, the risk of "freezing water pipes" also increases.
We have summarized the risks and points that require attention during heavy snow, as well as measures to prevent water pipes from freezing.
《Watch out for stuck cars and slips》
During heavy snowfall, there are a series of "stucks" in which the tires of cars are buried in the snow on the road and cannot move, and "slip accidents" on frozen roads.
In addition to considering putting off going out, if you have no choice but to use a car, please take the following measures.
□Equipped with winter tires and chains.
□ Sudden starting, sudden braking, and sudden steering are not allowed.
□Keep enough distance between vehicles.
□Reduce your speed with plenty of time to spare.
It is difficult to distinguish between a wet road surface and a "black ice burn" where the road surface is frozen and looks black, so caution is required.
It can occur even when it is not snowing, especially during the hours when the temperature is very low, such as at night or at dawn.
It is said that tunnel entrances, bridges, and shaded areas are prone to freezing, so please drive safely assuming that the road surface is frozen.
Also, depending on the snow conditions, even if you are wearing winter tires, you may not be able to pass without chains, so be sure to check the latest information announced by the national government, local governments, and expressway companies. Please.
《If your car gets stuck and your life is in danger, please be careful》
During heavy snowfall, people were often stuck due to being stuck or having an accident, and there were many cases where it took more than a whole day to resolve the problem, and in some cases it took several dozen hours.
Taking the following measures will increase safety.
□ If possible, move to a nearby safe facility.
□Wear cold weather gear and turn off the engine as much as possible.
□ Remove snow around the muffler to prevent the inflow of exhaust gas.
Exhaust fumes entering the vehicle can cause death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you must turn on the heating, be sure to remove the snow around the muffler.
Also, if you stay in the same position for a long time, blood flow will be poor and blood clots will form, increasing the risk of economy class syndrome.
It is also very important to keep the following points in mind, move your body regularly, and drink water frequently.
□ Close and open the toes.
□Rotate your ankle.
□ Raise your toes and bend and stretch your ankles.
□Massage your calves and ankles.
□ Stretch and twist your upper body.
□ Stay hydrated.
If you feel unwell, do not hesitate to ask for help.
《Beware of falling. Where to be careful and points to be careful when walking》
Especially in areas unfamiliar with snow, walking on snow-covered or frozen roads can lead to falls and serious injuries.
Of particular note are the following locations.
□ Roads where many cars and people pass.
□ Crosswalks.
□Beside a road or sidewalk.
□ Where to get on and off buses and taxis.
□ Pedestrian bridge.
□ Shade of buildings and houses.
□ Entrances to railways and underground malls.
Be careful when walking.
□Wear non-slip shoes.
□ Take small steps and walk like a penguin.
□Walk with the entire sole of your shoe on the ground.
□ Use a rucksack to keep both hands free.
□ Wear gloves and a hat.
□ When you fall, start from the buttocks.
It is also important to plan with plenty of time, keeping in mind that it will take time to move.
Prepare food, drinking water, fuel-powered heaters, etc.
In the event of heavy snowfall, the effect of "snow accretion", in which snow adheres to trees and electric wires, can also be considered.
Snow falling from high places can cause unexpected injuries, so be careful with signs on roofs, rain gutters, under power lines, under branches of trees, and in high places.
In addition, snow can cut power lines and cause power outages, and broken trees can affect traffic and isolate villages.
Make sure you are prepared for blackouts and isolation, such as by preparing food, drinking water, and fuel-powered heaters that do not use electricity.
On the other hand, when using a small generator due to power outages, you need to be careful of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Never use it indoors, install it outdoors in a well-ventilated place, and when using an kerosene stove or cassette stove, make sure to ventilate regularly.
In Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture, where power outages continued due to heavy snowfall last month, a woman died of carbon monoxide poisoning in her car in front of her home.
Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, making it difficult to detect and extremely dangerous.
Please check the above points carefully and try to warm up in a safe environment as much as possible.
<<Reference>> Period during which caution is required due to heavy snow in various places (as of 11:00 am on the 23rd)
[Tohoku]
From the morning of the 24th to the 25th.
[Kanto Koshin]
From the morning of the 24th to the 25th, there is a high possibility of warning level.
[Hokuriku]
From the morning of the 24th to Thursday the 26th, there is a high possibility of warning level from the morning of the 24th to the 25th.
[Tokai and Kinki]
From the morning of the 24th to the 25th.
[Chugoku Region]
From the morning of the 24th to the 25th, there is a high possibility of an alert level.
[Shikoku]
From the morning of the 24th to the 25th.
[Northern and Southern Kyushu]
From the morning of the 24th to the 25th, there is a high possibility of warning level.
《How to prevent freezing of water pipes?》
If it freezes, "Do not pour hot water."
"Freezing of water pipes" is more likely to occur when the temperature is low.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, in areas where the temperature is usually not that low, water pipes are more likely to freeze when the minimum temperature drops below -4 degrees Celsius.
In particular, water pipes that are outdoors, facing north and in shaded or windy areas are more likely to freeze.
To prevent freezing, it is effective to take measures such as covering the part exposed to the outside air with a heat insulating material or towel, or leaving a small amount of water running. It is also important to keep
If it freezes, wrap it in a towel and slowly pour lukewarm water over it to melt it.
Hot water may burst the water pipe.
In addition, it is safe to store drinking water or keep water in the bathtub in case the water supply is cut off.
There have been many water outages in the past due to frozen water pipes. More than 504,000 households in 21 prefectures, including Shikoku, Chugoku, and Kinki, were without water.
On the 20th of this month, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare instructed water utilities and prefectures nationwide to take countermeasures against freezing, saying, "Since low temperatures are expected nationwide, I would like each household to prepare." increase.