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- Special snow emergencies plan (NEUCAT)
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Snow, frost and cold snaps
Snow, frost and cold snaps
With the onset of winter, it is well worth being prepared for hazards such as snow and frost, caused by intense cold. The orography of Catalonia means that its climate it characterised by extreme variability. As a result, heavy snowfall can occur in unexpected places causing a number of problems for inhabitants.
1. Prevention when faced with a storm
In a building:
- Ensure you have ready: a transistor radio and spare batteries, torches, food that is high in calories, fuel for heating and a first-aid kit with the usual medicines.
- Plan your journey: drive along main routes and motorways and avoid driving at night.
- Check the state of the batteries, the petrol tank, the lights, the brakes, the tyres, the heating, the windscreen, etc.
2. In an imminent hazard situation or during snowfall:
Check the media for information on the weather forecast, the situation on the roads and which routes to follow::
- The Catalan Meteorology Service (SMC)
- The National Meteorology Institute (INM)
- Traffic: mobility web page
- 012 Citizen information line
If you experience an emergency situation, call 112 immediately and provide as much information as possible.
If you are at home or inside a building:
- Listen to the radio.
- Use heating appropriately and unplug any unnecessary electrical devices.
- Do not allow elderly people and toddlers to go outside.
If you are outside:
- You should especially shield your head and face and avoid breathing in cold air directly. Cover yourself properly, wearing several layers of light clothing.
- Avoid overexertion as you risk causing yourself an injury.
If you need to drive when it is snowing:
- If it starts to snow, drive slowly and steadily.
- Snow chains should be put on the drive wheels at a place that will not affect traffic.
- Put on your dipped headlights and fog lights.
- If you are travelling downhill, leave more of a distance between your car and the one ahead of you.
- Drive carefully in shady places, as they may be icy. If there is ice, do not brake suddenly.
If you are in your car during a storm:
- Try to seek shelter. If you are unable to do so, remain in the car as the tyres act as an insulator to the cold. Place a bright-coloured handkerchief on your car aerial so you can be seen.
- Leave the heating on and one of the windows ajar. Do not fall asleep with the engine running.
- Keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent fumes from entering the vehicle.
