How to help others and stay safe while riding out East Coast blizzard

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[h=4]How to help others and stay safe while riding out East Coast blizzard[/h]A major winter storm batters mid-Atlantic states, some tips and tricks to help you stay safe

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The winter brings on crazy road conditions. Be safe and avoid what happened to these drivers. VPC


A snowman sits in the middle of West End Ave at 23rd Ave N during a snowstorm Jan. 22, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn.(Photo: Andrew Nelles, The Tennessean)


As a major winter storm hammers<span style="color: Red;">*</span>the<span style="color: Red;">*</span>South and Mid-Atlantic, residents of the nation's more wintery states are watching with a mix of bemusement and concern, and offering some tips to help survive and thrive while being a good community member.
Bangor, Maine,<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Police Dept. Sgt. Tim Cotton struck a chord with a Facebook post in which he suggested people stock up on sugary cereal, send their kids out to shovel the driveway and remember that snow is merely frozen rain that will eventually melt. His post had<span style="color: Red;">*</span>about 30,000<span style="color: Red;">*</span>likes as of Friday morning, but woven throughout it<span style="color: Red;">*</span>are some hard-learned lessons from the men and women of the snowy north.
USA TODAY
Epic blizzard with heavy snow begins to move up East Coast




“If you don’t deal with (snow) every day, you don’t have the experience,” Cotton said Friday morning from Bangor, where the temperature was 18 degrees and sunny. "We’re just a little more prepared up here. And it’s understandable why people elsewhere might panic. It’s just that we’ve had more practice.”
USA TODAY
Tips for driving in snow and ice




Among the tips from Cotton and other experts:
• Cereal is full of calories, requires no cooking, and can be eaten dry. It’s a great backup option when the power goes out and the water stops running. “It sounds funny, but cereal keeps very well. It’s something to eat that you don’t have to cook,” he said.
•<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Shovel regularly, instead of waiting for the snow to stop. While Cotton said he was largely joking about sending the kids out, he added it’s important to pace yourself while shoveling, especially if you have health issues. “Moving a little snow a lot is much easier than moving a lot of snow at one time,” he said. "It’s formidable to look outside and see that blinding snow, but at least move the snow away from your door, clear out those side vents.”
•<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Check on elderly or ill neighbors. If the phones are working, call them. If not, knock on their door and see if they’re warm and have food, Cotton said. “It makes a big difference for them.” If you’re elderly or sick, ask someone for help. “Watch out for your neighbors – we<span style="color: Red;">*</span>do here, and you should there."
•<span style="color: Red;">*</span>If you see a stranded motorist, don’t stop your car in the road to help them. Pull over safely, then offer help. "Stopping your car nearby only adds another obstacle,” Cotton said. "Don’t just jump out and be a hero.”
•<span style="color: Red;">*</span>If you must drive, make sure your gas tank is full and you’re carrying blankets, in case you get stranded. Don’t run your gas tank dry. Instead, periodically run the engine to keep warm, and make sure the tailpipe is clear of snow. If you’re driving in the snow, carry traction aids, like cat litter or sand. Jumper cables and a shovel are also recommended, along with snacks and water.
•<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Watch out for carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas generated by combustion. It can build up around vehicles in enclosed garages, or when running a gas stove indoors for extended period. It can also fill a car if the tailpipe gets blocked.
•<span style="color: Red;">*</span>If you’re worried about losing power and water, fill your bathtub up now. You can use the water to flush the toilet later – toilets don’t need electricity to flush. Just dump a few gallons of water in and that will trigger a flush. Leaving a tap dripping will help prevent water from freezing in your pipes. Know where your water shut-off valves are in case the pipes freeze – when they melt, frozen and broken pipes can cause<span style="color: Red;">*</span>flooding.
•<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Be careful with candles, and don’t leave them burning unattended. LED flashlights may be a safer option.
•<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Monitor local media for storm updates.
USA TODAY
Winter hacks to get you through snowstorms




Sources: Bangor Police Department, FEMA, South Carolina Emergency Management Division

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